Copyright © 2001 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Trailord curtainsiders for PikiTup waste removal services.

Certain local trailer manufacturers have made a name for themselves internationally through their innovative designs and quality fabrications that deliver tangible solutions to truck transport challenges. One such company is KZN-based Trailord, specializing in truck trailers for bulk loads. It's marketing director, Rob da Silva, sheds some light on the impact increased demand for trailers is having on the industry.

"The truck trailer manufacturing industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years, but along with it has come an increase of pressure on factory output capabilities. We find it extremely hard to meet the demand at times. Transporters are expecting shorter production times and often play manufacturers up against each other to get the delivery dates they want. I have lost business due to an unwillingness to promise something which I know I can't deliver. It's not easy to lose business but at least I still have my integrity. Factors such as steel shortage, skills shortages and labour issues etc. add to this pressure, which transporters don't always understand.

"We have a saying in our company, 'it's better to innovate than to imitate!' We are finding that with the growth in the industry there are many new manufacturers surfacing and taking advantage of the huge demand by simply imitating existing designs. 

"There are also a number of manufacturers cutting corners and taking chances. Some, due to a lack of innovation on their part, are bad mouthing other competitor's products and trying to create confusion in the industry. Lighter and more innovative trailers are here to stay and the more educated transporter is going to buy them! The way I see it is that when I buy a computer I buy the latest model and innovation. I don't go and buy a 286 or commodore 64!!! I want something that's going to give me the edge in business. The trailers that we manufacture are, in some cases, up to three tons lighter than some of the other manufacturers. That's three tons extra payload and, if the payload is set at a specific tonnage, there is a saving on fuel consumption and tyre wear.
 

Trailord makes use of the best lightweight, strong alloys for trailer construction.

"Our trailers do come at a premium but the extra initial outlay can be recovered in less than 6 months. Not only that but many of our clients have managed to secure contracts through the benefits afforded them by our trailers. 

"Transport equipment quality cannot be compromised. We believe in using only reputable products that have a good track record. There are a lot of components being imported from the East, and some of them are sub-standard quality or illegal. Some local equipment manufacturers have begun using foreign lower grade components as they are a great deal cheaper. This perhaps is inevitable but these products should always be sold with the correct product information accompanying them."