{"id":11135,"date":"2023-06-06T12:47:28","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T11:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/international.optimas.com\/?p=11135"},"modified":"2025-09-04T11:36:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T16:36:56","slug":"fasteners-for-trailers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/optimas.com\/en_gb\/fasteners-for-trailers\/","title":{"rendered":"Going the Distance: Fasteners for Trailers"},"content":{"rendered":"

With over <\/span>600,000 HGVs on UK roads last year<\/span><\/a>, the number of trailers in daily use is prolific. However, with supply chain uncertainty still looming on the horizon, and an increasing number of governments clamping down on Co2 emissions, trailer manufacturers are under pressure to reimagine the production and design of their builds.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

However, these incoming environmental regulations bring with them a chance for a fresh perspective on trailer manufacturing. From the beginning of 2024, the <\/span>EU will begin certifying trailers according to their CO2 emissions<\/span>, encouraging a number of European manufacturers to revolutionise their engineering principles to create new types of eco-friendly powertrains and braking systems. A plethora of manufacturers are <\/span>opening manufacturing plants in the UK<\/span><\/a>, to better meet demand for semi-trailers in the country.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

As is the case with many industries, trailer manufacturers are expected to meet demand in the face of exciting new alternative fuel prospects and an ever-growing requirement for HGV transportation. Although the situation is decidedly better than in 2020, <\/span>geopolitical conflicts have once again reduced supply chains to a state of flux<\/span>. Maintaining a steady and reliable supply of quality parts is crucial for manufacturers looking to meet demand and boost their product output.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Importance of Quality Parts<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

Trailers require a number of <\/span>standard<\/span> and <\/span>specialised parts<\/span>. In the face of supply chain instability, manufacturers must prioritise using quality fasteners in the initial design stage of a build, to avoid last-minute, costly purchase orders and delayed time to market.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Fasteners can make up less than 1% of the cost of a production build, but they can constitute more than 50% of a product\u2019s parts. Plus, these parts may be small, but they can have a significant impact on <\/span>vehicle performance<\/span>, affecting speed, fuel consumption, range and overall performance.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This is particularly the case for trailers. Making up a significant portion of a build\u2019s BOM, these parts are included in a trailer\u2019s sub-frames, floor and storage compartments, vent openings, skin reinforcements, firewall assembly and load-weight systems. Some standard fasteners for trailers can include:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n