Devils in the detail

Fleet managers at Argos and John Lewis Partnership spoke of the benefits of lifting-deck semi-trailers at a forum on lifting-deck trailers in Stoke-on-Trent, UK in 2006. Argos has a fleet of 1,400 semi-trailers of which 300 are double-deckers. In 2005, Argos multi-deck trailers covered 17.3 million kilometres. The trailers are serviced every 8 weeks, inspected twice a year and undergo an annual weight check. The specification of Argos lifting-deck trailers has evolved with experience and now includes recessed wiring and switching, a gate at the front of the lifting deck, roll stability programme (RSP) and 445/45 R19.5 wide-single tyres instead of twins. John Lewis has 160 lifting-deck trailers, but the specification is being changed to meet the requirement to back-haul goods from suppliers. Translucent trailer roofs are favoured by John Lewis and the company uses a photo-cell system to prevent damage of the roofs. The trend towards lowering front bulkhead height and curving down the front part of the roof is discussed. The difficulties being experienced by Don-Bur in persuading operators to buy the aluminium-bodied Technolite lifting-deck trailer are described. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Authors:
  • WILCOX, D
• Publication Date: 2006-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 26-29
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Economics; Freight transportation; Safety; Size; Trucks
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 9011: Design (overall design); 9014: Dimension; 255: Economics; 1112: Freight transport; 1236: Lorry; 1665: Safety; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Freight Transportation; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01043315
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 6 2007 8:50AM