Serco designs trailer to optimise load capacity

The lightweight - yet highly durable - double stacking system can be used in both refrigerated and dry freight trailers, with the entire system adding just 640kg in weight to a vehicle.

Representatives from the refrigerated division of Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services (ILRS) approached Serco to develop a trailer to facilitate the stacking of pallets. The challenge was that with the conventional 30 pallet refrigerated trailer, the full cubic load space was not being fully utilised due to the fragile nature of the specific loads which prevented stacking to maximum height.

Weight causes damage

Serco MD, Clinton Holcroft, explained that when certain products are stacked, often the weight from those on top cause damage to the products below. "In that event there's a limit to how high you can stack the stock, which results in full use not being made of the vehicle's interior load space.

"For ILRS the system now allows them to pack almost to the roof, giving maximum use of internal space. Basically the system comprises rails fitted vertically to the specially reinforced side walls of the trailer with movable aluminium bars across which the pallets are placed," Holcroft said.

"The aluminium bars can be adjusted to the required height to allow flexibility for different height pallets. The top level is fully self supporting and able to carry up to 1000kgs across the span of each beam."

With increasing fuel costs, this innovative solution enables transporters to optimise load fill and thereby reduce carbon emissions and running costs.