A prototype trailer that is part of a 200-unit order for Celadon Group has been built at Great Dane’s newest manufacturing facility in Statesboro, Ga. The refrigerated trailers being manufactured for Celadon are based on Great Dane’s Everest TL model. The reefers feature the manufacturer’s ThermoGuard liner in the sidewalls, ceiling and floor subpan to minimize thermal degradation of the trailer’s insulation.
Other features of Celadon’s customized Everest TL units include a wedge design for maximum rear opening height, Hendrickson HD Air Ride suspension, Bridgestone R197 Ecopia tires, Transtex side skirts, Carrier 2100 APX reefer units with auto fresh air exchange and Intelliset temperature control, a rear door switch, StarTrak GPS, a side air chute and an air return bulkhead, and pallet stops. The trailers are also designed for occasional rail usage.
The 200 reefers ordered by Celadon represent the first refrigerated trailers that the truckload carrier has purchased.
“As a long-time supplier of Celadon’s dry freight trailers, we’re especially honored that Celadon selected us for its initial order of refrigerated trailers,” said Dave Gilliland, Great Dane’s vice president of national accounts. “These trailers will enable Celadon to expand its customer service by hauling temperature controlled freight in addition to its already wide range of services.”