Have you got a large haul that needs moving? Whether it’s unpacked products or pallets that you need shifting, moving floor trailers can be the ideal solution for your business.
These are available to rent or buy depending on your future needs, but why should you choose this mode of transport in the first place?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to determine. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at what a moving floor trailer is, how it works and the benefits of choosing this type of system.
This will help you to determine not only if these trailers are ideal for your business but also whether it would be worth purchasing one for the future, as this will be quite a large investment.
Read on to find out more.
What is a moving floor trailer?
A moving floor trailer, as the name suggests, is a trailer used for transporting goods; these are commonly referred to as walking floor trailers. Unlike traditional haulage trailers, these are flexible and diverse, making it much easier to load and unload huge cargoes.
The moving floor is a hydraulically-driven conveyance system made up of slats that move backwards and forward in unison or alternately. This is ideal for moving and transporting products and large loads of loose materials and unpacked goods like wood, pellets, tires, rubbish, agricultural products, glass and more.
How does it work?
Though these may differ depending on the type of trailer, the moving floor system is generally pretty standard. The hydraulic moving floor is divided into sets of floor slats. As they move either in unison or alternately, loose materials can quickly be unloaded without the need to tip the trailer.
This technique can also be used to load a huge number of pallets into the trailer without the need for a forklift or person to get inside and move the products manually. As the slats move, the goods resting upon them will go in the direction chosen by the operator, either further into the trailer or to get them back out during the unloading process.
Who uses these types of trailers?
Based on the information we’ve provided so far, we can begin to understand the types of businesses that might require these trailers. As the moving floor enables the transportation of pretty much any bulk material, whether packed or unpacked, there are lots of businesses that can benefit from these systems.
That being said, these are typically used by those in the agricultural, waste and construction industry for moving either loose material or pallets. Of course, they can be used by any business that needs a simple way to load and unload huge orders. For example, if you work in a distillery, you may need a way to move huge numbers of barrels in one trip.
The benefits of using these trailers
Now let’s get down to the crux of this article, why should you choose moving floor trailers over other forms of transportation for your goods? Below, we’ve pulled together five of the key benefits of using moving floor trailers for your consideration. These include:
1. These allow for easier self-loading and unloading
One of the key benefits of using a moving floor trailer is that it essentially allows for self-loading and unloading with no need to raise or tip the entire trailer. It makes the process much easier for those involved and can make it much quicker to get goods loaded and unloaded in the correct location.
Plus, the fact that there is no need to go inside the trailer either manually or with a forklift means it is much easier to load goods.
2. They are safer to use
There are lots of ways in which these moving floor trailers are safer to use for all involved. The moving slats mean that there is no need to keep climbing in and out of the trailer or moving the goods inside. This already reduces the risk of injury or accident, particularly when moving heavy or bulky items.
The controlled loading and unloading of goods also make it safer to move goods in windy or treacherous conditions. Finally, as there is no need to tip or raise the trailer, there is no risk of hitting overhead power lines, cables or trees when unloading.
3. You can save money
There are several ways you can save your business money using a moving floor trailer. As it is quicker and easier to load and unload, less manpower and time are required. This can save on labour costs for deliveries and shipments.
What’s more, as shipping costs continue to skyrocket, businesses are looking for new ways to save money on shipping. These trailers can hold huge hauls, meaning you can fit more goods inside. Not just that, but if you purchase your own trailer, this might be an expensive investment in the first instance, but it can save you money in the long run.
4. These can be used on uneven ground
Another important benefit of moving floors is that these trailers can be loaded and unloaded on uneven ground. Thanks to the moving slats and improved control of goods going in and out, the trailer can be taken to more places and used safely, even on rocky terrain. This is something that other large haulage trucks might not be able to handle.
Furthermore, as these trailers don’t need to be tipped or raised, they can even be unloaded in smaller lower spaces such as tunnels, under bridges and even inside buildings if required.
5. It’s much easier to move heavy items
Finally, as walking floor trailers come in a variety of different styles, there is something to suit every need or product, no matter the shape, size or weight. As such, these lorries make it so much easier to move large, heavy objects such as rocks, soil, rubbish, glass and more.
So, by choosing to rent or buy a walking floor trailer for your business, you will be taking a positive step towards efficiency, saving money and increasing health and safety for you and your employees.