A Shift from 28′ Twin to 33’s would create approximately 5% Door-To-Door savings, while operating costs fall 10%. Adding up this list, you find that variable operating costs, which are 65-80% of total OTR costs, would fall by 10% or more. There would also be some savings in terminal costs and pickup and delivery costs due to the need to handle fewer trailers. The total door-to-door savings are less than the 10% number quoted above because overhead, pick-up and delivery, and loading work is largely unaffected by this proposal. Those segments account for about half of LTL and Parcel costs. When looked at on a total door-to-door cost, the savings would approach 5%.” (Noel Perry, “The Economics Of 33′ Double Combination Trailers,” FTR Transportation Intelligence) Trailer Body Builder June Issue
bcde-TRAiNS have distinct advantages over a semi-trailer and could be a valuable addition for companies such as FedEx, UPS and others pulling doubles. The objective here is to eliminate the “wiggle” from doubles, make them easier to back-up, close the “GAP” save fuel and increase cube. This all happens with the inherent design of tractors using d-TRAiN 5th wheel compound hitch system. The “GAP” at the tractor is reduced to 6″ for large (422 gals/yr) fuel saving. The bcde-TRAiN’s can be extended from 28.5′ to 33′ doubles legally with these configurations.
ACCORD-Stinger Semi-trailer Comparison, cde-TRAiN’s
Some of the many configurations, talk to NZR for advice and methodology. The universal ABC dolly a new addition ask about it.
National Zephyr Research 