Schluter-Systems has a new tractor trailer designed reduce CO² emissions while, at the same time, carry more of the company's Ditra membrane product.

A new tractor trailer designed to carry 50% more Ditra membrane is improving shipping productivity for Schluter-Systems and reducing CO² emissions, according to the company.

The new trailer is being used to deliver Schluter’s Ditra membrane from the factory to the Schluter warehouse, in just two trips—delivering as much material in what used to be delivered in three trips.

Trucking company Holten Transportation initiated the redesign of the trailer and worked with Schluter to develop the carrier. The core of the redesign is a taller trailer which, after pallets were replaced with thinner slipsheets, allows the 323-square-foot rolls of Ditra to be stacked three high instead of two high. The concept is simple enough, but turning the idea into a working vehicle required the redesign of more than 200 components and the involvement of numerous leading manufacturers in Europe and North America, according to the companies.

“Although this innovation is outside of the tile industry and our traditional area of expertise we were confident in the expertise of Holten and it was easy to see both a business and environmental benefit from this investment” said Reinhard Plank, recently retired North American president of Schluter-Systems. “After two years in development it is very satisfying to receive the first delivery of Ditra in the new trailer.”

The first implication of building a taller trailer was that the deck height had to be lowered to stay within maximum total height requirements. The modified deck height required a change in the loading dock at Schluter’s warehouse in Plattsburgh, N.Y. 

For more information, visit schluter.com.