A new trailer that is reckoned to increase load capacity by 32% without being higher or longer was launched at the CV Show this week. SOMI has developed the technology for the vehicle, which can be fitted by trailer makers. It enables the space between the king pin and rear axles to be used for storage.
"The payload
increases by 31% carrying 84 roll containers or 42 Euro pallets or 34 UK pallets," says Pauline Dawes, managing director. The extra space is used by lowering a deck into the empty area. Pallets or goods are then stored above the lower deck. The company has patents on key parts of the system, which uses a low-pressure air bag system.
Dawes worked on a similar scheme three years ago, but was not happy with it and it did not go into production. There are now 12 trailers being tested and the company says that the design of the vehicle could reduce fuel consumption by 10%.
"Distribution companies do not need to spend £50,000 to build a new docking bay for a double-decker trailer," says Dawes, adding that using this system companies could reduce the number of docking bays. "Little training is required and users may save up to two hours a day per locking dock as more pallets are moved
per vehicle movement." The cost of the system is similar to that of a top-end trailer, she adds.
