Demounts can solve operator problems
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RAN-SPORT and distribution 'onagers cannot afford to igpre the claim that demountable Ddy systems save up to 20 per nt on distribution costs comored with conventional transDrt methods.
Not only must physical distristion be considered, but other ictors have to be taken into ac)unt. If the loading bank or 'arehouse becomes overloaded r the production lines are cornailed to slow down, a demounible system could be the anwer to the transport problem. Theoretically, the demountale system is similar to articulaon with one body loading; a )cond moving out to, or being orked in, the distribution area; Id a third moving empty back • the warehouse or loading rea.
Demountable bodies are an (tension of the production line r warehouse. They are similar semi-trailer boxvans on this r pc of operation, but considerbly cheaper. However, the 3rrying capacity in most cases lower and the operating cost er unit is on a par with articlated vehicles when similarly perated..
On trunk, home and distribuon work three demount bodies an be transported to a coliecon and delivery point on a skeAal trailer discharged onto devery vehicles while the trunk chicle recharges for the return Using demounts correctly leans that drivers spend more me behind the wheel. Maxim'sig drivers' time is economically ssential, but there could be oposition to the demount system there is to most new /stems.
Demountable system menuacturers provide demonstraIons and a run-down on the ■ perational advantages of the oncept.
The choice of equipment availble is wide.
Although the demountable ystem has been used by a umber of large own-account
operators during the past 15 years, demounts have not made the impact manufacturers expected. General haulage contractors have been very slow to adopt the concept; this is largely because, they argue, the demount tailor made for the own-account operator.
Operators now seeking the security of contract work can be expected to adopt this system, particularly for their own-account customers. In times when maximum utilisation of assets is essential, introducing the demount system will undoubtedly be cheaper for both operator and his customer.
There are always snags in a concept. The main argument against the demount system is that the special body reduces the payload. Manufacturers and users are adamant that the flexibility of the system far outweighs any weight disadvantages in respect of costs.
One demountable body manufacturer claims that the company's order books are full until well into 1981. Others say that inquiries are mounting daily. The concept is gaining popularity, apparently as the true economic situation dawns on operators.