Tag: road transport|trailers|transport

A new concept in semi-trailers is arriving on the highways of Brazil, equipped with the latest technology and on-board electronics. The new “Concept Trailer” is a dump truck developed by the engineers at Randon Implementos, a leading company in the Brazilian semi-trailer market, together with Volvo Trucks Brazil and other partner suppliers.

It will be tested for real during the country’s grain harvest on routes connecting the farming regions to the main ports. It is equipped with automated features and sensors and built to a design that reduces the total weight of the trailer. The new product is intended to optimise performance and reduce the operating costs of the transporter.

One of the main innovations of the Concept Trailer by Randon Implementos is the reduced weight of the road train dumper. It has fewer welded seams, uses high-strength aluminium and steel, which results in a product that is a ton lighter than current similar models and it uses manufacturing processes that are unprecedented in this sector.

The other difference is the design. The aerodynamic drag is reduced thanks to the lack of vertical struts on the body of the trailer and the inclusion of deflectors. It has an anti-tip system that helps to correct it in hazardous conditions.

In addition, the Concept Trailer has a set of electronics that improves operational efficiency and safety, such as a rear sensor and camera that is interlinked to the braking system, which trigger it automatically if there are obstacles in the way.

Coupling and decoupling has also been optimised. Sensors on the fifth wheel and an electric lifting device make this procedure safer and ergonomically easier. The cargo can be covered by a fully automated tarp, activated by remote control, which saves time and means that the driver does not need climb onto the trailer. In addition, the system identifies when the trailer is not loaded and automatically raises the axles, reducing tyre wear and fuel consumption.

“This new product has a special design, is a tonne lighter and is fully connected to the tractor and the driver – it brings the future to the present, as a new concept in transporting cargo,” explained the superintendent director of the Assembly division of the Randon Companies, Sandro Trentin. “The company’s next step is to apply the technology from this concept we are launching now, to the next generation of products that are already part of the company’s portfolio.”

The Concept Trailer is part of an innovative project in Brazil to develop a concept bulk transporter, in partnership with Volvo Trucks, and with the involvement of other important partners, such as Hyva and Continental, to help to introduce innovation to the hydraulic systems and tyres.

Specialist truck provider MV Commercial has completed a multi-million-pound deal to buy tipping trailer and rigid body manufacturer Fruehauf out of administration – protecting 120 jobs and securing a positive future for one of the best-known brands in the industry.

The landmark deal includes an immediate cash injection and a commitment to a further £30m investment over the next three years, as part of ambitious plans to modernise the manufacturing facility and realise the full potential of the 67-acre site in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

MV Commercial will also revive the legendary ‘Crane Fruehauf’ name, by which the business was known until around 1998. The rebranding is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Tom O’Rourke (pictured), CEO of MV Commercial, says: “This is a hugely significant day for both businesses; and an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. Fruehauf has a fantastic product range, a rich heritage, and a wealth of talent within its team which will be complemented by MV Commercial’s strength and experience in the marketplace.

“With immediate effect we are starting work to scale production back up, enabling us to commit to a delivery schedule for outstanding customer orders and begin building new stock trailers for MV’s own contract hire and ready-to-go fleets.”

MV Commercial is best known for its one-stop-shop approach and plans to open a truck sales and rental facility on site in Grantham within the next month. Work will begin within days to refurbish and modernise much of the site.

Steven Cairns, Managing Director of MV Commercial, says: “Geographically, Grantham is the perfect fit for us to develop a true ‘super site’. We should have 80-90 trucks and trailers available for sale on site within a month, and the manufacturing workforce back in the factory building at pace again.

“We are so excited for the potential this acquisition brings and committed to ensuring there is a lot more Fruehauf product available in the marketplace. For long-time Fruehauf customers, we are confident this is very good news.”

Production capacity within the factory is expected to quickly reach 15-20 trailers per week under MV’s stewardship, with the future investment to focus on greater automation and achieving world-class production standards.

MV Commercial has committed to continue offering the full Fruehauf trailer and body range, and 100% of the current workforce will transfer under TUPE.

Commenting on the planned rebranding, O’Rourke adds: “MV Commercial is best known for building the biggest and most capable crane trucks in the market. Cranes are a huge part of what we do, so we certainly weren’t going to turn down the opportunity to put the ‘Crane’ back into ‘Crane Fruehauf’!”

MV Commercial employs 190 staff spread across five sites and has a strong track record for delivering business growth both organically and through acquisition. It has previously acquired the assets of two major rental businesses – Regal Truck Rental and TLS – plus in 2015 it acquired bodybuilder JWR Recovery Trucks.

In November 2020 MV Commercial was named as one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.