Tautliners

A tautliner is a type of semi-trailer or rigid truck that features a curtain made of reinforced PVC or similar flexible material. This curtain is tensioned by a ratchet system, allowing it to be easily pulled back to provide wide access to the trailer's cargo area. The curtains are typically attached to the roof of the trailer and slide along a series of rollers or guides.

The primary advantage of a tautliner is its speed and ease of loading and unloading. Unlike traditional box trailers or flatbeds that require strapping or securing from above or the sides, the curtain design allows forklift drivers or manual loaders to access the cargo directly from the side. This significantly reduces the time spent on securing and releasing loads.

Tautliners offer a good balance between the security of a box trailer and the accessibility of a flatbed. The reinforced curtains provide protection from the elements and a degree of security against casual theft. They are suitable for a wide range of goods, including pallets, manufactured goods, and general freight. However, they are not typically used for highly sensitive or extremely heavy loads that require more rigid structural support. The curtains can be secured with straps or webbing to further stabilize the cargo. The design is popular in Europe and increasingly in other regions for its efficiency in logistics operations.