LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Despite the aerodynamic design of the modern tractor, in a quest for greater fuel economy, the rectanglular shape of the trailer has changed very little since its inception.

Utility Trailer is hoping to change all that. It introduced two new designs at the Mid-America Trucking Show, as well as an environmental collaboration with another company to promote a drag-reduction device.

At the start of the launch, Utility Trailer introduced its new thin-wall 4000D-X dry van, a post panel design that has a composite wall for less damage and greater durability. The sidewall panel is made of high-density polyurethane foam construction “sandwiched” between high-strength inner and outer skins, forming a composite that bonds together. The result, according to Utility, is a composite panel that absorbs more energy, and outperforms earlier designs.

“It’s a lean design that is lighter, and stronger than its predecessor,” said Craig Bennett, Utility Trailer’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

The 4000DX also utilizes the company’s patented SnagFree recessed posts, for damage-resistant loading. Some of the standard features include a stainless steel rear door frame, and flush-mounted galvanized steel logistics posts, with fully-recessed, squeezed fasteners for greater durability.

Utility Trailer also introduced what it describes as the “highest strength, lowest weight flatbed.” The 4000A is built with aluminum/steel composite that reduces TARE weight by 400 lbs. Utility says the new flatbed is durable, reliable, and stronger than previous models, due to a newly-designed 80,000 psi high-tensile steel, hat-shaped main beam top flange.

“Our goal was to bring to market an optimized flatbed trailer that would provide the maximum return on investment for our customers,” said Jeff Bennett, vice-president of engineering for Utility Trailer. “We did this by eliminating 400 lbs of steel and aluminum on the base model flatbed, which not only reduced material costs, but enabled the trailer to carry more payload.”

On another front, Utility Trailer has entered into a partnership with ATDynamics, for the commercial launch of the latter’s aerodynamic TrailerTail. The rear-drag reduction device will be attached to the rear of the trailer, for greater fuel economy.

This design qualified for the US Environmental Protection certified SmartWay program, an environmental and financial incentive intended to promote upgrades that result in fuel economy, and thus, reduced emissions. The incentive is potentially available to Canadians, who take advantage of US financial arrangements linked to SmartWay, according to a financial representative related to the program, who was speaking at the Mid America Trucking Show.