Shorter Lorries

[JonnyFive]

I'm not sure what that back bit of the truck is actually called? Trailer?

Anyway.

Why are they getting shorter, I thought there was a theory about having the longest/biggest trailers you could.. But now it seems they're much smaller now.

[4key]

Different kit for different jobs, short ones are generally known as urban trailers. Also sometimes you dont need length if your load is heavy rather than big, scaffolders use short trailers and tankers are normally a bit shorter because they dont need as much space to hit their maximum weight.

[mph1977]

also with the supermarkets it's a case of short trailers from the RDCs to the smaller stores (running 4 axles ) but flexibility with the tractor units ( can use them with 'full size tri axle trailers) - rather than having to run more 18 tonners or 6 wheel rigids to the smaller stores

also the little artic drays is loading height - running on smaller wheels and able to get the trailer floor to a 'better' height for manual handling ops

[ZR1cliff]

I see PCL running around London a lot with the shorter trailers, must be so much easier when you're multi dropping.

[Fun Bus]

Tesco run 8 metre trailers which look daft but are very useful in urban situations as mentioned above.

[4key]

I can get our little twin axle rear steer urban easily into places that 18 tonners struggle with, much better turning circle