QUALITY AND TIME-TESTED EXCELLENCE
Trailers have been a mainstay of the Australian manufacturing and transport industries for decades, offering dynamic opportunities for an abundance of businesses across the nation.
“The boundaries of the country’s transport sector have always been pushed and stretched when it comes to the productivity and design of trailers. For this reason, it is the most talked about, respected, admired, productive, and efficient
We speak to Krueger Transport Equipment’s leadership team about the company’s pioneering designs, commitment to the highest standards of trailer manufacturing, and dedication to achieving customer satisfaction
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Nicholas Kernan
transportation landscape in the world,” opens Kevin Dennis, CEO of Krueger Transport Equipment (Krueger).
Indeed, no other country moves as many tonnes (t) per kilometre than transport operators in Australia. Moreover, with the increasing adoption of performance-based standards and the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen technology, the nation continues to be a frontrunner in the international
trailer industry.
Positioned at the forefront of this global landscape, Krueger has maintained its reputation of operating as a premium brand since its founding over 45 years ago.
The company’s capabilities as a leader in innovation and quality are evidenced by the fact it has built over 20,000 trailers in the last four decades, with 14,000 still registered and active today.
“Our commitment to excellence,
reliability, and customer satisfaction has solidified our position as a powerhouse in the Australian transportation market,” Dennis prides.
A POWERFUL BRAND
Krueger’s trailers have become the product of choice for leading logistics organisations across the country as the brand has continuously grown to encompass numerous subdivisions, including but not limited to Krueger National Spare Parts and Advantage Trailer Rental (ATR).
“Our brand voice in the market has never been stronger as we integrate into all the newest marketing channels to create a larger, wider, and more diverse audience who will follow our story and see our quality on a national and global scale, even if they are not in the transport industry,” Dennis expands.
Regarding National Spare Parts, the division stands apart from typical comparable branches. With over 14,000 items in its inventory, the business can support trailers outside of the usual portfolio by offering high-quality products from some of the industry’s top brands, alongside trusted aftermarket services.
“This extensive offering enables our service teams to work on virtually any type of semi-trailer, regardless of the brand. This internal collaboration strengthens the Krueger brand beyond manufacturing, providing value to a diverse array of customers,” opens Ben Raudino, National Spare Parts Manager and Branch Manager for Victoria.
As part of his role in overseeing the Krueger branches in New South Wales and Brisbane also, Raudino works closely with suppliers to secure
competitive pricing and ensure that the division remains a strong player in the market.
ATR, meanwhile, contributes to Krueger’s brand success in multiple ways. First and foremost, the division provides a comprehensive rental service, offering a wide range of semi-trailers including skeletal trailers, fridge units, and curtain siders, available in both A and B combinations. This flexibility allows the division to cater to its customers’ diverse requirements.
The division presents tailored options that not only meet its customers’ current needs, but also provide the flexibility to support their future growth and opportunities.
On top of this, ATR supports customers when their trailers are in for service or repairs, ensuring that they stay on the road without disruption.
“Our strong after-sales service is something customers frequently praise, as we understand the critical importance of keeping their assets fully operational. We know the pressure they face to avoid downtime, since freight never stops,” David Raffaele, ATR’s Rental Manager, comments.
Furthermore, with the constant turnover of trailers, ATR also assists customers looking for second-hand purchases and ensures they find the right solutions for their needs.
This same ethos is replicated by Krueger’s National Services and Warranties division, which guarantees customer satisfaction in the maintenance and repair of all heavy trailer models, not limited to Krueger vehicles.
“Tailoring to the individual needs of customers, the business provides prompt service and support for warranty claims and repairs. This reliability fosters customer loyalty
and long-term relationships,” Service Manager for Victoria and Warranty Coordinator, Brett Tweedly, tells us.
Tweedly’s role at Krueger is to ensure that all workshop operations run smoothly and efficiently by managing maintenance, repairs, and customer requirements.
“My duties include maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and effective service delivery, managing costs, and upholding the company’s reputation through after-sales support,” he adds.
PIONEERING DESIGN
Krueger was established from Founder John Krueger’s personal need for greater trailer capacity whilst building his first trailer in his driveway at home in Melbourne’s West. Unexpectedly, John’s endeavours resulted in a design with unmatched efficiency and convenience.
