Regulations for tractor-trailer homologation are in place, but ground implementation and axle-load monitoring are becoming increasingly critical to ensure safe vehicle load capacity, says, Dr. B. Ramesh, Executive Director & CEO, SDR Auto.
Commercial vehicle industry is rapidly shifting from rigid multi-axle trucks to tractor-trailers for volume and heavy goods transportation. In fact, the tractor-trailer segment is expected to double its growth over the next five years. Furthermore, the hub-and-spoke model is gaining importance, driven by new regulations for tractor-trailer interchangeability and road trains, Dr. Ramesh observed.
“To remain competitive, transport organisations must prioritise specialised skill sets, safety regulations, and lightweight concepts to optimise logistics costs in India. Indian roads are improving, and consequently, the average vehicle operating speed has increased. We need to upgrade our technology in the Commercial vehicles/ trailer segment with disc brakes, the use of super single tyres, Electronic Braking Systems (EBS), Electronic controlled Air Suspension systems, etc. Also, the quality of parts used in trailer manufacturing needs regulation to ensure safety, he said.
India is emerging as a trailer manufacturing hub for exports, with improving quality standards expected to boost demand as manufacturers enter both domestic and export markets. While tractor-trailer homologation regulations exist, stronger ground implementation and axle-load monitoring are needed to ensure safety and curb overloading-related infrastructure damage. For ODC transport, pullers and hydraulic modular axle trailers are already used.
Mission 2030
“SDR Auto engineers transport solutions tailored to meet industry requirements. Established in 2012, by Mr. B. Sundaresan, Mr. B. Dhanakumar, and myself, the company has developed standard automotive trailers, tanker trailers, telescopic extendable trailers for the wind segment, ladle carriers and special trailers for hot metal transportation in the steel segment, and many specialised trailers for the defense, space, nuclear and glass industries. In addition, the company manufactures metallic canopies, collapsible tarp canopies, air suspension, and safety equipment for vehicle testing,” he said.
The company holds a strong presence in these segments, having doubled turnover over three years. Anticipating strong demand ahead, it is expanding facilities and machinery to add capacities. “Our goal is to reach a three-digit turnover within the next two years by introducing new products for the steel and glass industries. We are also developing lightweight concepts for the trailer segment, including hydraulic modular trailers and multi-axle line trailers, anticipating the demand for higher payload tractor-trailer transportation requirements in India in the coming years.
“Introducing regulations for Gooseneck-type semi-trailers with hydraulic modular axles and multi-axle (up to 8-axle steerable) trailers for 40–100 tonne payloads would improve road transport dynamics and align India with global standards.”