Longer semi-trailers not answer says Framptons
The UK is lagging behind the continent in accepting double-stacked loads into delivery points, resulting in the current call for longer semi-trailers which are not needed or wanted, according to Framptons Transport Services.
Framptons Transport Services reports that hauliers and DfT at a recent RHA-organised meeting agreed that the industry does not want or need longer semi-trailers, agreeing instead that changes within distribution centres to fully utilise existing trailers should be implemented.
Double-stacking is common in mainland Europe, but these loads have to be transferred to single-deck once they reach the UK. With single-stacking not providing the same load same capacity, this can double or treble the number or trailers required for deliveries. Running higher capacity trailers, such as the longer semi-trailers, would have a positive carbon footprint impact. However Framptons Transport Services highlights that this needs to be balanced against the environmental and financial impact of scrapping current trailers and building replacements.
The UK infrastructure is also not suitable for longer heavier vehicles, is the view of Framptons Transport Services, with the exception of a few certified routes.
If Distribution Centres and other delivery points would review their current position of refusing the existing double-stacked trailers, then existing trailers could be fully utilised here in the UK, as they are currently on the continent. This would save considerable amounts of money to the industry - by removing the need to buy new trailer fleets and avoid the wastage of scrapping perfectly good trailers.
In the meantime a Framptons Transport Services calls for the DfT to authorise a proper LHV trial to take place, as looks likely to happen for the trailer extension.
It has long been the view of Axscend, the trailer management solution provider, that hauliers should be empowered to improve and maximise existing trailer fleet utilisation, as Framptons Transport Services suggests. Using GPS trailer tracking for container tracking, such as Axscend Trailer Tracking Devices, enables hauliers to have a real time view of trailer utilisation and off-road time. Working smarter maximises the time trailers spend on the road which drives down operational costs and improves profit margin.
