Rather than distributing an off-the-shelf EBS system, the braking specialists at Gough Transport Solutions work with each customer individually to build a package with all the features to match the job.
Although the braking technology requirements for individual Australian transport companies differ widely based on trailer type, cargo and environmental conditions, Gough Transport Solutions (GTS) has found a product that makes sure every combination can be catered for. Developed by Belgian company WABCO, its trailer electronic braking system (TEBS) boasts a suite of features that are put together on a case-by-base basis, taking a set of standard inclusions and choosing extras as required from a long list of options.
Every TEBS system starts with the basics: ABS braking, dual load sensing and roll stability support – all things that are integral to a high performance trailer braking system. “Since the Australian Design Rules were revised last year, all trailers are required to have load sensing valves or anti-lock braking, both of which are included in the WABCO TEBS,” explains Nick Hope, GTS Key Account Manager – Braking.
With the fundamentals taken care of, GTS works with its customers’ engineering and sales teams to hand select options that will improve the safety, productivity or efficiency of its operations. “Each package we put together is customised to the company’s needs,” says Nick. “We aren’t just selling by the part number, we work with operators to give them precisely what they need.”
An example of a feature that is available but not necessarily required by every fleet is one developed specifically for those involved in livestock cartage or meat transport. When transporting livestock or hanging meat carcasses, the trailer’s inertia causes the meat to swing around, shifting weight and causing what Nick calls ‘nuisance braking’. “This particular feature changes the parameters, in turn cancelling out the nuisance braking and lends to a more comfortable ride. You can’t go without it if you’re hauling livestock or meat, but if you’re running jinkers or dry freight this feature is of little benefit,” Nick says.
Once the GTS team puts together the right selection of features, they then go through product training with the workshop staff to make sure they know how to use all the equipment properly. “We don’t just give you a product off the shelf, and we don’t build a package then hand it over without the tools and knowledge on how to get the most out of the technology,” says Nick. “We get training from WABCO on all the features and we pass that information on to the operator.”
Once the system is operational, Nick says if any of his customers need help there is always someone reachable by phone in the GTS team that has the product knowledge to answer any questions or provide advice. “We have specialists in all of the product ranges we carry and our people know how to work together as a team to get a trailer to do what you need it to do. We know we have world class products, and we’ve built a world class service network to support it. That’s what sets us apart.”
By having GTS specialists that know the products best working closely with customers who know their own requirements the best, GTS can ensure the right features are selected. That way, each custom trailer electronic braking package it creates will match the task at hand.
Fast Fact
The optional features available for the WABCO Trailer Electronic Braking System includes return to ride, OptiTurn, TiltAlert, Axle Load Indicator, TailGuard and Emergency Brake Alert
