Utility builds to Mexican specs
Designed to comply with new Mexican safety regulations, Utility Trailer's 4000D-X 80K series of dry vans features a 79,500-lb. GVR with a 50,000-lb.-capacity suspension and 25,000-lb.-capacity axles. By comparison, U.S. spec trailers are rated 65,000 lb. GVR.
Other changes for the new Mexican-spec trailers include new front maker lights, higher capacity wheels and modifications to the king pin section, side posts and other structural elements to handle the additional weight rating. A required VIN plate in Spanish is also provided.
Trailers not meeting the new Mexican regulations can be denied entry at the border, according to Craig Bennett, sr. vp-sales and marketing.
The company has also announced an expansion of its Paragould, AR, plant to meet an increase in demand for dry vans. The plant is getting a second assembly line, adding about 100 jobs and costing approximately $4 million.