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Title fight: Box
Page 20
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vs curtainsider
It's a well-documented 'fact' that box trailers have better aerodynamics than curtainsiders. Many truck operators would, given the choice, run a box trailer for ultimate economy and security. But for hauliers living in the real world, the choice is not that simple.
Commercial Motor took two trailers and two tractors to see what the actual difference is, and the effects on efficiency and cost. Kevin Swallow reports.
• It's obvious that the type of trailer hauliers use is based on the work they are paid for.
If you are operating one or two drops onto loading bays then it's a box trailer, while one or two drops requiring a forklift, multi-drop or side-loading means a curtainsider is the vehicle of choice. But what are the pros and cons?
The advent of the curtainsider has proved to be something of a revolution for hauliers. Rear and side loading makes it the most versatile general-purpose dry freight trailer on the market for dedicated haulage companies, and it has a lighter kerbweight.
Although box trailers lack the versatility, they do have better load security, side wall lashing points for straps, sturdy walls to stack irregularly-sized units or boxes, and look altogether more professional. For supermarkets, high-street retail deliveries and temperature-controlled deliveries, the box trailer's single entrance spec is ideal.
But while curtainsiders offer flexibility and a better payload, it's the potential damage at the pumps operators are concerned about. Regardless of how tight the curtains are ratcheted by the driver, the sides will never be as tight and smooth as the box trailer. So for the operator, could sacrificing that versatility and payload offer improved overall vehicle productivity?