Transtex Adds Edge Fin to Boost CARB Drag Reduction Rating

Transtex announced that it now has the only commercially available California Air Resources Board pre-approved Bin V aerodynamic solution for heavy-duty trailers. The recent launch of the Edge Fin allowed Transtex’s kit, as a whole, to attain the Bin V rating, which according to Transtex is currently the highest level of trailer drag reduction in CARB's GHG regulations for trailers.

“After years of research, development, and testing of the Edge Fin device, Transtex has received CARB bin V preapproval for our Edge Elite Aero System+,” said Todd McGuire, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Transtex, during the recent American Trucking Associations management conference. “We are the only commercially available system that is Bin V certified. I don't have to tell you how important CARB preapproval is.”

The components of the Edge Elite Aero System+ are:

• Edge Skirt — Built for fast and easy installation. Can withstand steep angled docks and is EPA Smartway verified, CARB compliant, and CARB GHG Phase 2 preapproved.
• Edge Top Kit — Available for dry vans, reefers, and straight trucks with swing or rollup doors.
• Edge Fin — Built with T-Flex Blue Brackets, covered by a 10-year limited warranty.

Transtex said key highlights of the Edge Elite Aero System+ include:

• Warranty Coverage — The CARB BIN V certified Edge Elite Aero System+ includes a 10-year limited warranty on the Edge Skirt, the Edge TopKit, and the Edge Fin.
• Enhanced Environmental Benefits — Transtex's CARB BIN V certified option minimizes nitrogen oxide emissions, supports cleaner air, and combats climate change.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency — Transtex's certified option optimizes commercial vehicle aerodynamics, leading to improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and reduced operating costs for fleet owners.
• Regulatory Compliance — Transtex's CARB BIN V certification fully complies with the latest environmental regulations, giving customers peace of mind.
• Sustainability Focus — Transtex uses eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.

Edge Fin

The Edge Fin, announced in March at ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting, is the newest addition to the Edge Elite Areo System+ and the component that drives the drag reduction numbers to the Bin V level. Although the new product was announced then, it has just now become commercially available, according to McGuire.

Earlier Components

The Edge Skirt was launched about 15 years ago, explained McGuire, who said it has wide acceptance by the trucking industry. Along the way, drag-reducing flaps were also made available for trailers.

Transtex added the next component, the Edge Top Kit, more recently.

“The innovation was to give a rear aero device that was CARB approved for trailers that, for whatever reason, did not have trailer skirts but still needed to run all 50 states. So, we did that four years ago and achieved Bin III from CARB,” explained McGuire.

“But with increasing regulations, and it looks like increasing CARB Bin levels we needed to be Bin V by January 2024,” he added, as he explained why the increased drag reduction provided by the Edge Fin is needed.

Installation and Maintenance

McGuire said installation of all components in the kit is easy, and maintenance is minimal.

Many of the trailer OEMs are now installing drag-reducing devices at the factory so when the drivers or fleets pick the trailers up, the aftermarket parts are in place and ready to go.

The Transtex system also can be installed by fleets to upgrade existing trailers. In such cases, Transtex provides the installation training.

McGuire also pointed out a third way trailers can be equipped with the kit, and that is through third-party installers that are already installing other aftermarket parts for fleets or drivers.

Really, no maintenance is needed, according to McGuire, other than having a tech from time to time check the fasters to make sure they are properly torqued.

“There’s really zero maintenance on all three devices,” he added.