Keighley, West Yorkshire-based W Trailer has developed a new design of double-deck trailer aimed squarely at those working in the pallet sector, which it says boosts health and safety and trailer fill, as well as cutting fuel consumption.
The CurtainClear removes the traditional rear corner posts on the trailer, moving them inboard by 500mm, which means that access to the back of the trailer is improved as the curtains are pulled around the rear of the trailer. This allows up to four extra pallets to be loaded on as there are no bunched curtains restricting access.
Given the de-pedestrianised nature of network hubs, drivers have been unable to leave their cabs to help unload the pallets hidden behind the folded curtains found on most trailers, says MD Graeme Wilson, leading operators to leave the space empty.
The trailer has a single, 100ft length of curtain that wraps round the entire body. It also improves rear visibility when manoeuvring.
CurtainClear was developed in conjunction with West Sussex haulier Bleach of Lavant. MD Mick Bleach says the concept was sparked by a visit to W Trailer. He adds: "We were talking to Graeme [Wilson] about the safety problems in respect of curtains being in the way in the hub. I suggested putting them around the back of a trailer and I ordered one on the assumption that we could do it."
Although the CurtainClear costs an additional £1,600 over W Trailer's Eco Deck slope-fronted double-decker, Bleach estimates that payback will come within a year thanks to the extra capacity. He is so pleased with the trailer that he is considering ordering another one.
Additionally, W Trailer says that computer-based modelling has indicated a 2% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over a standard Eco Deck trailer.
Wilson hopes to sell around 100 of the new design over the next 12 months, with another dozen trailers currently in build. He adds: "We are not a volume producer, we survive by finding solutions for operators. Given the economic conditions, we hope that innovation brings us to the front of the market."
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