Back to the article list The popularity of Intermodal Transport on European roads is steadily increasing. On numerous occasions, we have mentioned on our blog many advantages of intermodal transport which make it so popular. Today, however, we are going to focus on the swap bodies, without which the intermodal revolution would definitely not be possible. We are going to outline how they are designed and what are the advantages of each specific element.
BDF – A System Optimising Transport
In Poland, the name BDF is commonly used and it refers to the German phrase “Bundesverband des Deutschen Güterfernverkehrs”, which might be translated as: Federal Association of German Road Freight Transport. Although the very name has been adopted in Poland, in other countries, however, this solution is referred to as “swap body”.
The design of a complete BDF system is very simple: it consists of two parts integrated with each other:
- • a swap body or the “movable” part of the system
- • BDF chassis adapted to transport of the swap body which includes both the swap body itself and the accompanying BDF trailer.
What Are BDF Swap Bodies?
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most striking part of the BDF system is the swap body itself. The BDF container is distinguished from classic road trains by its unusual design and the possibility of easy disassembly from a chassis adapted to its transport. The container bodies are, of course, not the only type of the design that can be found on our roads – swap curtain-sided bodies are also quite popular.
The most important advantage of the BDF swap body system is, of course, that it can be freely exchanged between different modes of transport designed to use this type of construction. In modern supply chains, this saves a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent on the tedious process of handling. This type of body can not only be immediately transferred onto another vehicle, but can also be used as storage for the goods being transported.
The procedure for operating the swap body system is fairly simple and can be carried out by a driver who has been provided with proper training. We presented the exact course of the procedure in one of our videos prepared for last year’s IMS Intermodal Show event. In our video, you can see the reliable BDF containers produced by our partners from XBond.
Container Chassis
Of course, a swap body needs a suitable chassis for its proper transport. Both special BDF bodies built on traditional vehicles and BDF trailers serve this purpose. In both cases, we are talking about vehicles that are intuitive to operate, designed to provide the highest level of convenience for the user. Swapping the body – unlike the time-consuming reloading and handling process in standard road trains – is simple and quick.
The driver of the BDF system is able to independently remove the loaded swap body thanks to the simple design of the container chassis, using support points (which also act as guidance rollers). Therefore, the very process of putting the body down can take just over a minute.
A number of technologies are responsible for the effectiveness of the container chassis, guaranteeing smooth and safe operation of the vehicle – please see the photos below:
HVC Solutions from SDG
In the case of BDF systems from Gniotpol Trailers, the HVC technologies developed by our partners from the German company SDG deserves a separate mention. The first one is the special double-locking heads, which allow the vertical load support to be adjusted with gas spring assistance.
The other solution is SDG patented KHV frame, which significantly increases the personalisation possibilities of the system. Not only does it allow a BDF body to be prepared on any brand of chassis – it also allows it to be built on alternative fuel or electric drive vehicles.
BDF System on the Road – Hand-over for SELT
A good example of the application of the BDF systems in practice is the latest hand-over prepared for one of our trusted partners: the sun protection systems manufacturer SELT. The diverse designs developed and manufactured by our customers require special care during transport, which is ensured by the swap bodies offered by Gniotpol Trailers.
Practical Advantages of BDF Systems
As a company specialising in the development and implementation of transport technologies, at Gniotpol Trailers we have taken a commitment to find answers to the growing needs of the TSL industry worldwide. Not only do we see the potential of the intermodal transport in the economy of the future, but we also find viable applications for swap body systems today.
On the road to the intermodal revolution, our team has prepared a White Paper that explains in a comprehensive manner the opportunities the BDF systems give to the world . We present both the economic and social context of the intermodal transport and the practical benefits of swap bodies.
Please feel free to contact our sales representatives for more details!
