Shippers like 38-tonners
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
SHIPPING and rental companies are among the early converts 10 38 tonne operation, reflecting on one hand the advantages of carrying heavier containers and on the other the caution of companies not prepared yet to buy their own heavier vehicles.
Atlantic Container Line, the Cunard deep sea container shipper, has tri-axle Volvo F12 38-tonne tractive units available from its Liverpool headquarters.
Manchester Liners, a Furness Withy shipping company which operates between Felixstowe and Montreal, has plumped for the 2+3 configuration for four Scania R112 tractive units with which it is spearheading its 38 tonne operation. BRS Truck Rental has taken delivery of five Volvo F12 6x2 rear-steer tractive units for use initially from its branches at Ipswich and Aylesford (Kent), serving the East Coast and Channel ports.
It plans to buy more as demand builds up for the heavier vehicles.
Repcon, the Ocean Group's container and trailer repair company, has converted a tandem axle trailer used by Bradford haulier Henry Long to tri-axle layout for 38 tonne operation. It was the first such conversion to be approved by the heavy goods vehicle test station in Leeds.