Using advanced high strength steel (AHSS) in developing lighter and stronger trailers is proven to have a big impact on the economical performance of the vehicle. It is well known that both trailer manufacturers and transport operators can gain part of the financial benefits, but the advantages in terms of lower CO2-emissions should also be noticed.
Using high-strength steel (HSS) to develop lighter and stronger trailers can have a big impact on the economical performance of the vehicle.
A lighter and stronger trailer also has a direct and obvious benefit for logistics operators.
In addition to the financial benefits, a lighter vehicle will reduce environmental impact by saving primary energy resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Heavy trucks and trailers are the dominant modes of road freight transport in both Europe and the U.S., and account for a significant proportion of the fuel used in the transport sector.
Let’s now consider the impact of weight reductions on lowering fuel consumption, emissions and raw material input for a tipper (dump) trailer with a gross vehicle weight of 44 tonnes (see tables below).
When hauling weight-limited cargo, reducing the vehicle’s weight allows for a higher legal payload, so fewer vehicle-km are needed to transport the same amount of goods.