The company said it has initially converted 100 of its standard 53-foot truckload trailers to install what it calls the DoubleStack adjustable racking system, that allows shippers to load cargo on two separate, adjustable levels throughout the length of the trailer. There are also custom-designed strapping mechanisms unique to the DoubleStack system to securely tie down shipments to prevent movement during transit and provide added protection against damage.
The system will give customers “advantages that enable them to obtain the highest value for the transportation dollar,” said Herb Schmidt, president, Con-way Truckload. “We’re maximizing the available capacity customers can use and adding better protection systems to reduce claims, while driving benefits to our operations through more effective asset utilization.”
The system has thick aluminum tracks attached to supporting vertical posts every 16 inches along the trailer walls, with adjustable bars, or cross beams, that clamp securely into each track.
The company has made a video demonstrating the system.
“We are thinking there is going to be quite a bit of demand, especially in today’s environment with capacity being as tight as it is,' said Saul Gonzalez, vice president of operations for Con-way Truckload. 'Customers are looking to save money and this produce is a money saver for them. They can potentially put twice as much product in a trailer, depending what the product is.”
The company did make an investment in modifying the trailers, spending about $3,000 per trailer, so Gonzalez said the company expects to charge a premium for the service. But prices will vary by lane, and shippers should be able to achieve considerable savings using the new product, he added.
Gonzalez said previous systems for stacking cargo in trailers can be cumbersome and old-fashioned. Another benefit is that Con-way does a lot of business moving cargo to and from Mexico, and customs sometimes requires shippers to declare older systems or bolsters or dunnage as “product.” He said that isn’t an issue because the new Con-way system is an integral part of the trailer. He also said parts won’t get misplaced.
