Van Huët Glass Logistics of Tiel in the Netherlands expects that the new MaXi-Trailer^® concept will be a major breakthrough in the glass industry.

The introduction of the MaXi-Trailer^® means that Van Huët, part of the Emons Group, is putting an entirely new concept on the market for the transportation of large-format float glass. The unique MaXi-Trailer^® concept makes it possible to transport both large-format float glass and (palletised) general cargo.

Large-format float glass (6.00m x 3.21m) is normally transported using special trailers (inloaders). These inloaders can only carry glass and not goods on standard pallets. This means they cover many miles while empty, with all the associated negative consequences for costs, the environment and congestion. The MaXi-Trailer^® carries both large-format float glass and (palletised) general cargo. This gives cost reductions of 10 to 15%, cuts CO₂ by 50 to 75% and reduces the emissions of fine particles by 80 to 90% per kilogram transported. In addition, expensive investments in special glass stillages and the management of these stillages are eliminiated. The MaXi-Trailer^® can be loaded and unloaded quickly. Multi-modal use is guaranteed.

After an extensive development and testing process lasting 3 years and covering over 500,000 kilometres, the MaXi-Trailer^® was introduced at Glasstec, the world's largest glass trade fair, in Düsseldorf (21-25 October 2008). 

A DVD is now available (in English, German and French) on which you can see all the details of this unique concept.

Click here to order a MaXiTrailer DVD

A revolutionary new concept in glass transport: MaXi-Trailer^®

 

Van Huët Glass Logistics (a division of the Emons Group) is introducing a completely new concept for the transport of large sized float glass (6 m x 3.21 m) by making use of the MaXi-Trailer^®. What is unique about this concept is that the MaXi-Trailer^® has been made multi-functional for the transport of both special glass and general goods. In this way, costs are saved with regard to the glass products, amounting to a savings of 10% to 15% compared to the present situation. Furthermore, this concept reduces CO₂ emissions by up to a maximum of 50%. With multi-modal usage, this can even reach a decrease of 75%! The reduction of fine dust emissions amounts to between 80% and 90%. These results stem from the fact that the MaXi-Trailer^® is able to transport cargo both on the way there and on the way back. A special glass trailer can only transport glass, and must therefore return empty.

Van Huët Glass Logistics has developed and patented this MaXi-Trailer^® concept independently, and in close cooperation with a well-established European builder of trailers, this trailer is being produced on an exclusive basis.

Until now, the transport of float glass (glass that is among other things used in the construction of offices, industrial complexes and as insulation glass in houses) only takes place in specially designed trailers (so-called inloaders). Because these trailers have been specially designed for glass frames, they can transport only glass as return cargo. This is why, until now, these trailers have had to drive long distances with no return cargo.

The newly developed MaXi-Trailer^® is able to transport glass on a glass frame which is integrated in the trailer, and which sinks into the load floor of the MaXi-Trailer^® after use. This results in the creation of a ‘normal’ mega trailer which can transport general commodities (up to 34 euro pallets). A further important environmental and savings advantage is created because the MaXi-Trailer concept is fully inter modal, meaning, on suitable routes, the cargo can therefore also be transported per ship or rail.

Making use of three test trailers, Van Huët has intensively tested this concept over the past year. With over 500,000 kilometres of travelled distance, the new MaXi-Trailer^® concept has amply proven itself.

Starting in November 2008, the new MaXi-Trailers^® was introduced into the market. The official presentation of this innovative development took place at Glasstec, which was held from 21 through 25 October 2008, in Düsseldorf.