Saying unused trailer capacity is one of the largest hidden costs in logistics, Maxiloda says it has a double-decking system for trailers and trucks that offers more flexibility than other systems on the market.

Maxiloda’s Glide system allows operators to safely double or triple stack cargo. It uses mobile trolley platforms capable of carrying up to 4,400 pounds per unit. Freight can be stacked vertically, then glided forward or backward inside the trailer by hand.

This means forklifts don’t have to enter the trailer, reducing risks of damage to the trailer, to the landing gear, and to the cargo.

And because freight remains stabilized and separated on the system’s trolley platforms, the Maxiloda design reduces the risk of load crushing and freight damage, according to the company.

In an interview with Maxiloda representatives at the recent Technology & Maintenance Council meeting, they pointed out that this system also offers greater safety, because the operator isn’t underneath beams in case of collapse.

“Even if there was a failure, there is a safety mechanism, a curve that captures a beam so it doesn’t come down and hit the operator,” said Gary Stannard, president and CEO.

Improving Productivity

“One of the interesting things is that it’s not always about filling the whole truck up,” Stannard said. “Sometimes a real benefit can just be having one extra pallet and not have to make more than one trip.”

And reliance on loading docks is also eliminated, as the second layer of cargo can be loaded from the ground and glided to the front of the truck.

The company says the system is particularly valuable for:

• LTL and mixed freight networks
• Regional and last-mile delivery
• Operations without consistent dock access
• Carriers moving fragile or high-value goods.

More Details About the Glide

The system is available for hard-sided trucks (26 feet) and trailers (53 feet.) The trailer system weighs 1,100 pounds installed.

When not in use, the system stores in the ceiling of the trailer, and slides into place when needed.

It can be self-installed into new or used trailers, and is suitable for dry van or refrigerated cargo. In fact, the company says, it can improve circulation in refrigerated trailers and works with multi-temp configurations.

Bringing Glide to the U.S.

Maxiloda has already proven its technology in New Zealand and Latin America, and has been working on setting up U.S. manufacturing and distribution, with headquarters in Chicago. It’s looking for fleets to conduct pilots on the system.

It also is working to collaborate with some route optimization software companies, said Simon Leitch, vice president of sales and marketing.

“Our belief is, if you optimize your routing through your software application, and you can put more in the truck, then you get this massive multiplier of optimizing the route I’m doing.”