Yodel unveils trailer safety gate system for accident reduction

Yodel has unveiled 50 new trailers that are equipped with a bespoke ‘Safety gate’ system. The independent UK parcel carrier has partnered with trailer manufacturer Cartwright to develop the system that’s designed to reduce accidents.

The system has been designed to protect operatives from falling parcels when the trailers are opened.

The system of tri bifold mesh gates can be opened individually, and replaces the original fabric net.

Yodel director of health, safety, environment and quality, Andy Johnson, said: “The health and safety of our colleagues is of the utmost priority and we are proud to have developed this new feature which means a safer working environment.

“Working with key partners, like Cartwrights, is part of our ongoing commitment to think outside the box, as we develop solutions to help make the industry safer.”

Operatives are able to open the trailer from the back and see what’s inside, whilst avoiding an accident with the loaded items falling.

Yodel’s new safety feature was designed in partnership with Yodel colleagues, with the resulting prototype being tested on the company’s 50 single-deck, twin axle trailers from Cartwright. If successful it will be rolled out across the existing fleet.

Yodel operators handle over 145 million parcels every year on behalf of some of the UK’s most-known retailers. Parcels are arranged at the carrier’s Wednesbury depot, before being sent out to its nationwide network of depots before delivery,

The announcement has followed its recent £15.2m investment in making its fleet more efficient, reducing the impact of its road-based operations

Bike delivery has also been trialled. Bicylce couriers have delivered parcels in central Oxford, Stevenage, Hereford and Brighton. Expansion into Birmingham, London and Manchester is soon to follow.

Drop & Collect (trading as CollectPlus) is owned by Yodel, and provides a one-stop option to collect and return their online purchases.

Through its sister company, Arrow XL, Yodel can also offer a two-man service for white goods and large items up to 120kg.

Yodel’s fleet continues to expand, enhance customer experience and bring ‘greener’ driving to the forefront of its fleets.