CURTAINSIDE TRAILER BLOG

Why Should Fleet Managers Use Curtainside Trailers?

[fa icon="calendar"] Oct 13, 2015 9:00:00 AM / by Pete Johnson

 

Fleet managers have their hands full keeping trucks and freight in perpetual motion from Point A to Point B and back again, on-time and at the lowest cost.

 

Frustrated-Fleet-Managers

 

Labor hours, fuel expenses, scheduling, dispatching—the job is complex enough as it is. So why should fleet managers use curtainside trailers? What freight managers don't need to deal with are gnarly loading issues and restrictions imposed by trailers that don't adapt to a diverse freight mix. A flatbed is ideal for some loads, but it can't fully replace an enclosed van trailer—which, by the way, will never serve as the sole substitute for a flatbed, either. The goal of accommodating ever-changing loads is a moving target you never quite achieve.

 

Based in Arlington, Texas, USA and a leader in providing curtainside trailers to the U.S. Roland was instrumental in promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of the curtainside option to the U.S. trucking market since 1997. The company now provides curtainside trailer solutions ranging from a wheels-up factory-built unit, custom-made to your specifications, to a new top kit installed on the bed of your existing flatbed. Installation options include; by Roland, an authorized service center, or a kit your own mechanics can construct and install. The elements common to all choices are quality aluminum and fiberglass components, state-of-the-art curtain fabrication, and low-maintenance along with a high resale value.

 

Curtainside-Trailer-star

From the standpoint of today's busy, hands-on fleet manager, here are some of the advantages of adding a Roland curtainside trailer to a growing fleet.

 

  • Quick load—

    quicker loading/unloading. With the curtains retracted, multiple fork lifts can access both sides and the rear of a curtainside all at once so the load/unload is efficient and expedited. Just-in-time deliveries are glitch-free. Where partial shipments are an issue, the designated cargo can be accessed fast and totally independent of other freight on the same truck.



  • No dock? No problem.

    Curtainsides evolved in Europe where back-in loading docks are not standard. Three-side access allows loading and unloading from ground level where docks are occupied or non-existent, making delivery to a wider variety of destinations possible.



  • Improved back-haul prospects.

    Every time an enclosed trailer or standard flatbed goes out full and returns empty, it means a back-haul that might have happened didn't. Curtainsides can adapt on the spot to back-haul opportunities of various shapes and sizes. The greater the load flexibility of your trailer, the fewer back-haul opportunities—and revenue—you'll have to decline.



  • A farewell to tarping.

    While there may always be some loads that require the time-consuming and laborious process of tarping, Roland curtainsides can reduce those to a minimum. In many cases, in less time than is required to remove straps, tarps and poles and access the load on a standard flatbed, a curtainside can be opened on three sides, fully unloaded, and closed up again. Drivers spend their time moving your freight down the road to its destination—not standing by the side of the road heaving a heavy tarp. The potential for on-the-job injuries is substantially reduced, as well.



  • Long expected service life and lower operating expenses.

    Compared to conventional flatbed tarp systems, a Roland curtainside delivers the lowest life cycle costs.

 

 

Want to learn more about or request more info on what trucks and trailers Roland can help you with? Then please feel free to make your request here and someone will be back with you shortly.

Request Info!

 

Topics: Fleet Managers, Curtainside Trailers, Benefits of Curtainside Trailers

Pete Johnson

Written by Pete Johnson

Vice President, General Manager & Co-founder of Roland Curtains Inc. Pete was the first US employee for Roland International opening the US manufacturing business while creating sales in North, Central, and South America.

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