NASHVILLE—Ridge Corporation took advantage of this year’s TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition here to draw attention to the debut of its innovative 28-foot all-composite trailer, TransCore, after16 years in development.
The new TransCore design comes in nearly a full ton lighter than the previous trailer solution, while the composite construction is an “eco-friendly, fully recyclable, and repurposable system” that utilizes natural components without bonding agents, according to the manufacturer. Instead, the materials are thermally fused using one of the longest lamination lines in the world, creating a virtually waterproof and seamless composite structure.
“Fleet operators and OEMs alike were impressed by TRANSCORE’s potential, sustainability, and the clear advantages it brings over traditional materials,” Ridge President Bret Moss said. “There’s always a better way.”
TransCore represents a “unique synergy” of common, recycled materials brought together through a high-speed manufacturing process, delivering a cost-effective, sustainable solution with no harmful gas emissions, the company suggested, adding that TransCore is FDA “direct food” contact on all surfaces.
Commercial testing has demonstrated that TransCore outperforms traditional options—such as pseudo honeycomb (plastic or steel), FRP panels, and steel composite panels—in strength, durability, and insulation, according to Ridge.
Additional benefits include:
- Lightweight design reduces overall trailer weight
- Improves fleet MPG
- Increases billable freight capacity
- Enhanced fleet imaging and decaling
- Longer asset life; 20-year durability
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Bondable surface for versatile applications
- Enhanced trade-in value