A crack in the foundation is all it takes for a customer to lose thousands of dollars on a modular building if damaged in transport. Independent Landstar Agent Chad Crosby, however, is tackling this issue head-on with a solution of his own.

Crosby’s customized approach to problem-solving is exemplified by his design of a new trailer, which is specifically engineered to address customer concerns and accommodate modular freight better than ever before.

The Challenge

Crosby’s agency, Halo Halo LLC in Milwaukie, Oregon, is focused on the business of moving modules — pre-fabricated sections of modular buildings, which are combined and installed on-site. In fact, Crosby provides transportation services to several customers in the modular building industry.

That’s why Crosby knows these modules do not usually fit well on traditional step-deck trailers. They’re more likely to move and flex while in transport, posing a unique challenge to providing adequate securement for a damage-free delivery. Even what might appear to be slight damage can be costly, ranging from cracks in the walls to separation of the window joints and more, according to Crosby.

So, when he set out to design a new trailer for modular cargo, Crosby decided not to start from scratch. Instead, he first approached the CEO of AutoVol, one of his customers, who had previously attempted to design a trailer for the same purpose.

While this earlier design did not truly get the job done, Crosby credits it as the initial framework from which he began to work.

Next, he spoke with an experienced engineer specializing in module design to understand how, specifically, the weight of a module is distributed and supported on other trailers.

“The trailers we saw at other companies have outriggers, but they are not actually able to support the weight of the rim joists,” explains Crosby.

Rim joists offer lateral weight support for the module’s frame from the foundation up. In other words, he discovered that the weight-supporting part of the modules did not sit on the trailer at all because they extended too far over the sides.

From there, he decided to work with a leading trailer designer and manufacturer that specializes in customized heavy-haul trailers. Together, they discussed the design possibilities for a new module-focused trailer.

The Solution

To accommodate the weight of the modules in a more secure and evenly distributed manner, Crosby’s trailer design featured movable outriggers every ten feet, specifically for the rim joists. He also expanded the length of the trailer to a total of 72.5 feet, including wider decks and axles to enhance load stability and driver safety.
Crosby’s trailer design also involved a new extendable bumper to further increase its length and weight capacity when necessary.

That said, he did not immediately create a perfect design. Currently, the third generation of his design is in use, and with each new version, he has continued to refine the details, consult again with engineers and seek input from drivers.

“The drivers tell me they can feel the difference in the way the load pulls – it’s more stable,” says Crosby.

But while he continues to strive for improvement, he also knows his work thus far has paid off. According to Crosby, his customers are thrilled with how he’s improved their freight transportation — and he plans to use these new trailers to continue expanding his business.

“People are noticing that the modules we deliver are in better condition than those delivered by our competitors,” says Crosby. “I've never met a customer that wasn't thoroughly impressed with our trailers.”

As part of the Landstar network, independent Landstar agents and their customers have access to the specialized equipment required for even the most complex of hauls. Moreover, if the right equipment does not exist, Landstar agents like Crosby will find new, innovative ways to make sure customers and their freight don’t fall through the cracks.