Question for Asset Based Carriers

[thebluffs1]

Side skirts on trailers - yes or no? Do they have tangible benefits for you?

 

[Freight Broker]

If I may, I've heard from more than a few drivers who've pulled them, and many won't even go back to pulling a trailer without the skirts. They say the skirts make the whole unit alot more manageable in a crosswind and in general, never mind the added benefit of saving fuel. I was talking to a fleet manager at Knight Transportation in Az the other day who pretty much told me the same thing.. the drivers prefer the skirts to the point where the co. is getting pushback on trailers without them. Some drivers are going so far as to say no skirts no service.

 

[lowmiler88]

Skirts definitely not only what FB said but it will be required at some point for emissions. Just about to pull the trigger on new trailers and probably going to try the Boat Tails and see how they work out.

 

[snafu]

My personal opinion is..

Belly skirts..the UT6 undertray system from Smart Truck . I've seen and been in more than a few places where the side skirts bottom out whereas the belly skirt makes it in just because of design and where it gets installed on the trailer.

Plus with the side skirts you know the lazy guys aren't going to get under the trailer looking for any defects...

 

[snafu]

For those who don't know what it looks like..

 

[martinetav]

Side skirts on trailers - yes or no? Do they have tangible benefits for you?

Go for it thebluffs1. We put them on one truck, just to see. We now have them on all of our trucks. They pay for themselves with fuel economy, in a very short period of time. We also have one of our OO's that has tails and he saves even more. Don't wait for any law. You'll be glad you made the move.

 

[theman]

The skirts are lighter than the underbelly spoilers ... but either of them are a benefit, in addition to the boat tails. Aero enhancements are a no-brainer in any case.

 

[Freight Broker]

It's good question though, because installation and maintenance costs obviously detract from any fuel savings. But the net benefits appear to be positive. What about skirts on a flatbed? I rarely see them on flatbeds.

 

[theman]

These devices are typically being spec'd OEM nowadays. Maintenance is pretty minimal ... those underbelly spoilers aren't going to get damaged and even if the side skirt does get damaged, it's akin to bumper damage on a car. It sucks but it's not catastrophic.

 

[Nawk]

Careful when backing into those lowered docks... the skirts sometimes drag on the ground.
I've run into situations where the carrier has had to drop the freight at a local cartage in order to get it delivered.