Louisville, KY. Refrigerated carrier, Prime Inc., is installing TrailerTail aerodynamic fairings from ATDynamics on all remaining new trailers purchased by Prime in 2013, according to an announcement by ATDynamics last Friday at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS).
“Many fleets which use owner-operators to pull their freight resist investing in fuel-efficient trailer equipment or do the bare minimum to comply with regulations,” said Paul Higgins, Prime’s director of maintenance. “We believe that maximizing the fuel efficiency of our trailer fleet is in the long-term best interest of our drivers, the environment and the company’s bottom line. Our investment in TrailerTail technology will enhance the stability and safety of our trailers and raise the pay of our independent contractors helping them send more money home to their families.”
Prime conducted an extensive technology evaluation, including independent SAE Type II J1321 testing and wind tunnel testing, prior to making the decision to deploy TrailerTail units. According to ATDynamics, Prime found that a combination of TrailerTails and trailer skirts provided “the greatest fuel savings at highway speed of any commercially available fairing technology.”
“Prime exemplifies a progressive company focused on rewarding hard-working drivers and burning less fuel,” said Kyle Houston, vice president of sales for ATDynamics. “We are thrilled that Prime has chosen to integrate ATDynamics TrailerTail technology. They are setting an industry standard for how to spend less money on fuel and put more money into drivers pockets.”
Drivers like TrailerTail for a number of reasons, Houston observed during the company’s press conference at MATS. They like the increased stability due to reduced trailer sway; the improvements in tire life, the reduction in splash and spray around the trailer, and the fact that the TrailerTail discourages tailgating and reduces rear end collisions.
“We are thrilled to see trailer aerodynamics taking off across the board,” he said. “People are starting to see the value.
More than 12,000 ATDynamics TrailerTails are currently deployed in the United States.
