Roadrunner from Fliegl: Efficient Solution for Combined Rail and Road Transport

Especially in cross-border traffic, the transportation of semi-trailers by rail is already an alternative to road transport, which is gladly used by companies. However, this requires cranable trailers that can be easily and quickly loaded onto the rail without significant time loss.

An important argument for Fliegl to bring the 3-axle curtain-sider trailer type SDS 390 Roadrunner to the market in a version suitable for rail loading. For this purpose, the intermodal version has been equipped accordingly: In addition to the obligatory gripper edges, it features a robust structure, a special tarpaulin, and foldable underrun and side protection. This makes the model predestined for combined transport (CT).

Specifically, the structure described by Fliegl as "robust" is certified both according to Code XL and DL 9.5. Furthermore, it meets the requirements for the beverage certificate according to VDI 2700 Sheet 12 ff. as well as the rail codification according to EN 13044 with ILU-Code. Thus, the trailer is suitable for transport speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.

Another model is the Megarunner Twin. The two-axle helps save on tolls. | Image: Fliegl

Side curtain well reinforced and with grab edge protection

The side curtain, including the grab edge protection, is reinforced with welded horizontal and vertical belts. In combined transport, this is intended to ensure the necessary strength. Welded horizontal and vertical belts are also integrated into the roof tarpaulin, which is fastened with five buckles per cross bar. Every second cross bar is additionally equipped with roof securing hooks. In the area of the crane pockets, the roof tarpaulin is provided with markings intended to make it easier for the crane operator to load the type e, f, g, and i pocket wagons onto a support block 1,110 millimeters high.

The support feet of the trailer were moved back by 120 millimeters. The SAF disc brake axles are equipped in KV version with wire rope safety as sag protection. By also slightly offsetting the axles, the permissible total train weight of 44 tons in KV can be utilized. The first axle is designed as an automatic lift axle, including forced lowering and starting aid.

If the towing vehicle needs more traction to start, the first axle can also be raised under load. In this way, more weight is shifted onto the fifth wheel, Fliegl describes the effect. At a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, the axle automatically lowers again.

For optimal load securing, the slightly slanted outer frame is equipped with the Load-Lock profile: here, lashing straps can be hooked in quickly and easily. Increased safety is also provided by the 140 millimeter high crash blocker at the front as well as the side pallet stoppers in a bolted design. The front and rear walls are robust in accordance with Code XL certification. At the rear, the "Heavy Blocker 2.0" crash protection protects the trailer from damage. Eight yellow-marked ferry lugs secure the semi-trailer. Thanks to Fliegl's quick tarpaulin, the roof is quickly pushed open.

Welded horizontal and vertical belts ensure the necessary strength in combined transport.

To achieve the full loading height when loading, Fliegl uses its special non-elastic roof beam made of high-strength aluminum. This does not bend even with open stanchions over the full width – a noticeable advantage when loading and unloading with a forklift.

Safely passable for heavy forklifts

To ensure the loading floor can be driven on with heavy forklifts with an axle load of up to 7,900 kilograms, the 30-millimeter-thick screen-printed panels rest on eight longitudinal beams. The floor is grouted all around. Other useful details: The two LED work lights at the rear ensure safe maneuvering in the dark; the integrated and patented I-Lock door lock requires hardly any moving parts, and the extending ladder at the rear facilitates access to the loading area.

Image: Fliegl

At a glance

• Axle spacing slightly offset for 44 tons in combined transport
• 4 gripper edges, color-coded
• First axle: Automatic lift axle with start-up aid and forced lowering
• Reinforced loading floor with longitudinal beams for high point load capacity
• Code XL and DL 9.5-certified, rail-coded according to EN 13044, beverage certificate according to VDI 2700 sheet 12 ff.
• Folding side underride and underrun protection
• Crash blocker at the front below, lateral pallet stops
• Fliegl Blitz cover, L-roof beam, and Roof non-elastic
• Unladen weight: 5.8 tons, payload: 29,200 kilograms