Box semitrailer
A semitrailer container called a semi-trailer for transport of goods closed Kofferbau.
properties
A semitrailer is usually of a chassis made of steel or aluminum , a floor of plywood and solid side walls made of composite or plastic or aluminum.
In contrast to the box body , the box semitrailer is only coupled via the fifth wheel to the driver's cab or the tractor unit and thus represents an independent vehicle with its own approval.
The additionally insulated refrigerated cases are a special design. For this purpose, the side walls, the floor and the ceiling are cast in a sandwich construction made of polyurethane foam and glass fiber reinforced plastic - usually with a reinforcement made of wood. Due to their wall thickness, the refrigerated cases (see also thermal cases ) may exceed the maximum width of 2.55 m stipulated in Section 32 StVZO . A maximum width of 2.60 m applies to them if they have a cooling unit installed and a wall thickness of at least 4.5 cm.
The rear doors of the box semitrailer are sealed with rubber lips and are thus practically completely protected from road dust on the inside. Small leaks and often also about 10 cm² small side ventilation openings allow the air exchange required for easier opening and closing of the door, especially after a drop in air temperature inside and a rise in air pressure outside. This also makes them incomparably cleaner inside than tarpaulin trailers , which wobble and thus constantly let in street air while driving.
commitment
Depending on the type of goods, semitrailers or refrigerated boxes are often used for food transport. It is not uncommon for them to be used for the transport of particularly valuable goods that could be damaged or lost during transport with conventional tarpaulin trailers due to weather influences or theft.
In contrast to the USA , box semitrailers are used less and less within European road haulage and are in most cases replaced by tarpaulin trailers with curtains that can be moved to the side and a roll-up roof. The higher dead weight of the box semitrailer and the possibility of only being able to load and unload them through the rear doors are further disadvantages.