The problem is not actually the ports , though , but further back in the supply chain . The reason that containers are not being moved fast enough is that there is nowhere to put them . This issue is caused by a number of factors , but can ultimately be solved if containers are picked up at ground level with no extra equipment . This is where QuickLoadz has proved to be useful . In my opinion , QuickLoadz is a simple solution to the logistical bottleneck that is paralyzing the economy .
NATDA : That sounds like the perfect application for your trailers . As for your dealers , what should they know about QuickLoadz , its products and its staff ? Where have you found success in the market ?
It took several years to figure it out . Behind our shop was a giant pile of oddly-shaped steel from rejected versions . The first QuickLoadz trailer , an equipment trailer , dump trailer and automated container mover , all in one , shipped to a customer in 2013 . Since then , the trailers have gotten better and better every year .
NATDA : Wow , that ’ s quite the story . Has the automated aspect of your trailer been a big selling point for dealerships ?
Jones : Definitely . When we used to move containers with a winch trailer , even the added wireless remote proved very inconvenient . Drivers are always losing or running over $ 800 remotes – we don ’ t want that . Now that we have a remote web app for smartphones , it allows us to do things you could never do with a remote . Not only has a driver never lost or run over their own smartphone , but we have been able to add cameras so drivers can see what surrounds their trailer when backing up , turning or loading a container on their smart phone .
Jones : We have had success selling to general contractors , since we take steps to make sure the trailers last as long as possible . Over half of the trailers that are currently shipped are hot dip galvanized . In 2022 , we expect 90 % to be hot dipped . Our customers have complained about electrical issues , so we moved to the best , most expensive Deutch connectors we could get . We added ground wires to almost every light , so that a dozen wires have to fail for the lights not to work . We switched to the much more expensive EFI engine because it always starts . It doesn ’ t matter if you are in Southern Texas or Northern Canada , that engine starts . We provide product training and detailed videos on all aspects of our trailers , so anyone can learn to use a QuickLoadz trailer . We go above and beyond for customer satisfaction .
Our technology is always improving . The next version of the QuickLoadz web app will be able to take pictures of the container , track where the trailer is , check lights and brakes and tell users the weight of the load . Currently , our trailers are powered by a 38 HP EFI Kohler engine . We have also just started to offer an all-electric version that will have the same performance that you see with the engine .
NATDA : Your trailers are made for shipping containers – what has that meant for you during pandemic times ? Have your trailers had any uses you were not expecting ?
Jones : The port crisis is a mix . On one hand , we have had the same issues as every other manufacturer in getting supplies . On the other hand , containers are not being moved out of ports fast enough , which makes our trailers very attractive . In fact , it ’ s such an issue that ports are instituting a $ 100-perday container fee for anything left at the port for longer than nine days .
24 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org