Serco launches lighter-weight curtainsider

Universal Plywoods (UP) has ordered new curtainsider truck bodies fitted with digitally printed curtains from South African OEM, Serco.

A key priority for these builds, according to Serco, was to use a high wear coated birch ply flooring suitable for the loading of timber boards.

A further enhancement was for these boards to be securely bonded to the steel underframe without the need for mechanical fasteners which tend to work loose over time causing water seepage and leading to possible damage to the floor and the load. The coated birch floor also offers a weight reduction compared to a conventional steel deck.

UP is a bulk stockist and distributor of plywood and other types of engineered wood products for the construction, transport, marine and furniture industries.

The prototype was successfully completed on two UP curtainsider vehicles and is now available as an option for Serco’s dry freight customers.

UP also acquired two Serco flat decks with bonded WISA Trans Birch floors to add to its delivery fleet.

Patrick Hansen, Transport Industrial Specialist at UP, said his company was very happy with both the curtainsiders and the flat decks.

“We will review our needs again early in the new year and will confirm our transport needs after moving to our new 1,300-square-metre warehouse in Prospecton KZN,” he said. “Our intention is also to monitor the overall vehicle performance and market the concept.”

In other news, City Logistics expanded its fleet with Serco.

The OEM has also forecast growth for 2022.

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