Capital Equipment News January 2022

TRAILERS

Standardisation can significantly impact efficiency and profits for 10, 20 or even 50 years down the road.

Succeeding with standardisation

Diverse product line Consider this: a sports franchise with a deep roster of high-quality players has a better chance of making it to the championship year after year. The same is true when it comes to equipment standardisation. A manufacturer with a diverse product line provides flexibility to meet an operation’s unique needs – both now and in the future – maximising earning opportunities while limiting equipment investments. Interchangeability is perhaps the most obvious benefit of standardisation. Accessories such as axle attachments, axle extensions, deck inserts or jeeps are often designed to pair with a specific manufacturer’s line of trailers. Purchasing accessories for each individual trailer results in unnecessary expenditures and a lot of equipment lying around the yard. Working with a single manufacturer, on the other hand, means operators can limit accessory investment without limiting potential through proper planning. For example, an operation might have two lowboys – a 55-t and a 60-t – they would like to run with a fourth axle. It’s important to note that these trailers must be designed to accept a fourth axle from the very beginning, which is why thinking ahead is important. Simply adding another

T eams with dedicated fans play smart and deliver results year after year. Similarly, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who inspire “die-hard” customer loyalty have a proven track record for durable, high-quality products. For savvy fleet owners, who base decisions on spec more than brand, these manufacturers also provide diverse product lines and exceptional customer service that make it easy to jump on the bandwagon. But how do you pick the right team for your operation? Some equipment needs might be immediate, but the real value of standardisation lies in a long-term partnership. Unlike sports affiliation, standardisation can significantly impact efficiency and profits for 10, 20 or even 50 years down the road. Fleet owners should carefully weigh their options before making a decision. Not every manufacturer has what it takes to become a dynasty, so to speak, and no amount of rally caps can turn around a poor investment. Here are four key stats to consider for optimising trailer fleet standardisation. For fleet owners looking to standardise their operation, selecting a trailer manufacturer might feel more like picking a favourite sports team than a strategic move to maximise hauling equipment investments. To some extent, it is. By Troy Geisler, vice president of sales and marketing, Talbert Manufacturing.

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