The trailers, all EN12462XL compliant, have been designed in collaboration with Tata Steel to achieve a 500kg weight saving compared to a standard clearspan tri-axle curtainsider trailer.
The new design uses steel components twice the strength of the steel typically used in trailer chassis construction, without any additional weight. The result, says Tiger, is one of the lightest 4.35m tri-axle clearspan curtainsiders available in the UK.
The curtainsiders will also be joined shortly by three double-deck box-van trailers, from Tiger Trailers, and the haulier is also adding four new Scania 6x2 tractors to its 40-strong fleet.
“We knew Tiger Trailers had been cooperating with Tata steel to develop a lightweight trailer and we are committed to delivering bespoke solutions for our customers, which means that we need bespoke equipment,” says Steve Haines, managing director of the Melton Mowbray-based operator.
“We have been impressed with how Tiger worked with us to deliver an exacting specification that fully optimises our operation. The resulting product has brought us a significant payload advantage – on certain vehicle combinations that means up to 29 tonnes of payload.”
The lightweight curtainsiders have a clearspan, pillarless design and a roof-mounted load restraint system, proving ideal for S&J’s longstanding contract with American window and door producer Jeld-Wen.
“We’re often loading full-height Jeld-Wen wood products,” adds Haines, “and the sliding load restraint system makes life easier, faster, and very much safer for when our drivers are securing their loads.”
He concludes: “Tiger Trailers has quickly established itself in the UK market… It’s very likely that we’ll be forming a long-term partnership with the team in Winsford.”