Haulage firms increasingly favouring semi

Haulage companies are looking more towards the use of semi-trailers designed at increasing capacity and effectively reducing costs. The firms are a vital cog within the supply chain jobs sector and new research conducted by Frost & Sullivan noted that many companies are looking to take the next step in innovation during a tough financial climate. The semi-trailers allow hauliers to transport more goods but slash the operating costs that come with it. Officials behind the study noted that the western European market for these kind of vehicles had seen a surge in revenues to $2.02 billion (£1.4 billion) over 2011 while this is expected to increase to $2.77 billion by 2018. Haulage companies are beginning to favour the use of semi-trailers due to the fact that they are generally lighter and can significantly improve a firm's fuel efficiency. The uptake in these vehicles is currently on the rise as they enable major organisations to adhere to the changing transportation regulations which are outlined by the European Union. Wallace Lau, Frost & Sullivan automotive and transportation research analyst, said: "New industry regulations and high fuel prices are fostering a synergistic relationship between truck and semi-trailer OEMs, aimed at offering end users an attractive total cost of ownership for integrated truck-trailers. "In addition, this collaboration is expected to lead to innovative technologies that will further enhance the overall efficiency of a tractor-trailer combination." The use of semi-trailers is also set to provide a boost for a host of UK-based logistics enterprises which are currently in the middle of tough financial standings. This has been down to the rising cost of diesel and many operators will be looking at any move which will help them get their heads above water. Mr Lau added that there needs to be greater collaboration between lorry and trailer producers which will then see further technological advancements over the coming years and ease the financial pressure on some firms that have been evident of late.