The cleanest truck on the road

tkv* Thermo King Süd in Ulm, a German Thermo King dealer developed a specialized cleaning method for trucks and trailers to make sure all materials are 100% virus-free

Making sure your trucks & trailers are 100% virus-free

Hygiene is more important now than ever. And Thermo King’s innovative dealer network is now your first line of defense against germs, viruses and other health hazards in and on your trucks and trailers.

tkv* Thermo King Süd started a Cleaning Service for trucks and trailers at the request of their largest client in 2008. Unfortunately, there was no roadmap for starting a truck cleaning company. So, tkv* developed their own customized cleaning method.

Today, their certified cleaning method is used by Thermo King dealers all over Germany and Austria to make sure that every truck that leaves a Thermo King dealership is spotless and a safe work environment. Because hygiene is always of the highest priority at Thermo King.

The single cleanest option within the industry 

Since 2014, the European Directive (1169/2011) has been active in the food transport industry. “While this regulation led to an increase in the demand for cleaning, it also spread industry-wide confusion – because the Directive doesn’t stipulate cleaning methods,” explains Max Ulrich Zenker of EURAM in Haan.

“That’s why we mostly rely on best practices,” adds Alexander Seibold of tkv* in Ulm. “ISS, a large cleaning company, recommends an annual cleaning of your truck. But still, they do not specify cleaning methods. According to ISS, you can use water and soap – which is totally unreliable!”

“So, we did some research of our own to make sure that no virus or bacteria can survive our cleaning procedure – while also remaining 100% safe for consumer goods. And that’s how we ended up developing our chloride solution, the cleanest option within the industry.”

“Protection is very important during this cleaning. Our technicians wear a yellow protective overalls, goggles, and rubber boots”, continues Max Ulrich Zenker.

TÜV-certified procedure 

“Our cleaning method is TÜV certified under DIN EN 13486 (temperature control for transport) and DIN 10516 (Food hygiene – cleaning and disinfection). And we renew our certifications every 5 years”, Alexander Seibold continues.

“This is very useful for our food and pharmaceutical clients; the smallest inconvenience within the supply chain might render their perishable goods useless. With our certificate, they can prove to their clients that they are the most reliable partner to keep their products in prime condition.”

A spotless trailer in just 90 minutes  

In total, it takes about an hour and a half to clean an entire trailer, ensures Max Ulrich Zenker. “Often, we combine the cleaning procedure with a regular check-up at our dealership.”

“With us, it’s the other way around. I would say we go out and visit 60% of our clients. All we need is electricity and water. We’ll bring the rest,” Alexander Seibold remarks.

How it works?

• Step 1: get rid of leftover debris 
  Debris in a filter will eventually lead to malfunctions within the air circulation. Once removed, use a high-pressure cleaner to make sure the truck or trailer is ready for the next step.
• Step 2: clean-up with a fog machine
  Our dealers use a fog machine – filled with 3 parts water to 1 part chlorine. This ecological mixture destroys all germs and viruses.
• Step 3: follow-up
  During the cleaning process, our dealers take samples for their archives and follow-up procedures.

Safe transport during the coronavirus – guaranteed

As you’ve noticed throughout this article, Thermo King offers so much more than temperature control solutions. Are you interested in the innovative cleaning procedures our dealers came up with? Check out the video below!