DTM Business has unveiled its new trailer configuration developed by Freighter aimed at increasing load capacity and operational flexibility. The custom
DTM Business has unveiled its new trailer configuration developed by Freighter aimed at increasing load capacity and operational flexibility.
The custom Freighter T-Liner was designed as a result of DTM looking into ways of offering a better service to polystyrene supplier Unipod without resorting to a traditional semi configuration.
A key area in the development of the new Freighter T-Liner was the need to deliver building materials to construction sites in tight residential side streets and new housing developments where large traditional trailers were hampered by the tight confines.
Unipod’s needs were unlike the more common demands placed upon logistics companies in that the ability to carry heavy loads was not a concern because the bulk of the company’s loads consist of light weight polystyrene waffle pods used as formwork for floor slabs.
Given these circumstances, Freighter concentrated on providing a set up that would maximise the ability to handle these volumetric loads.
The Freighter T-Liner rigid body features a low deck and internal height of 3.1 metres allowing materials to be stacked to a generous height.
Applying the same principle to the pig trailer, the combination provides DTM with sufficient payload to carry materials to complete two houses, while the lower deck height also makes for easier loading and unloading.
The versatile combination also allows DTM to use the trucks as a combination or as rigids only when a full payload is not required.
“Flexibility of vehicles was very important for us given the nature of where we deliver in terms of access and government restrictions,” Unipod Director Jason Wylie says.
In developing the T-Liner, DTM Victorian State Manager Peter Gill and Wylie worked closely with Freighter Major Accounts Manager Peter Corcoran and the Freighter team to provide the best solution.
“In this I believe we’ve succeeded by providing a combination that enables extra flexibility,” Corcoran says.
“DTM is able to carry maximum loads and also unhitch the trailer outside the housing estate taking only the rigid onto the worksite, and then rehitch the pig trailer and continue to a second drop if required.”
According to Gill, the T-Liner and pig trailer combination delivers efficiency without the high running costs of semis while access to building sits is easier due to the trailer’s compact set-up.
“Furthermore, the low decks on the trailers please the drivers and operators, as it makes it easier for them to access and reduces a lot of OH&S issues,” he says.
DTM currently operates two Freighter T-Liner rigid body and pig trailer combinations for its work with Unipod.