There is much talk about new engines with a low environmental impact and alternative fuels, but trailer vehicles can also contribute to energy savings and freight transport sustainability, as well as to road safety. We discussed this with Alberto Maggi, the sole director of Multitrax, a company that has traded trailers and semi-trailers internationally since 1996.

Maggi explains: "What we need to think about is the overall performance of the transportation, which always depends on the interaction between tractor unit and trailer. There are many ways in which the trailer influences vehicle efficiency. For example, reducing the overall vehicle’s tare weight by using more advanced materials leads to a reduction in not only fuel use but component wear and tyre abrasion and allows more product to be transported within weight limits, thereby reducing the number of trips required for transport and, consequently, road traffic generally. In addition, a quality trailer maintains its performance for longer, has an increased life cycle and has less impact on the environment.”

Technology also plays its part in the race towards sustainability. Maggi continues: "One of the missions of our company, thanks to constant dialogue with our international partners, is to introduce to Italy the best technological innovations developed in Europe to make transport safer, more efficient and sustainable. We are the first to test smart solutions by investing in a rental fleet fully equipped with all options and the latest technology. For example, we have introduced an automatic tyre inflation system to our rental fleet, which makes travel safer, prevents fuel wastage and reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, our vehicles are equipped with a satellite system that allows us to detect any anomalies or malfunctions in our semi-trailers in real time, so we can intervene quickly and provide more accurate maintenance.”

Transpotec Logitec is an important international showcase for companies to launch their latest innovations onto the market. This is also true of Multitrax, which participates in the event every year with great passion and commitment, and will also take advantage of the event to present some important previews: "At the next Transpotec Logitec we will be in the spotlight with all the latest models in our fleet and with two previews for Italy: the Feldbinder tanker for transporting liquids and the Burgers double deck trailer, which, thanks to its 60 per cent higher loading capacity, a solar panel on the roof that powers the hydraulic tailgate independently of the tractor unit and its aerodynamics, cuts CO2 emissions by 40 per cent.”