Fleets looking for faster, easier, and safer loading and unloading should consider specifying a translucent roof, Kemlite says. However, it notes that some fleets have customers that haul heat- or light-sensitive products, and in these cases, a fleet may want to use a roof with lower light transmittance or stay with aluminum.

There are two light-transmittance options: 10 percent and 30 percent, Kemlite says. In addition, there are two tear-resistance options – enhanced tear resistant (ETR) roof and TIW, the standard roof. When using a translucent roof panel, the thickness should be spelled out in the specification and should be 0.075 in. An ETR is the best option for most carriers because of the potential for significant operational damage, the company says.

Providing proper care for a translucent roof is important. The company says when translucent roofs are damaged, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the damage from propagating. The ETR roof significantly reduces damage propagation, but it is still recommended to repair the damage quickly. Fiberglass repair kits and repair patches (SunPatch), as well as repair manuals and videos, are readily available from Kemlite. Routine roof inspection is advised to detect minor damage that could be repaired quickly.

Safety can be enhanced with a translucent roof by increasing the visibility inside a trailer, the company says. The better that forklift drivers can see what they are doing and where they are going, the safer the operation. Visibility has a second benefit: reducing cargo and trailer damage.