Tiny trailer length change would improve efficiency
1st June 2010
Transfrigoroute is campaigning for a 200mm increase in the allowed length of refrigerated units. The change, it is claimed, would allow capacity loading in situations where multiple temperature loads are required. With an extra 200mm a combination of frozen, chilled and ambient products could be transported in a single load.
At the same time Brussels is considering the EuroCombi concept, a 25m combination of a rigid unit towing a conventional semi-trailer. Fuel consumption would be improved with the 25m EuroCombi, resulting in a positive environmental impact, without increasing the permissible axle loadings already used in the UK.
Operators looking to improve trailer utilisation can also utilise trailer management systems such as Axscend TrailerMaster. A combination of GPS Trailer Tracking, Trailer load monitoring and an online management system enable operators to optimise trailer utilisation including minimising unscheduled off-road time, maximising loads and advance planning of scheduled off-road time for MOTs, servicing and safety checks.
