Every kilogram of usable load counts: Freight carrier Eichelmann relies on BPW running gear for silo transports

With silo semi-trailers, usable load capacity is a key factor in determining whether a transport is economically viable. This also applies to the operations of the transport company Ludwig Eichelmann from Werneck near Schweinfurt. The company transports powdered and free-flowing bulk goods such as cement, lime, ready-mix plaster, gypsum products, fly ash, and limestone. ‘We have stringent requirements for our trailers. They must be both lightweight and robust, because we usually run them fully loaded,’ explains Sabine Stenzinger. Since 2012, she has been managing director of the bulk goods specialist company together with her father, Erich Eichelmann. This means that the third generation of the family is now at the helm of the company.

With high usable load capacity and optimal trailer workload, Eichelmann-Transporte counters the intense cost pressure in the transport industry. ‘The market environment in the silo segment has also become very challenging,’ says Erich Eichelmann. But a competitive price alone is not the deciding factor. For Eichelmann, close contact with customers is also part of the recipe for success. ‘For us, it’s important not just to talk about prices, but also about the quality of the transport service,’ he explains. This can only be achieved with high-quality vehicles and good personnel.

Eichelmann’s fleet consists of 20 tractor units and 21 silo semi-trailers from Spitzer. All trailers are fundamentally equipped with BPW running gear. ‘We prefer BPW Achsen because they weigh less than comparable solutions from other manufacturers and are also easier to maintain. In addition, BPW’s brakes have proven to be particularly reliable,’ explains Erich Eichelmann. 

The silos remain in the fleet for between 10 and 20 years and cover between 80,000 and 90,000 kilometres per year. Over the long service life, the additional return from each kilogram of dead weight saved on the trailer adds up. ‘Lightweight construction is extremely important for us. It allows us to achieve higher returns. As long as durability and the price are right, we go for the lightweight options available. That helps us withstand the intense competitive pressure.’ For the Airlight II running gear, BPW offers the LightTube hollow profile trailing arm and the BPW aluminum hub. This allows a weight saving of 96 kilograms per trailer; the module weighs less than 370 kilograms.

The company owner determines how much a weight saving can cost in order to be worthwhile using a simple formula. ‘We calculate the average daily revenue divided by the usable load. This gives a freight rate per ton per day. When multiplied by the weight savings, this gives the additional revenue per day. Based on the minimum service life of the trailers of ten years and 220 operating days per year, even seemingly small weight savings can generate a considerable additional profit. 

The company’s own garage handles the service and maintenance of the trailers. Master automotive mechatronics technician Marc Wyphol runs the service operation, supported by an apprentice and three part-time assistants. He confirms the quality of the running gear. ‘We have had very good experiences with BPW. The product quality of BPW Achsen is excellent; they are very reliable, and spare parts are readily available. After ten years, we only need to replace the trailing arm springs,’ he says. ‘With BPW, the price-performance ratio strikes the perfect balance, and their cooperation with us is based on partnership,’ adds Erich Eichelmann – values that Eichelmann also upholds in his relationships with his own customers.