Air-ride Transportation is becoming increasingly crucial in the logistics industry, especially when it comes to shipping delicate or fragile goods. An air ride suspension system offers a significant upgrade from traditional steel spring suspensions by using compressed air bladders or bags. This innovative approach dramatically improves shock absorption, resulting in a much smoother ride that protects both the truck and, more importantly, the cargo it carries.
Air Ride Equipped Trailer: Ensuring Smooth and Safe Transportation for Fragile Cargo
Understanding Air-Ride Suspension Systems
At its core, an air-ride suspension system is designed to minimize the impact of road vibrations and shocks on cargo. Instead of relying on stiff steel springs, these systems utilize air springs that act as cushions. The cargo, in essence, “floats” on a bed of air, which drastically reduces compression damage and the risk of telescoping – a common issue where items shift and collide during transit. This makes air-ride transportation an invaluable asset for businesses dealing with sensitive shipments that cannot withstand harsh handling.
Benefits of Choosing Air-Ride Transportation
The advantages of air-ride suspension extend beyond just cargo protection. For businesses shipping any type of goods, understanding these benefits is key:
- Enhanced Cargo Protection: The primary benefit is the superior protection offered to fragile freight. By nearly eliminating shocks and bumps, air-ride systems significantly decrease the likelihood of damage during transportation.
- Reduced Equipment Wear and Tear: The benefits aren’t limited to the cargo. The tractor-trailer itself experiences less vibration and shock, leading to reduced wear and tear on the equipment and potentially extending its lifespan.
- Increased Frequency and Availability: Trailers equipped with air-ride suspension are becoming more common. As the demand for safer transportation grows, businesses can expect to encounter and utilize air-ride transportation with increasing frequency.
When is Air-Ride Transportation Essential?
While beneficial for a wide range of goods, air-ride transportation becomes essential for specific types of freight. Items that are particularly vulnerable to damage from shocks or sudden movements necessitate the use of air-ride systems. These often include:
- Calibrated Precision Equipment: Sensitive instruments that require careful handling to maintain their accuracy.
- Fragile Electronics: Electronic devices are susceptible to damage from vibrations and impacts.
- Delicate Perishables: Items like eggs and certain produce require a gentle ride to prevent breakage and spoilage.
- Glass Products and Materials: Glass is inherently fragile and prone to shattering if not transported carefully.
- Hazardous Materials: Ensuring the stability of hazardous materials during transport is paramount for safety.
- Highly Pressurized Gas Containers: These require stable transport to prevent accidents.
- Liquid Containers: Minimizing shocks reduces the risk of leaks and spills during transit.
When shipping such items, it’s vital to confirm that the transport provider uses well-maintained, reputable air-ride equipped trailers. Furthermore, ensure that both the tractor and trailer are equipped with air-ride suspension. Partial air-ride systems (only on the tractor or trailer) provide minimal benefit and won’t offer the necessary protection for sensitive cargo. Air-ride transportation is most effective as a complete system.
Essential Precautions for Shipping Fragile Goods
While air-ride suspension is a significant advantage, it is not a complete guarantee against damage. Standard precautions for shipping fragile goods remain crucial:
- Proper Packing: Adequate packaging is the first line of defense against damage.
- Palletizing and Shrink Wrap: When applicable, palletizing loads and using shrink wrap provides stability and protection.
- Shipping Blankets: Protecting surfaces with shipping blankets prevents scratches and abrasions.
- Cargo Restraint Systems: Securing cargo with e-track or load bars is essential to prevent shifting during transit.
Addressing Loading Dock Considerations for Air-Ride Suspensions
Operating loading docks with air-ride trailers requires awareness of specific challenges. Air-ride suspensions are susceptible to “trailer walk,” where the trailer can move away from the dock during loading and unloading. This occurs because the air suspension compresses as weight is added or removed, and the forklift’s movements can exacerbate this shifting, creating a hazardous environment.
Standard chock blocks and trailer jacks are often insufficient to prevent trailer walk with air-ride systems. The most effective solution is to ensure the driver bleeds the air from the suspension bladders before loading or unloading begins. However, this can lower the trailer height by up to 8 inches, necessitating dock modifications to accommodate the height difference.
For businesses seeking reliable and safe transport for their sensitive freight, air-ride transportation is an indispensable solution. Companies like Great Western Transportation, who provide fully equipped air-ride trailers and experienced professionals, are ideal partners for ensuring your valuable cargo reaches its destination securely.
Contact Great Western Transportation today to discuss your trucking needs and request a rate quote.
(800) 972-8484
(925) 484-9500
Great Western Transportation
5000 Pleasanton Ave, Suite 145 Pleasanton, CA 94566
