Family owned Robert Heath Trucking has become the first refrigerated fleet in the U.S. to commit to installing ATDynamics’ TrailerTails aerodynamic devices on its entire fleet of trailers, the companies jointly announced.
Robert Heath operates over 300 temperature-controlled trailers, primarily in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
According to ATDynamics, installing TrailerTails can result in a 6.6% fuel savings at highway speed, based on SAE J1321 testing.
“While TrailerTails are in use by refrigerated carriers across the country, Robert Heath Trucking has moved further,” said Andrew Smith, CEO & founder of ATDynamics, Inc. “By September, Robert Heath will become the first refrigerated carrier in the history of North American long-haul trucking to operate an entire fleet of trailers with tails. The company is setting a new precedent for shippers of temperature controlled products.”
TrailerTails work by reducing the low-pressure suction drag behind the flat rear surface of the trailer. They extend out 4 ft. from the rear of the trailer, improving the aerodynamic profile of the trailer at highway speeds, ATDynamics said. They also collapse automatically to provide unobstructed access to the rear cargo doors.
“By reducing the aerodynamic drag behind our trailers, we offer our customers a more environmentally sound way to move their cargo and reduce US oil dependency,” said Jody Heath, president of Robert Heath Trucking. “Rather than just meeting requirements, we are now exceeding all SmartWay requirements for trailer aerodynamics and further reducing our customer’s carbon footprint.”