“As far as I knew, there were no truck and trailer combinations in
Australia at the time that matched my rig’s capacity. The longest trailers available were 36 feet (ft), capable of carrying only one 20ft container or 36 general pallets.
“Therefore, the fact that my rig was able to carry two 20ft containers sparked a change in the industry,” John recalls.
The construction process for his specialised trailer-truck combination took six to nine months and involved rigorous testing, undergoing several design changes to ensure that it was easy to tow and could be effortlessly reversed onto docks for loading and unloading shipping containers.
Once the crucial aspect of trailer manoeuvrability had been achieved, thanks to the modification of a 20ft chassis to form a 10ft axle spread, John began to work on a more seamless method of decoupling the trailer from the truck.
Meeting this objective meant that he could reverse the trailer into the
Australian-Made Trailer Gates for all Trailer makes and models
Family owned and operated, Trailer Gates Australia (TGA) is committed to the design and manufacture of high quality, made-tomeasure truck and trailer gates – produced right here in Australia, from locally sourced steel and aluminium.
When current owner of TGA, Duncan Stewart, took over the business in January 2023, his plan was to really shake things up. And he’s done just that, placing a greater focus on the quality of materials used and on providing exceptional customer service.
In TGA’s biggest change to date, the company has moved away from cheaper imported Chinese steel and now exclusively uses quality Australian Bluescope Steel and Capral Aluminium for all its products.
“At TGA, we’re not focused on cost-cutting, instead we’re focused on onshoring –bringing jobs back to Australia. By building with Australian steel and aluminium, it keeps more locals in jobs and keeps the money here in Australia too,” explained Stewart.
“Some of our main competitors offer inferior products imported from overseas; and although these trailer gates might be a little cheaper at the outset, they don’t have the same level of quality and durability that you’ll find in every gate that leaves TGA’s warehouse.”
TGA’s truck and trailer gates are typically made to order, however TGA also offers a range of off-the-shelf gate sizes too, with no wait time.
“We provide a range of services and can custom make any sort of gate for trucks and trailers from heavy duty load racks to lightweight alloy gates, or flat tray tautliners. We build gates for everyone,” Stewart added.
With customers located across the country, TGA ships out hundreds of truck and trailer gates Australia wide, every week.
TGA boasts an impressive list of clientele including major trailer manufacturers.
Some of its major customers include Krueger, MaxiTrans, MaxiParts, Hunter Express, Drake Group, Freighter, Alltruck Bodies, Shepparton Body Builders, Beavertail Trailers, Border Express, Mainfreight, West-Trans, TR Group, NE Engineering, Combined Truck Bodies and Alma.
TGA currently employs seven people, including highly qualified master welders, who specialise in galvanised steel and alloy. Their expertise helps ensure quality is maintained through every stage of the production process.
Based in the Melbourne suburb of Thomastown, strategically located just off the M80 Ring Road, the facility has plenty of room onsite, offering easy truck access, even for B-doubles.
In just over a year at the helm of his new business, Stewart’s leadership has already had a major impact on quality and service –and the future is looking very bright.
“It’s exciting times ahead for us here at TGA,” said Stewart, as he revealed his next big move for the business. “Within the next 18 months or so, we’re also planning on moving towards robotics, which will lead to greater precision, and a greater capacity to deal with larger clients. We believe that by investing in this high tech machinery, we’ll be able to double our current output.”
TGA is ready and capable to take on new clients, including major trailer and truck body builders. Wholesalers are also welcome to contact the team.
For more information, please call 03 9465 3225 or visit trailergatesaustralia.com.au.
www.trailergatesaustralia.com.au
KRUEGER’S DEDICATED TEAM
From the company’s ownership and senior management team through to every employee on the factory floor, there is a shared commitment to delivering excellence in goods and services. This dedication is the driving force behind Krueger’s meticulous attention to detail and constant pursuit of quality and innovation.
“My general day-to-day involvement is less than it has been in the past, hence why I have a comprehensive senior management team.
“However, I still involve myself with the engineering team and enjoy the journey of continuous improvement, including upgrading our designs, reviewing raw materials, and working in the background with the sales team and senior management to ensure we meet our customers’ expectations,” John tells us.
