Nationwide Access has invested in a new fleet of semi-low-loader delivery trailers that are designed specifically for the efficient transportation of powered access equipment. The trailers will be used for a host of applications, says Nationwide's National Vehicle Fleet Manager, John Braines, but particularly come into their own when scissor lifts or booms are being delivered or collected from loading bays or other elevated platforms.

The purpose-designed Dutch trailers incorporate a number of features that add to their versatility and safety. These include remotely controlled hydraulic folding ramps that can quickly be positioned to align with the loading bay, even if the bay platform is relatively high. Other features include laterally adjustable side panels that prevent the load from shifting, and integral channels with 100 fold-down drop rings for lashing down.

For additional safety when loading or unloading at night or in poor light conditions, the new trailers incorporate LED [light emitting diode] illumination in the channels, plus there are two lamps at the front of the trailer's gooseneck. Other safety features include double-toothed galvanised grid decks for the load floor and the ramps, and hydraulic functions that are controlled by the delivery vehicle driver from a single, hand-held remote control unit.

Commenting on the impact new trailers have made, John Braines says: "The new trailers mean that we can now complete delivery operations quicker, and with less inconvenience to our customers. We are off site faster and the scissor lift or boom can be in operation sooner."

The trailers were specially manufactured for Nationwide by Royal Nooteboom Trailers BV, one of Europe's pre-eminent manufacturers of heavy payload trailers for specialist applications.

Nationwide, which is headquartered in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, is part of the publicly-quoted Lavendon Group Plc. Its hire fleet is twice the size of its nearest UK competitor and all of the company's depots comply with Nationwide's ISO 9002 accreditation. The Group is also the market leader in the European powered access market, trading under the name Zooom in Germany, France, Spain and Austria.

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September 2002 Nat2.057