Technical Transformation in Production Infrastructure
In Türkiye, the lowbed, semi lowbed and modular trailer classes used in heavy-load transportation are increasingly being addressed through a more systematic engineering approach in terms of both structural safety and vehicle coupling geometry. Manufacturers are incorporating technical processes into production planning aimed at verifying chassis strength, the suitability of connection points and load-carrying behavior, which are of critical importance in high-tonnage transport. Public policies and sectoral incentives are also paving the way for the development of products aligned with international market expectations.
Sectoral Production and Technical Practices
Heavy-duty trailer manufacturers are developing broad product families through high-strength steels, extendable chassis solutions, different axle configurations and a project-based design approach. Hydraulically steered axles, multi-axle systems and engineering solutions for the transport of long and massive loads are prominent in manufacturers’ technical documentation.
During the design process, criteria such as calculating load distribution, maintaining axle load limits, correct selection of braking system components and maneuverability in confined spaces are supported by both computational and test-based verification methods.
Standards and Engineering Framework (EN 13155 and ISO 1726)
The EN 13155 standard defines the safety requirements for non-fixed lifting attachments used with cranes, lifting appliances and manually operated load-handling devices. The scope includes plate hooks, vacuum lifting units, magnetic lifters, spreader beams, C-hooks, lifting forks, various clamping systems and anchorage systems for placing concrete elements.
These requirements include test stages such as verification of static strength, assessment of elastic stability and demonstration of fatigue strength. Designing and selecting these attachments used in heavy-duty trailer operations in compliance with EN 13155 significantly increases the safety of the transport chain.
ISO 1726 and ISO 1726-3 address dimensional compatibility in the tractor unit–semi-trailer coupling area. Interchangeability dimensions, contact area limits and operating angles related to the fifth wheel–kingpin interface are defined in these standards. This ensures that the same semi-trailer operates compatibly with tractor units having different axle configurations.
International Market and Compliance Dimension
Türkiye is approaching the position of a global supplier in lowbed and heavy-duty trailer production. Manufacturers export to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and other markets through the use of high-strength steel, certified production and project-based engineering designs.
This export-oriented production model makes it mandatory for tractor unit–trailer coupling dimensions to be designed in compatibility with fleets in different countries, for fifth wheel areas to be optimized according to standard dimensions, and for load securing and lifting points to be defined in compliance with relevant regulations.
In addition, in modular and multi-axle heavy transport trailers, factors such as turning radius, axle load limits and bridge/tunnel clearance criteria are regarded among the critical technical constraints in international projects.
R&D, Materials and Hydraulic System Studies
R&D activities focus on high-strength steels, special alloys, extendable chassis architectures, hydraulically steered axles and control systems. This approach facilitates adapting the same trailer platform for different load types or axle configurations.
Multi-axle and hydraulically steered systems used in modular trailers are designed to increase maneuverability in tight turning areas while optimizing stability and axle load distribution on uneven terrain.
Overall Sector Outlook
Strengthening Türkiye’s compliance with international standards such as EN 13155 and ISO 1726 is creating an engineering infrastructure that increases both the safety of domestic fleets and access to export markets. Cargo safety, the safe use of lifting attachments, standardization of coupling dimensions and R&D activities specific to heavy transport continue to determine the sector’s competitiveness.
