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The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling for operators' views on the possible introduction of 18.75m-long artics.  The FTA is starting a series of meetings to explore the topic with the Department for Transport.

"It would be helpful if people would consider the options and let us know so that the evidence the FTA presents to the government is as strong as possible," says Andy  Mair, the association's head of engineering policy.

Ruth Kelly, predecessor of transport minister Geoff Hoon, rejected the idea of a 25.25m Eurocombi trailers earlier this year, although left the door open for a possible "modest" increase in weight and length. A TRL and Herriot Watt University study accompanying the report put forward two suggestions: an increase in artic combination length to equal that of drawbar units, but within the existing maximum legal GVW.

The extra length would thus incur a payload penalty although the increased deck length of 3.25m would provide additional volume - enough for two pallets (four on a double-deck trailer).

The other idea was a payload neutral option, allowing the same increase in length and volume, but raising the GVW to 46 tonnes. Early indications are that operators with loads 'cubing out' are among those most enthusiastic about the suggestion.

However, the discussion process is at a hypothetical stage, likely  to be lengthy, possibly unpopular with rail freight operators and not a high political priority.

DfT officials have already met with Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler, who has proposed a trailer 950mm longer with a rear steering axle. He believes it would improve load fill across the industry by an average of 10%.