“KRUEGER HAS ALWAYS PUT ENGINEERING FIRST, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE”
– JOHN KRUEGER, FOUNDER, KRUEGER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
next bay, allowing it to be loaded simultaneously with the truck. This doubled the productivity of the trailer, which typically would only be able to transport one container per trip.
Therefore, John’s innovative, firstof-its-kind design marked a turning point in the trailer manufacturing sector.
However, he faced difficulties when the manufacturing company he was working with to create the trailer faced pressure from other drivers over how much he was earning from his innovative modifications, ultimately resulting in the trailer no longer being permitted for use.
“Despite facing setbacks and ultimately parting ways with the organisation that restricted my trailer’s use, I found new opportunities
through subcontracting and witnessed the fruits of my labour seeing local businesses flourish,” John reflects.
Subsequently, after finding that there was not enough work in subcontracting alone, he sold the trailer-truck combination and placed his focus on growing Krueger as a business.
“Though my time as a trailer builder and owner-driver may have come to an end, the lessons learned and the legacy I created live on in the evolution of Krueger.”
ADDRESSING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
John’s pioneering design and subsequent creation of Krueger was inspired by the constant issues he
faced as an owner-driver, witnessing first-hand the numerous safety challenges and operational difficulties associated with towing various brands of skeleton and open flat top trailers.
Indeed, the former proved to be one of the most perilous to drive for John due to issues with excessive rear sloping, leading to cargo instability during loading and unloading and the trailer nosediving to the ground when connected to forklifts.
Additionally, he found that the chassis design of skeleton trailers led to uneven weight distribution between axles, increasing the risk of roll-overs, particularly when navigating corners.
Meanwhile, open flat top trailers, whether in tandem or a tri-axle format, also presented challenges with braking abilities and caused damage to cargo and pallets when utilising twist locks during transportation and unloading.
John’s decades of learning and experience meant that Krueger as a business could address these safety and handling concerns efficiently.
This resulted in the implementation of many adaptations such as reducing rear sloping, optimising chassis lengths
to prevent cargo falling out when the container doors are opened, altering landing leg designs and placements to stop trailers nosediving when being unloaded, and improving suspension setups to share the load across both the axles and landing legs.
Similar efforts were undertaken with open flat top trailers, where the company re-engineered the main beams of the structure to prevent the axle hopping when braking under pressure or on wet or unstable roads. Furthermore, Krueger lowered the trailer’s twist locks, resulting in fewer part replacements.
“This was critical considering the
damage I had seen to twist locks and the importance of the mechanism for holding containers that can weigh up to 30t,” John highlights.
Krueger’s improvements to both skeleton trailers and open flat top trailers subsequently became the industry standard in freight and heavy haulage, culminating in patented designs that minimised cargo damage and enhanced the overall driving experience and public safety.
From here, Krueger launched other transformations such as the Kurtainer and adopted an innovative approach to design, pushing the boundaries of well-known trailer concepts.
Lucidity and Krueger: A Partnership Forged in Excellence
Lucidity Australia designs, engineers, and manufactures premium wiring, lighting, DC-DC charging and electrical systems for the Australian transport industry. Maybe a better way to summarise what Lucidity Australia does is act as a ‘Full Service Supplier’ to the transport industry for electrical solutions.
Our relationship with Krueger goes back to 2004. During these early years Lucidity was a supplier of parts, such as lights, wire harness, buzzers and other electrical components. Over time, as this relationship grew alongside the growth of both organisations, this partnership became stronger and more interconnected. Fast forward to today, Krueger and Lucidity’s relationship is as strong as ever, and our proximity to each other helps foster this relationship. Lucidity can be on site straight away for technical support, urgent parts supply and design meetings for next generation semi-trailer applications. Today, instead of parts, Lucidity manages the full trailer electrical supply in kit format which ensures all items for the trailer are included. This leads to: simplifying trailer fit-out as everything is included in one package, reduced purchasing demands as one part number deliveries a complete trailer solution, and guaranteeing everything works ‘out of the box’ via Lucidity’s unique modular harness and lighting design framework.
Further enhancements include the Lucidity Link tail lighting range where no harness is needed as the lighting simply plugs together, making installation simple, robust and quick. In summary, all aspects of Lucidity lighting, wiring, and DC-DC charging solutions are designed and tested to work in conjunction with each other which greatly simplifies trailer electrical installation. Lucidity’s lighting and wiring simplifies installations with 100 percent repeatable designs that are modular, versatile, and adaptable.
