Air-ride
suspensions have steadily increased in popularity in nearly all
segments of the trailer industry. One of the reasons for
the steady movement to air suspensions is plain and simple; drivers
are insisting on a better ride. With the current shortage
of qualified drivers, "driver satisfaction" has become a
major issue. Drivers also like the flexibility of air-ride suspensions,
which allow them to haul a wide variety of freight, while maintaining
a smooth ride. The benefits of air ride don’t
stop with the drivers. Shippers are looking for better cargo
protection.
Fleet managers
have also experienced reduced maintenance cost and a higher resale
value on their equipment by specifying
air ride. The higher resale is due to less shock and vibration
transmitted to the trailer from the wheels and road. In
simple terms, there is less "wear and tear" on the
equipment. As technology advances, air-ride suspensions are being
manufactured lighter and at competitive prices. Due to these
technological advances and as the benefits add up, air ride has become
standard equipment for many Flee and owner operations.
Today
not only is air ride gaining market share, but another new market is
emerging in "Integrated Air-Ride Suspension Systems" and
Hendrickson is leading the pack. In 1995, Hendrickson introduced
INTRAAX® , the first integrated air-ride trailer
suspension, axle and brake system. In addition to unmatched
performance and minimal maintenance, INTRAAX® innovative
design offered weight savings to the Flee, which translated into
increased payload.
The customers
are finding that life is much easier because of improved extended
warranty coverage provided by Hendrickson. Flee are also benefiting
due to weight savings and durability that is inherent in the design of
our integrated systems.
Hendrickson’s
trailer suspensions are the finest integrated air-ride suspension
systems available today. INTRAAX® will give a smoother
ride whether the trailer is loaded or unloaded. This softer ride will
dramatically reduce driver fatigue and minimise maintenance caused by
road vibration. There will be less damage to cargo and less wear and
tear on the trailer and chassis. Operators will be able to maximise
load equalisation between axles regardless of axle spacing and cargo
type. Hendrickson trailer suspensions are available with QUIK-ALIGN®
for easy axle alignment.
Understanding
Air-Ride addresses in detail the advantages of riding on Hendrickson
air-ride suspensions. We believe Fleet management and owner operators
will quickly see for themselves how the choice of a Hendrickson system
gives them an edge in today’s competitive market.
