Implementing the UK’s first fully electric refrigerated fleet, Bannister Transport is pioneering zero-emission deliveries
Since 1965, Bannister Transport (Bannister) has been a leader in temperature-controlled distribution, but the company is now striving for more, as it aims to operate the UK’s first fully electric refrigerated trailer fleet. As a family-owned business, it has evolved from humble beginnings into a trusted partner for major food producers, ensuring dependable deliveries to UK supermarkets and wholesalers.
With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer service, Bannister is a pioneering force in the field of sustainable logistics. The company’s ‘solar chilled, sustainably
delivered’ approach runs through its core and is testament to Bannister’s commitment to innovation that reduces environmental impact while maintaining high standards. Having committed to replacing its entire fleet of diesel trailers with electric alternatives by 2026, Bannister is setting new standards for other players in the transport industry.
Tom Owens, Bannister’s Managing Director, joins Transportation & Logistics International to share more details about the company and its mission to shape the future of sustainable temperature-controlled logistics. “Bannister specializes in delivering temperature-sensitive products, collaborating with food producers nationwide to ensure products reach UK supermarkets and wholesalers efficiently and reliably,” Tom opens. “Our customer focused team can adapt to the evolving needs of our distribution partners to ensure we consistently deliver on time and in full.
“Our market leading approach to adopting green technologies significantly reduces carbon emissions, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. We recognize that the transport sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 30 percent of the UK’s total emissions in 2024. Sustainability is therefore integral to our operations. We’re dedicated to minimizing the transport sector’s environmental footprint by adopting renewable energy and electric vehicles. By transitioning from diesel to electric trailers and maximizing the use of solar power, Bannister is playing a key role in actively supporting net-zero and decarbonization goals.”
Commenting on the challenges associated with sustainability in the transportation industry, Tom says: “To enable sustainable logistics, businesses need to have the ability to invest upfront, especially in terms of electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure, as well as the need for reliable and efficient technology. Bannister addresses these challenges by investing in advanced technology and partnering with local solar farms to ensure a consistent supply of clean energy. We also use our own rooftop solar panels to maximize the use of clean solar power, which now powers our refrigeration units and ultimately the entire fleet.”
A key part of Bannister’s sustainability journey is transitioning from traditional diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). “We’ve invested £4 million in a new fleet as part of our commitment to sustainability and efficiency,” Tom reveals. “This investment includes an order for the first two electric HGVs in the UK, which will be provided by MAN. These investments will reduce the company’s carbon footprint, lower operating costs, and enhance service reliability, ultimately benefiting the overall business and our customers.
“We are continuously exploring new projects and investments to enhance our operations,” he continues. “One notable development is the full rollout of electric powered trailers by the end of 2026, which will further reduce the company’s environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. Trailer refrigeration specialist, Sunswap, a new player in the market, has developed a fully electric battery and solar powered trailer refrigeration system, which is already powering our trailer fleet and has led to a huge reduction in our emissions.”
Bannister indeed announced its investment in Sunswap’s zero-emission refrigeration units earlier this year. “Creating the UK’s first fully electric refrigerated fleet means rethinking everything, from how we power our units to how we position our business,” Tom states. “Investing in Sunswap’s units is a key component of our comprehensive plan to eliminate diesel from our refrigerated operations. What’s even better is that the units are fully powered by the sun, as they are recharged by our 200-kilowatt rooftop solar installation at our Evesham depot while the trailer-top solar panels generate power during deliveries to minimize the need for charging.”
From speaking with Tom, it’s clear to see that Bannister is truly committed to operating the UK’s first zero-emissions refrigerated fleet, demonstrating the real possibilities the UK’s transport sector can achieve with determination and strategic investments. Offering his thoughts on Bannister’s future, Tom says: “The end of 2025 and beginning of 2026 will see us focus on the implementation of our new fleet, as well as the expansion of its renewable energy initiatives. As environmental impact is a key part of our agenda, we’ll continue to prioritize sustainability and efficiency.
“Further afield, we’re striving for Bannister to be a leader in sustainable logistics over the next five years, with a fully electric fleet and a significant reduction to our carbon footprint. I also envision us expanding our services as we continue to set new industry standards for environmentally responsible transportation.
“Bannister is dedicated to innovation and excellence in temperature-controlled distribution,” Tom concludes. “We remain committed to our core values of quality, reliability, and customer service, while continuously striving to reduce our environmental impact and support local communities.”
bannistertransport.co.uk