CURTAINSIDE TRAILER BLOG

If you are in the business of transporting delicate products such as windows, windshields or other large glass items...

...you must be wondering if it is safe to transport these items in a curtainside trailer. The simple answer is yes. Custom curtainside systems can be fitted to any trailer design, including those with air suspension systems for transporting fragile goods.

According to the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association (OOIDA), in the United States today there are approximately 350,000 registered owner-operators.

The average has been on the road as an independent for 18 years. A trucking career as an owner-operator is an achievable goal—both for those already behind the wheel as company drivers and those who are just beginning to think about getting a CDL. It's a dream with an undeniable allure: Becoming your own boss, relying on your own efforts and taking the reins of your own destiny are classic American values. However, any time you reach to achieve any goal, along with the rewards, there are also challenges. Here are four tips that may optimize your chances of finding success and minimize the pitfalls along the way.

Why is a curtainside trailer a good idea for transporting your products? Here's what you need to know.

Two Different Methods of Accessing Your Cargo

There are two types of side access equipment. One type is the roll-top trailer, which uses a sliding tarp system -- not unlike an accordion. In this case, the tarp rolls forward or back to allow full access to cargo (it’s important to note that with this style, the system cannot be opened easily if cargo shifts during transit and rests against it). Another type is the curtainside trailer, in which case the side curtains slide similar to a shower curtain to allow side access.

Empty miles: they’re often the biggest money-drain for a trucking company.

Also known as “deadheading,” empty miles happen when a truck driver carries a load from Point A and delivers to Point B, then brings an empty truck all the way back to Point A again, racking up driver hours and fuel expenses with no freight revenue to compensate. According to recent research, between 15 and 25 percent of the trailers on the road at any given time are empty. The antidote to these empty miles is a successful back-haul strategy that optimizes opportunities to fill the truck with paying freight on return trips.

According to the American Trucking Association, our industry is now short about 35,000 drivers.

How did that happen? Consider another statistic from the ATA: In large truck fleets, driver turnover stands at about 95 percent—and that’s actually a slight decrease from other recent years. Conversely, at smaller fleets with less than $30 million annual revenue, turnover is currently around 90 percent, but trending upwards. The fact that the minimum-wage fast food business has even worse employee turnover (averaging 145% annually) should be little comfort. Now more than ever, the question of how to keep drivers happy keeps fleet managers and trucking execs awake at night.

The fleet manager of only a few years ago—confined to an office, tethered to a desktop computer—is history.

Today, the job description has expanded to include multiple functions, many of which require a manager on the move. Mobility imposes the need for mobile connectivity and data accessible far from home base and stationary technology. Apps purpose-designed for fleet managers increasingly enable decision-making in motion. Often these apps are offered as accessories to modern primary fleet management software already in use. Most are available on both Android and iOS platforms for smartphones and tablets. Here are three standout examples that have earned high ratings from users.

There are many benefits to having a curtainside system. Besides giving your truck’s surface a protective coat, a curtain can also serve as a great advertising opportunity. Over time, however, even the most durable curtains may experience rips, tears, or general trauma from everyday use. In all likelihood you will find yourself repairing your curtain a few times every year. Here are 3 ways to repair a curtainside trailer so that you can get back on the road without spending a ton of money in the process.

Choosing the right drivers for your company and ensuring that they are competently trained is a critical component for any fleet.

However, this component can also be among the most costly of expenditures. There's a delicate balance required to both attract and retain skilled drivers while keeping costs low at the same time.

Every year, 18 wheelers in the U.S. travel enough highway miles to make 3,755,351 trips around the entire earth.

Trucking is year-round and nationwide. Consequently, driving in windy conditions is something most curtainside trailers will experience sooner or later. Windy conditions can be especially dangerous for semi-trucks and without proper care trucks can pose a danger to both the driver and others on the road. Here are seven tips you can keep in mind for staying safe and keeping your cargo intact as well.

With oil prices fluctuating wildly and sometimes reaching outrageous heights, many fleet managers and owner/operators are looking for ways to trim down their fuel costs. Fortunately, there are several simple and common sense steps you can take to cut out unnecessary fuel waste and improve profit margins.