How do you deal with trailer snow and ice accumulation?Posted by James Menzies at 10:46 AM
It’s that time of year again, the first significant snow fall has created havoc on Ontario roads and already the local new stations have begun complaining about snow and ice blowing off the roofs of trailers. It’s an age-old problem and one without a simple solution – at least not one that I’m aware of.
Due to the nature of the trucking industry, it’s nearly impossible to prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the roofs of trailers. Short of parking indoors every night – and we all know that’s not a realistic option for most truckers – what’s a guy to do?
The Workers Compensation Board doesn’t want drivers climbing up onto their trailers to clear the roof of snow and ice. That’s a recipe for a workplace accident if there ever was one.
Some companies have developed snow removal programs. Our on-road editor, Harry Rudolfs, tells me Purolator hires a crew that shows up with ropes, ladder and shovels and clears off the trailers before they hit the road. But in Purolator’s case, most of its trailers report to the terminal on a daily basis. That’s not the case for most long-haul fleets.
Apparently, there are some scales in Nova Scotia that installed snow removal devices last year. I’m told they work like a giant scraper to clear trailer roofs. A neat idea, but I’ve yet to see them in person so I couldn’t tell you how effective they are. I’d love to hear from anyone who has used these systems. Do they perform as-advertised?
Heated trailer roofs? Now there’s an idea. But I imagine it would be cost-prohibitive to implement and there are likely some engineering challenges as well. That’s all I’ve got, folks. Maybe you have a solution of your own you’d be willing to share? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
Comments
I have an idea that works and is inexpensive. Works anywhere the trailer is parked. Interested?
Posted by: Tom Mclaughlin | September 30, 2008 08:49 PM
I have a system that could work. It is thin film radiant heaters attached to the underside of the roof and then insulated . It would have a snow sensor that will only operate the system when it is snowing to prevent accumulation. Probably best run with an inverter to reduce amperage (12-120 volts) and only 25 watts per square foot. Could also be plugged in if power is available.
Posted by: Jim O'Dowd | February 2, 2009 10:12 AM
I'm not in the trucking industry myself, but we did some web work recently for JD Trailer Protection's "Rooster One" roof scraper, which seems to do a pretty decent job for snow removal. If you're interested, you can check out the specs, and some videos of it in action over at http://www.jdtrailerprotection.com/.
Posted by: Andrew Steve | February 10, 2009 12:50 PM
Scraper Systems, Inc offers a patented snow removal device that will remove snow/ice from van trailers, flat bed trailers and school buses. We also have a distributor in Canada. Please check out our web site. www.scrapersystems.com. We have over 185 units installed.
Posted by: Bill Yeaglin | March 9, 2009 01:23 PM
Robot 2000 Inc. is a Canadian establish company which have an snow removal device that is patent in Canada and the U.S. It as been servicing the truck industry since the year 2000. The device can easily remove up to 2 feet of snow and up to 1 1/2 inch of ice in less then 30 seconds the beauty is that it is fully automated.
Posted by: Martin Prevost | July 26, 2009 01:54 PM
i HAVE A COMPANY HERE IN MONCTON NEW BRUNSWICK CANADA AND WE CLEAR OFF TRAILERS BY HAND BUT HAVE TO USE A BUCKET TRUCK TO GET ON TOP, THIS IS MY 5TH YEAR AND BUSINESS IS GREAT, FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE THROUGHT OUT NORTH AMERICA.
Posted by: STEPHANE | December 7, 2009 12:06 PM
we have a system to be installed on trucks using compressed air, in Austria, up and running
we are looking to export this to US and Canada and need partner firm or contacts to develop this in the N.America market.
current cost per unit is about 1000
please contact me if you are interested.
kevin archer (UK)
Posted by: kevin archer | November 13, 2010 09:11 AM
attn James Menzies
Hi, - in your article on snow and ice fallng from the tops of tractor trailers you mentioned the systems in Nova Scotia. They are manufactured by Scraper Systems in Pennsylvania and we are the Canadian distributors. We have more than 200 installed across North America and we believe it is the most effective, economical and long lasting system available.
We still see many instances of dangerous loads coming unstuck - and it is only a matter of time till someone dies. The industry maintains it is the driver's responsibility to clear the roof and OSHA prohibits them from climbing on top. In addition, manual cleaning takes a lot of time. Take a look at www.denexindustrial.com
regards
Jon Denman 902.820.3300
Posted by: Jon Denman | August 24, 2011 10:52 AM
This certainly is a very real concern that is not limited only to the trucking companies, workers compensation and motorists in general. The Insurance industry in general deals with an unknown number of claims every winter. Which ultimately costs the consumer in their annual premiums.
At Leevin Design and Fabrication we have come up with what has become known as the "Avalanche" snow removal system. Not only is it one of the most economical systems on the market today, it is manufactured right here in Canada.
Visit www.leevindesign.com for more information.
Posted by: Kevin Brookes | February 1, 2012 11:25 PM