While a flatbed may spend most of its time awaiting oversized or odd-shaped loads that require three-sided open access, the fixed expenses of owning it keep on keeping on. Insurance, taxes and registration, regular maintenance and simply the space taken up by an under-utilized flatbed represent an ongoing outlay for many small freight firms. When flatbed loads materialize, increasingly there’s also the issue of having the right driver available; i.e., someone sufficiently experienced, physically able and just plain willing to take on the heavy, sometimes hazardous labor of tarping the load. While an enclosed van trailer can never stand in when you need a flatbed, similarly, the flatbed can’t accommodate conventional box freight, which may represent the most recurrent and substantial profit opportunities.
A Trailer For All Reasons
Fortunately, it’s not an either-or scenario. A curtainside conversion offers a best-of-both-worlds alternative to a frequently idle flatbed or a conventional solid-wall van that, by definition, excludes side-loaded large loads. Curtain side trailers provide three-side access like a flatbed with protection from the elements on the road offered by an enclosed van. When new, most curtainsiders are built on a standard flatbed deck. That means your existing flatbed (perhaps parked outside right now instead of on the road) can also be converted into a curtainside for a fraction of the cost. It’s an especially attractive option for outfits lacking the present cash flow to splurge on an all-new curtainside. You’re already paying all the above-mentioned expenses on the existing flatbed and probably not getting maximum return on that investment. Converting to a curtainside exponentially multiplies the utility of that trailer, turning it into a versatile profit-maker that can pull double duty as an enclosed trailer for conventional freight and, when the opportunity arises, a flatbed for large or odd-shaped hauls.
Universal Accessibility
Providing all the deck real estate of a flatbed, without the wasted time and safety issues of tarping, a curtainside opens up fully on both sides with the simple retraction of the heavy-duty curtains. Overhead, there’s a rigid roof panel, and at the rear, two conventional swing doors. Regular box freight comes on and off through the rear door at a conventional dock while side-loading larger loads from the ground is totally doable, just like a flatbed. Also, since all freight on the trailer is accessible all the time by pulling open one or both curtains, the curtainside improves on the profit-potential of a solid-wall van trailer by opening up new opportunities for backhauls and partial loads.
No Tarping. No Problem.
When flatbed freight is loaded on a curtain side trailer, one of the most time-consuming aspects of flatbedding is eliminated: tarping. The load is rapidly and safely strapped, and the protective side curtains are drawn shut and locked. All-weather protection is ensured, and security is also enhanced. Driver satisfaction with curtainsiders is also high as tying down and throwing tarps over open flatbed loads in all kinds of weather has increasingly lost whatever appeal it ever had. Holding on to good, dependable drivers is more important than ever in today’s market.
Making The Switch
A curtain side trailer conversion is a kit consisting of all components, including front bulkhead, rigid roof panel, heavy-duty curtains and tensioners and the rear swing-out doors and rolling side support posts. Installing it can be done by most authorized Roland dealers. Alternatively, the conversion can often times be handled by your own skilled mechanics or maintenance personnel, already on your staff. While a curtain side conversion takes only two to three days, the more efficient utilization of that existing trailer—and the opportunities for new revenue—will pay off for long afterwards.
Other articles you may like:
- How A Curtain Side Trailer Helps Reduce Turnover and Attract New Hires
- 3 Reasons to Turn Your Flatbed into a Curtain Side Trailer
- How Do I Purchase a Curtainside Trailer Conversion Package?
- Photos - Curtainside Conversions
