Freighter half-moon bridging decks

WA-based Tri-State Transport freight components to Western Australia's mining sector at the rate of six road trains a week, so loading efficiency is a key consideration. As Tri-State cart a number of different vehicles for the mining sector, they needed a B-double set with drive-through capability.

The solution produced by MaxiTRANS WA and Freighter uses permanent half-moon bridging decks between the tag and lead trailers. While not an all-new feature, it was one that was ideal for Tri-State Transport's needs.

The Tri-State unit's final design had bi-fold hydraulic ramps on the back, retractable ramps between the drop-deck sections on the tag trailer and Freighter's purpose-designed half-moon bridging decks between the tag and the lead trailer. This gave Tri-State the complete drive-through capability they were looking for, meaning they wouldn't have to unhitch the trailers to load them.

"This rig wasn't bought as a lead and B-trailer - it will always operate as a single unit," said MaxiTRANS WA's Northern Region Sales Manager, Mike Dawson. "The ability to drive a vehicle up the ramps, onto the tag, and then all the way to the lead trailer makes these trailers a 'built-for-life' pairing and will save Tri-State a great deal of time when they are loading vehicles."

The drive-through configuration employed by Tri-State for their Freighter combination is one that can be added to most Freighter trailer combinations where drive-through capability is required.

Further details and Freighter state dealership contacts can be found at www.freighter.com.au