When it comes to trailer manufacturing, where durability and longevity are essential, every component must be capable of withstanding rigorous use, heavy loads, and diverse environmental conditions. Among these critical components, the flooring often bears the brunt of the wear and tear.

Traditional flooring materials like wood and plywood are susceptible to several problems: moisture damage, rot, pest infestations, and gradual deterioration under heavy loads, to name just a few. This translates to frequent replacements, costly downtime, and potential safety hazards. To address these challenges, trailer manufacturers increasingly turn to corrugated metal floors — a robust, long-lasting solution that offers superior performance and cost-effectiveness.

Let’s explore how corrugated metal is helping trailer manufacturers and their customers achieve their business goals. We’ll look at why strong flooring is important, why corrugated metal is an excellent choice, how corrugated stacks up against wood flooring, and more.

WHY DURABILITY MATTERS

Trailer floors made from corrugated metal last longer, but why is that important? After all, disposable products and planned obsolescence seem to dominate our culture.

The answer is that embracing the “built to last” philosophy offers significant advantages for companies across various industries, including trailer manufacturing. Investing in durable, long-lasting products, such as trailers with corrugated metal floors, yields a multitude of benefits:

  • Reduced Costs: While the initial investment in durable products may be higher, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Reduced maintenance, fewer replacements, and minimized downtime translate to lower operational expenses and a greater return on investment. For trailer manufacturers, this means fewer warranty claims, lower repair costs, and increased customer satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Brand Reputation: Building products that last cultivates a reputation for quality and reliability. Customers appreciate products that withstand the test of time and perform consistently, and that appreciation promotes brand loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and referrals. In the trailer industry, this translates to increased trust among haulers, who rely on their trailers for their livelihood.
  • Improved Sustainability: Durable products contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing waste and minimizing the consumption of resources. Extending the lifespan of trailers using long-lasting materials like corrugated metal decreases the demand for raw materials and lessens the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal.
  • Increased Productivity: Durable trailers spend less time in the repair shop and more on the road, maximizing productivity and efficiency. For businesses that rely on trailers, this means fewer delays, improved delivery schedules, and increased profitability.
  • Competitive Advantage: In a market saturated with disposable products, offering durable, high-quality trailers provides a distinct competitive advantage. Customers are increasingly seeking long-term value and reliability, and companies that can deliver on these expectations are likely to gain market share and customer loyalty.

So, while the mindset that “We’ll just plan on replacing that trailer floor as soon as it breaks down” is understandable, given how ingrained disposability is in our culture, opting for a long-lasting flooring solution makes sense for many reasons. It’s a strategic investment that yields long-term rewards for the company and its customers.

You can sum up why durability matters in two mental images. One is a trailer sidelined as workers invest significant time and effort in ripping out the old, deteriorated flooring and tossing it aside. The other is a trailer being hauled down the highway with strong corrugated metal flooring installed many years before continuing to perform as designed.

THE UNRIVALED STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE OF CORRUGATED METAL

Corrugated metal, easily recognizable by its distinct wave-like pattern, derives exceptional strength and structural integrity from those corrugations. Acting as reinforcing ribs, they distribute weight evenly across the floor’s surface, significantly enhancing its load-bearing capacity. This inherent strength makes corrugated metal floors particularly well-suited for heavy-duty applications, as they can withstand the constant stress of cargo weight, impact from loading and unloading, and vibrations during transport.

Unlike wood or plywood, corrugated metal is impervious to moisture, rot, and pest infestations. It exhibits remarkable resistance to chemical spills, oil leaks, and exposure to the elements, ensuring extended performance even in the harshest environments. This resilience translates to significantly reduced maintenance needs, less downtime, and lower repair costs over the trailer’s lifespan.

CORRUGATED METAL: AN ARRAY OF OPTIONS FOR TRAILER FLOORING

Trailer manufacturers appreciate corrugated metal’s versatility and ability to meet diverse needs. They can choose from a variety of corrugation profiles, each offering unique benefits in terms of strength, load distribution, and traction.

The gauge thickness of the metal can also be adjusted to meet specific load requirements. Thicker gauges provide greater strength and durability, while thinner gauges offer weight savings and cost-effectiveness. Protective coatings, such as galvanization or powder coating, further enhance the corrosion resistance and longevity of the flooring.

