Talson Transport Engineering, the lightweight trailer builder from Nuenen (Netherlands), has developed a revolutionary new trailer design: the GIGA Trailer. Talson developed the trailer in a consortium that included Vlastuin, Pecocar Holland, Lightweight Structures B.V. and FOCWA/Cintec branche organization. The self-supporting concept is based on a closed torsion-free structure without a chassis, which means that a heavy undercarriage and a complex welded construction are not required. This produces a reduction in weight of approximately 25% compared with conventionally built trailers. The GIGA Trailer also has a high loading capacity and maximum transport volume. The trailer, which was especially designed for carrying cooled mega volume airfreight, weighs less than 7000 kg, including the five incorporated airfreight roller conveyors. Compared with similar trailers, the loading capacity is on average 2500 to 3500 kg higher. In addition, the trailer has good driving characteristics, which helps to reduce tyre wear. The Giga Trailer will, because of the new construction method and the new materials that have been used, easily meet the requirements for ATP- FNA certification. The Giga trailer has been entered for the ERT Innovation Award and will be on display at the Talson Stand (number 08.011) during the 2003 Commercial Vehicle Trade Fair at the RAI Exhibition Centre Amsterdam.

The trailer design incorporates high-grade fibre-reinforced plastics, aluminium and Domex steel in a sandwich construction. The starting point was to reduce weight whilst retaining durability and reliability. The reason for this is that weight costs fuel and loading capacity. An additional advantage of the new design is that the trailer's centre of gravity gives a more favourable distribution of weight between the axles and the fifth wheel than other trailers on the market. Because of the ultra flat and extremely light plastic/Domex steel coupling section (nearly 300 kg lighter than comparable coupling sections) and because there is no chassis, the net load on the fifth wheel is, furthermore, hundreds of kilos lower. This is a major advantage for distribution transport. The construction is also fitted with lightweight running gear and integrated roller conveyors.