The focus for Utility Trailers going forward is to offer products that are “smarter and better,” in the words of Craig Bennett, the company's senior vp-sales and marketing.
“In particular, the high fuel costs affecting trucking today means we have to build products that are lighter, stronger and more efficient going forward,” he said during Utility's press conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show. “In my humble view, the conditions for $4 diesel will continue to exist in the near future.”
As a result of these market conditions, Utility is making rapid changes to its line of refrigerated, dry van and flatbed trailers. For example, Bennett noted that company's new 4000 A flatbed units are 420 lbs. lighter than its previous 2000 A model. Also, Utility's new 4000 DX dry van trailer represents what Jeff Bennett, vp-engineering, calls “an amalgam” of both traditional sheet and post design with that of composite trailers: providing more interior width (101 in.) along with lighter weight, easier repairability and more durability.
“With our new 4000 DX design, we're using a steel-frame skeleton with poured polyurethane between the posts that makes it lighter, thus improving fuel economy while also improving durability and repairability,” added Craig Bennett. “Fuel costs are putting more pressure on fleet profitability, so we're being asked to help any way we can.”
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