With a growing fleet of Kraker moving floor trailers supplied and supported in the UK by Kraker Partner TrailerTec, Joe Dunn Plant continues to build an efficient, reliable bulk haulage operation serving the animal bedding, arboricultural, biomass and horticultural sectors.
In today’s competitive bulk haulage market, versatility and reliability are key. For Joe Dunn Plant, operating across the UK with a strong focus on recycled and green materials, having the right equipment in place is essential to keeping vehicles moving and customers satisfied.
The company carries out a wide range of work, with a particular emphasis on moving floor and low loader transport. Much of its day-to-day operation involves moving bulk products such as woodchip and sawdust, alongside arboricultural materials including logs and arb chip. Horticultural products, such as compost, also form a significant part of the workload, as well as regular low loader movements.
This diverse mix of contracts demands trailers that can perform consistently in all conditions.
“We do a lot of different types of work,” explains Joe. “From woodchip and logs through to compost and recycled products, so we need trailers that can cope with whatever we put through them.”
Proven performance in Moving Floor transport
Joe Dunn Plant is no stranger to moving-floor equipment, having previously operated Knapen Trailers, Kraker Trailers, Legras and SDC Trailers within its fleet. This broad experience gave the company a clear understanding of what matters most in daily operations. Several years ago, the company introduced its first Kraker units to increase capacity, attracted by Kraker’s unique K-Force concept focused on strenght, reliability and long-term performance. The results quickly proved positive.
“They did a really good job for us,” says Joe. “They just needed updating in time, and when we looked again, it was clear how much Kraker had moved on.”
When the decision was made to invest in new equipment, Joe and his team turned to TrailerTec, Kraker’s UK distribution and service partner, for support.
“We spoke to Craig and he had the right specification available at the time,” he explains. “It suited our operation, and the process was straightforward.”
That relationship has continued to grow, with Joe, his brother Tom, and their businesses - Joe Dunn Plant, Chipmunk Southwest and West Buckland Haulage, collectively purchasing several trailers through TrailerTec.
Bigger capacity, better results
The latest additions to the fleet are 130 cu yd Kraker moving floor trailers, slightly larger than the previous 120 cu yd trailers.
“At first, I was a bit nervous about the height,” Joe admits. “But it hasn’t caused any problems at all. The extra capacity means we can get more on with lighter materials, and that makes a big difference when you’re moving a variety of light and heavy products.”
The increased volume and lighter construction have delivered noticeable benefits in daily operations.
“To get an extra tonne per load in payload for every movement per truck makes a big difference over a number of vehicles per day in our game,” he says.
“They’re lighter and bigger than our older trailers, which helps on both sides. Efficiency and turnaround times have improved, and overall, they’re working very well for us.”
Driver-friendly and reliable
Feedback from drivers has also been positive, with the trailers proving easy to operate across a variety of sites.
One driver, Phil, comments:
“I had a 2013 Kraker moving floor before my new one, and it was a great trailer. The new ones have come on a long way — they’re nice and simple to use and they look good too. If my new trailer does as many loads as my old one, Joe will be happy!We worked out how many loads my old trailer had done, it was just over 8,000 from new. That’s a lot of material through one trailer.”
Joe agrees that ease of use plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly.
Reliability has been another strong point.
“Touch wood, they’ve been spot on so far,” he says. “We’re quite hands-on ourselves, so we can deal with things if needed, but we’ve had no real issues. Apart from the odd light lens - usually when we’re working in forests or through operator error, which happens, they’ve been faultless. That isn’t the fault of the trailer, it’s just part of the job.”
Strong support
Alongside product performance, Joe highlights the importance of strong supplier relationships, something he feels TrailerTec delivers.
“Craig is always available and always returns my calls,” he says. “You soon get a feel for a sales department, especially after the purchase, when you really need support. It’s about whether they pick up the phone and get back to you quickly.”
“We get on well, we have a laugh, and if we need a trailer, we know he’ll sort it. Deals get done quickly, we don’t mess about, which suits the way we both work.”
This responsive approach has helped Joe Dunn Plant, West Buckland Haulage and Chipmunk continue expanding without unnecessary delays.
Long-term confidence in Kraker moving floor trailers
With multiple Kraker moving-floor trailers now playing a central role in the operation, Joe remains confident in the direction of the business and the equipment supporting it.
“They’re up there with the best in the market,” he says. “It’s a good product, and they’ve come a long way over the years.”
Would he recommend Kraker and TrailerTec to others?
“Yes, definitely,” Joe concludes. “We’re happy with them, and we’re looking forward to continuing the relationship and doing more business in the future.”
Interested in improving bulk haulage efficiency with Kraker moving floor trailers?
Contact your local Kraker partner or explore the K-Force range.