TRAILER FLOORING COMPARISON

Wood and plywood were historically the go-to materials in trailer flooring and are still widely used today. However, those materials have inherent limitations:

  • Wood: Wood is susceptible to rot, decay, and insect infestation, especially in humid environments. It requires regular treatment and maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
  • Plywood: While offering improved moisture resistance compared to solid wood, it can still delaminate or warp under heavy loads or moisture exposure.

In contrast, corrugated metal flooring for trailers offers a compelling set of advantages:

  • Superior Durability: Metal resists moisture, rot, pests, and chemicals, ensuring a longer service life with minimal maintenance.
  • Enhanced Strength: The corrugated structure provides exceptional load-bearing capacity, enabling the transport of heavier cargo.
  • Improved Safety: Anti-slip coatings can be applied to corrugated metal, enhancing traction and reducing the risk of accidents during loading and unloading.
  • Sustainability: Steel is a highly recyclable material, making corrugated metal a more environmentally friendly choice.

CUSTOMIZED TRAILER FLOORING SOLUTIONS

Each trailer type has its unique requirements. Corrugated metal flooring solutions can be customized to suit various applications, including:

  • Enclosed Trailers: The smooth, durable surface of corrugated metal flooring protects cargo from damage while facilitating easy loading and unloading. Custom cutouts can be incorporated for tie-downs and other accessories.
  • Flatbed Trailers: Corrugated metal with a high load-bearing capacity provides a robust and stable platform for transporting heavy equipment, machinery, and construction materials.
  • Utility Trailers: Corrugated metal withstands the demands of hauling landscaping equipment, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles.
  • Livestock Trailers: The corrosion-resistant properties of corrugated metal ensure a hygienic and sturdy flooring solution for transporting livestock.

CORRUGATED METAL AND SUSTAINABILITY

In addition to its economic and performance benefits, corrugated metal supports greater sustainability. Steel, the primary material used in corrugated metal production, is one of the most recycled materials globally.

Choosing corrugated metal floors demonstrates a commitment to “greener” operations and reduced reliance on finite resources. Those are excellent reasons to consider corrugated, but there’s one more. A focus on sustainability can be attractive to potential customers who have environmental goals of their own.

INNOVATIONS AND EMERGING TRENDS IN CORRUGATED METAL

The field of corrugated metal technology is constantly evolving. At Corrugated Metals, we’re pioneers and leaders in our field, offering innovative solutions such as:

  • Lightweight Corrugated Metal: We utilize advanced alloys and manufacturing techniques to reduce weight without compromising strength.
  • Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: New coatings and treatments provide even greater protection against harsh environments.
  • Integration with Smart Trailer Systems: Sensors can monitor floor conditions and optimize trailer performance.

CMI: YOUR PARTNER IN TRAILER FLOORING SOLUTIONS

With over a century of experience, a deep understanding of corrugated metal production methodologies, and extensive expertise in trailers and transportation, CMI offers a wide range of options tailored to meet this industry’s specific needs and expectations.

Just as importantly, our commitment to quality extends beyond our products to encompass exceptional customer service and technical support. Our team of experts works closely with clients, guiding material selection, design optimization, and installation best practices. This collaborative approach ensures that trailer manufacturers receive the ideal flooring solutions to enhance their products’ durability, performance, and value.

In other words, we’re more than just a product provider to the companies we work with. We’re a product development partner who is as invested in their success as they are.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In some cases, “the way it’s always been done” is perfect, and no changes are needed. In others, there’s a better option, and leveraging it benefits a company and its customers in many ways. That’s true with trailer flooring.

Corrugated metal flooring presents an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking to enhance their products’ durability, longevity, and value. Its superior strength, resilience, and resistance to wear and tear eliminate the need for frequent replacements, minimizing maintenance costs and maximizing trailer lifespan.

By investing in corrugated metal floors, trailer manufacturers can provide their customers with reliable, long-lasting trailers that withstand the rigors of demanding applications while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Whether you have an immediate need for corrugated metal or are simply exploring your options and vetting potential providers, we encourage you to contact us. We’re happy to discuss your needs and explain how corrugated metal flooring can meet them. Or, if you’re ready to move forward on a project, you can request a quote.