In the fast-paced world of heavy transport, efficiency and reliability are non-negotiable. When it comes to maneuvering trailers in terminal areas, the right equipment makes all the difference. That’s why VBG partnered with Raskaspari Trailer Service Oy, a Finnish repair shop with decades of experience, to field test the new VBG shunting coupling. The results? A solution that meets real world demands and sets a new standard for safety and durability.
A trusted partner in Finnish logistics
A repair shop entrepreneur with decades of experience.
In a country where transportation on wheels plays a crucial role in logistics, there is a need for experienced professionals like Raskaspari Trailer Service Oy, who respond quickly and keep the equipment in shape and wheels turning.
Mika Borgström has been involved in the business since the beginning, when they started taking care of part of PNO's fleet in Vuosaari, Helsinki, in 1989. In the early 2000s, the company moved to larger premises and relocated from the coast to Sipoo, slightly further inland. A glance at the number of trailers is enough to understand the need for space and the scale of the operation.
In addition to maintaining, repairing, and inspecting PNO's fleet, Raskaspari Trailer Service also offers its services to other transport companies and private customers.
Field testing VBG’s new shunting coupling – a product that meets the demand
When VBG looks for partners to conduct practical field trials, they seek companies eager to test new products, provide feedback on what works well and what doesn’t, and naturally use the system extensively to ensure effective evaluation. As modular HCT combinations have developed and become heavier and longer, solutions have been developed to improve safety and facilitate work in terminal areas. The use of a terminal coupling to move and park the secondary trailer of an HCT combination in a vehicle designed to tow a semi-trailer significantly helps with the handling of the combination.
Raskaspari Trailer Service was an excellent choice for testing the terminal coupling when it comes to maneuvering and durability because of the countless number of couplings. Only the periodic inspections themselves counts for nearly a 1500 trailers a year. So a lot of trailer moving and coupling during that time period.
There has not been a product suitable for this purpose on the market before, but in this field, as with Raskaspari Trailer Service, it has been common to use creative solutions and old coupling equipment that has been taken out of road traffic, and use them to move trailers in closed areas like terminals. The problem with old and decommissioned coupling equipment is often their reliability. There is usually a reason for decommissioning a coupling from road traffic, and as Mika Borgström also states, the driver is just as annoyed by the device not working in terminal use as in road traffic.
No more couplings hanging because of worn out rubber elements, which make it difficult to connect trailers. Reliability, easier installation, fewer wear parts, and a handle that makes it easier for the driver to open the coupling are features that Raskaspari Trailer Service really appreciated during field testing, and they will definitely continue to use the product after the field testing is complete.
What do mechanics say?
“The long handle is a premium equipment with multiple connections a day”
“The robust design keeps it durable”
“A functional product that has been developed for its intended purpose serves much better than a recycled, decommissioned alternative.”
“Versatile optional accessories compatible with the coupling, such as air assistance and display panel for monitoring the coupling status in the cab, make the work day safer and yet more efficient.
Name: Mika Borgström
Role: Workshop Manager
Company: Raskaspari Trailer Service Oy
Experience: 36 years with PNO (and other) trailers
Why field testing matters
When VBG develops new products, real-world testing is essential. Modular HCT combinations are getting heavier and longer, creating new challenges in terminal operations. The VBG shunting coupling was designed to simplify trailer handling and improve safety when moving secondary trailers with a semi-trailer tractor. Raskaspari’s high-volume operations made them the perfect partner for rigorous testing.
From improvised solutions to purpose-built reliability
Before VBG’s innovation, terminal trailer handling often relied on old, decommissioned couplingsolutions that were far from ideal. Worn out components caused frustration and downtime. The new VBG shunting coupling eliminates these issues with:
- Robust design for durability
- Long handle for easier operation
- Fewer wear parts and simpler installation
- Optional accessories like in-cab status displays for added safety
Meeting market demand
The verdict? VBG’s shunting coupling answers a clear need in the industry. It’s reliable, easy to use, and built for the realities of terminal work - helping hauliers and bodybuilders keep operations smooth and safe.
Are you interested in shaunting couplings or HCT applications?
