Collapsible truck shaves time off deliveries

Problem: Multi-stop deliveries took a long time to complete.

Solution: The Conestoga truck with spider (forklift) combination saves backaches and time.

Details: Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles, Ill., uses a Conestoga truck for deliveries, which has proven ideal for loads going to several customers.

The collapsible truck uses a tarp and a wheel-and-track system. The top and sides of the truck roll up against the cab. This allows the driver to only move the rack intended for a particular customer. Previously, all the racks had to be unloaded through the tailgate. When the driver had more than one stop, he’d have to unload and reload any empty racks at the rear of the truck.

“The Conestoga system has greatly shortened up the amount of time the driver would spend at any one stop,” said Gary Knosher, president of Midwest Groundcovers.

Another benefit of the system is the driver does not have to push or pull a rack during the loading or unloading process. The truck is equipped with a forklift, commonly called a spider in the trucking business, Knosher said.

“When a rack is full it can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, so moving them all by machine reduces the chances of injuries to the back and shoulders,” he said.

Midwest Groundcovers worked with the truck bed maker to fabricate a system to secure racks to the truck. The racks are secured on all four sides by removable posts which are secured into the floor, he said. The racks are secured without any straps or chains.

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For more: Midwest Groundcovers, (847) 742-1790; www.midwestgroundcovers.com.