58 Research shows there have been semi-trailers with a fourth axle in Brazil for at least 15 years. They were used in contradiction of the rules established by the National Traffic Council (Contran). On December 13, 2021, these semi-trailers were finally legalized. According to Contran resolution 882, the combination between a tractor truck and semi-trailer must have be equal to or greater than 17.5 meters in length and have a Total Combined Gross Weight of up to 58.5 tons. The minimum distance between the fourth axle and the other three is 2.4 meters. The maximum length of a four-axle truck is 18.6 meters. If less than 17.5 meters, the authorized Total Combined Gross Weight will fall to 48.5 tons. “As with every new product, the main thing was approval, striving for the highest safety index,” says Randon’s director of technology and innovation, Juliano Pimentel. He recalls that there were also important discussions about the impact on roads, which delayed approval. Growing market - The president of the Association of Cargo Transport Companies in São Paulo and the Region (Setcesp), Adriano Depentor, says, “The use of semi-trailers with a fourth axle will increase because they will be manufactured in series and no longer adapted.” The director of Rodofort Guerra, Alves Pereira, says, “Undoubtedly the market will grow via expansion and renewal of fleets.” The commercial director of Truckvan, Luiz Carlos Cunha Júnior, adds, “They account for 20% of our production.” This type of trailer is advantageous over bitrains, with a Total Combined Gross Weight of 57 tons, or 1.5 tons less. Trucks with a fourth axle can carry grain and any type of load. Depentor, from Setcesp, cites as examples the transport of stones, sand, limestone, steel coils, and beverages. Cunha Júnior, from Truckvan, adds processed and industrialized foods to this list. Olivo’s commercial manager, Clauber Hipolito, says, “In the transport of ceramics we have great potential for growth, as it is precisely where our sales are currently concentrated. There was a need for equipment with higher capacity and better performance in the operation of loading and unloading, and the fourth axle performs this function. “ Good for self-employed drivers and fleet owners - The manufacturers surveyed believe that new semi-trailers are good for self-employed truck drivers and large fleet owners. “It’s not about competition for freight, but about better cost performance for both,” says Olivo’s commercial manager. “Everyone benefits because they offer equipment that increases their direct revenue,” says Pereira, from Rodofort Guerra.. Semi-trailers with a fourth axle make progress Diverse applications and load capacity will attract self-employed drivers and fleet owners PRODUTO | PRODUCT | PRODUCTO
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