Trailers have always been the poor relations of transport. Drivers may be allocated a particular truck which they regard as their own, but does anyone take ‘ownership’ of a trailer, asks Richard Simpson
Tyres & Retreads
How a simple process can maintain component life on self-steering trailer axles. By Richard Simpson
Axles
My key focus during my presidency will be on the Society’s ability to attract and retain apprentices and young engineers. And by ‘retain’ I mean to connect them to the SOE and to other engineers for their entire career. From being aspiring young engineers who can innovate and influence, through to their more senior years when they may wish to develop others by volunteering for a regional-level responsibility and/or a trustee board role.
Apprenticeships
The Sir Moir Lockhead safety award recognises leaders in operational safety around the world. Originally set up in 2018, this third year of the scheme highlights safety leaders working in the UK and overseas. Five 2021 winners work in transport, and are profiled here. Interviews by Will Dalrymple
Health & Safety Legislation
The floor-less trailer for transporting glass backs over a glass stillage.
Hydraulic systems
On the face of it there is a strong argument in favour of electrified axles such as ZF’s eTrailer becoming a standard fitment on all semi-trailers. But the devil is in the detail, reports Steve Banner
Electrical Components/Systems
Low-height trailers increase vertical loading potential by lowering the load floor, usually between the wheels. John Kendall reviews these special rigs
Trailers
All operators try to minimise the speed at which brakes wear out. But it’s possible to take this too far, with the result that friction is lost due to lack of use – a condition traditionally known as brake glazing, reports Lucy Radley
Brakes & Braking Systems
Charlton has supplied Independent Builders Merchant Group with the bodywork for twelve new 26t chassis, plus five at 18t and one 16t vehicle to date in 2021. In doing so, it has become the preferred bodywork supplier to IBMG.
Rigids
The Go-Ahead Group has signed a contract to buy its first hydrogen powered buses, as part of a deal which could become the largest of its kind in Europe.
Alternative Fuels
Vaculug has announced it is the first tyre retreader to pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Tyres & Retreads
Schmitz Cargobull has revealed its first new product from its UK plant as the S.KO PACE SMART – a modular dry-freight semi-trailer designed for UK and Irish operators with market-specific features.
Semi-Trailers