Glasgow-based M&H Logistics has taken delivery of six specially designed double-deck trailers from Trailer Resources as part of its fleet replacement programme. The trailers were designed by Trailer Resources, which carried out extensive consultation with its customers within pallet networks, and manufactured by SDC.
Named the Damage Limitation Network Double-Deck trailer, it has a unique design of pelmet carrier to prevent damage while loading, and several features to improve the safety and strength of the units. New conspicuity tape markings also help forklift operators see the roof line of the trailer, and the roof rail has been designed to limit damage caused by an impact from a forklift truck while loading the top deck.
The six trailers have also been specified with full EN 12642 XL load-restraining curtains and are ADR-ready so that the units are not restricted by the work they can do in the M&H fleet.
The design, which has been made into a standard specification by Trailer Resources for all of its pallet network members, also sees wide-spread axles fitted allowing super-single tyres to replace standard twin-wheel configurations. Finally, to improve driver safety, front and rear pull-out steps have been added.
Trailer Resources sales manager Ryan Jones said: “Our customers had told us about the damage happening to their curtain rails and pelmets while in the hub, so in collaboration with SDC we designed a new pelmet carrier, moving it from the side to the roof, to stop it getting damaged by a forklift.
“We’ve worked with M&H since 2010 and these are the second batch of trailers they’ve taken from us, but we’ve made many important changes to make them more efficient and safer. We’ve designed this Damage Limitation Network Double Deck to give us a niche in the market because it has these extra, hidden safety features.”
M&H Logistics – part of the Fortec Distribution Network – has also redesigned the livery of the trailer curtains on the new units, and the design will be rolled out across the existing fleet.
Robert Paton, M&H Logistics operations manager, said: “Trailer Resources came to us with the design for its new trailer and I have to say it’s done a really good job with them.
“We specified them with full load-restraining curtains and these have been rigorously tested. I don’t know how many times we’ve had to have people out to repair damaged runners on the curtains, so the new design will make a huge difference in costs.
As well as the improvement to loading, rather than 12 tyres there’s now only six, a good thing from the environmental side too.”
