Aerofficient announced two new product lines: fairings for intermodal container chassis and a lower cost line of fairings for dry van and refrigerated trailers.

Working with one of North America’s largest railroads, Aerofficient said it created its new chassis fairings to withstand the rigors of intermodal transfer yard operations and extended highway driving. A patent-pending design feature of the new fairing allows it to withstand damage when a container is being loaded onto a chassis, according to the maker, which added the top of the fairing will flex and bend to absorb the shock of an imperfect loading operation.

“We spent a great deal of time and resources studying this market before creating our new intermodal chassis fairing,” said Jim Reiman, Aerofficient CEO. “Durability and the necessity to absorb shocks and collisions with containers during the loading and un-loading process were identified as ‘mission critical’ design criteria. It is now well established that side fairings can significantly reduce fleets’ operating costs through fuel savings, but only if the fairing can survive the rigors of real world operating conditions. If a trailer has to be pulled off the road to repair or replace a fairing (even if it’s done at no charge) it still ultimately costs the customer money and dramatically affects the ROI. Our fairings stand up to the challenge and generate real savings.”

Also new, the company’s Aerofficient Basic line of fairings for dry van and refrigerated trailers features the exact same geometry, panels and attachment clamps as Aerofficient’s hinged line of fairings, but do not have the hinge. The company said the Basic line will have the ability to bend inward and outward to negotiate obstacles as high as 18 in. and will not warp in the sun or crack in the cold. They naturally shed snow and ice, weigh just 97 lbs./side in standard installations, and are offered in multiple configurations, according to the company.

“Adding the hinge is an expense that some fleets just do not need due to the nature of their particular transport,” explained Reiman. “The Basic line is still the same superior flexible, durable product as our original hinged product, it just doesn’t have the hinge. Those fleets with less experienced drivers, steep loading docks and unpredictable or extreme conditions will be encouraged to use our original hinged design. Those with less extreme conditions will find the Basic Line a more cost effective solution since both lines generate the same fuel savings.”