Lucidity Australia is a part of a global organisation with design and manufacturing locations in the US, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan. In 2023 Lucidity expanded its Taiwan head office manufacturing location with the opening of the third manufacturing centre of excellence, increasing capacity and capabilities.
Lucidity’s OMP product range provides robust ‘plug and play’ wire harnessing which covers the complete semi-trailer requirements, including road trains, dangerous goods, and standard trailer applications. The wire harness system integrates with Lucidity lighting and electrical systems which provide a complete electrical solution.
Lucidity Australia engages in exporting trailer electrical kits, lighting and our charging range to Europe, China and the US. This provides peace of mind to offshore equipment manufacturers, guaranteeing compliance to the necessary ADRs of the incoming transport equipment into Australia with the added benefit of relying on years of experience working in the Australian transport sector.
Lucidity Australia has seen continual year-on-year business growth, leading to significant investment in equipment to keep up with demand and the addition of new capabilities to the business. New equipment has been added across the manufacturing range, including state-of-the-art automated wire process equipment, additional moulding capabilities, a new ultrasonic welder and testing equipment, with further equipment planned for 2024 and 2025.
Lucidity Australia is a proud Australian manufacturer, supporting the Australian transport industry with passion, expertise, solutions, and really is Australia’s only true ‘Full Service Supplier’ in this sector.
Phone: +61 03 9219 4074
Email: sales@lucidity-au.com
Website: lucidityaustralia.com.au
KRUEGER CUSTOMER BENEFITS
• Real-time programmes –Ensures customers’ supply chains are fully compliant with the company’s comprehensive practices and programmes.
• Complete solutions – Provides everything needed, including servicing, repairs, and spare parts.
• Innovation – Conducts ongoing R&D and improvements.
• Options – Offers a range of semi-trailer features both for sale and hire.
• Load restraint – Guaranteed compliance with official regulations whilst increasing productivity.
• Exceptional service – Provides professional, hands-on, and personalised customer service.
“Our commitment to a forwardthinking philosophy is underscored by our successful patenting of products such as Slide-a-Gate, addressing local restraint issues and earning accolades for occupational health and safety.”
CONSTANT PURSUIT OF QUALITY
The ability to produce high-quality engineering and designs is the backbone of Krueger. Since its inception, the company has prioritised R&D, laying the groundwork for its stringent policies and procedures.
Moreover, the business conducts thorough testing of raw materials and components to identify any potential weaknesses before they impact its products in real-world scenarios, thus avoiding unwanted risks for its customers and the general public.
“Krueger has always put engineering first, closely followed by manufacturing excellence,” John asserts.
“Ever since I started employing fulltime engineers, I’ve ensured that we always stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and processes whilst guaranteeing we build safe, high-quality trailers that are made to last, offering exceptional resale value to our customers.”
Indeed, John has created a culture of excellence and quality throughout the company, as he ensures that each Krueger trailer is designed and engineered to not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
“Before my time at Krueger, John was extremely hands-on in creating the strategy and procedures for the engineering department, and these are the core values that my team and I work by today,” echoes Adis Selmic, Manager of Projects and Production Engineering.
Therefore, regardless of design complexity, the company’s engineering team tirelessly works on new ideas and components, ensuring that each trailer
A Decade of Growing Together: Velocity Tyres and Krueger Transport Equipment’s Unmatched Partnership
In an industry driven by innovation and constant evolution, the partnership between Velocity Tyres, Krueger Transport Equipment, and O’Green has emerged as a model of enduring success and collaboration.
Since their alliance began in 2015, these companies have exemplified how mutual respect, and shared values can foster remarkable growth and achievement.
“Our business philosophy centres on growing alongside our customers. We understand that if our customers do not have the support they need to evolve and advance, we too cannot achieve growth.
AG735
Available in sizes: 11R22.5, 275/70R22.5 and 255/70R22.5
Over a decade of partnership with Krueger has presented numerous challenges, but our commitment to this collaborative approach remains unchanged. We view ourselves not just as a supplier, but as an essential contributor to Krueger’s ongoing success.”
With shared business fundamentals, Velocity Tyres and Krueger Transport Equipment remain focused on future innovations, leveraging O’Green’s high-performance products to enhance their offerings. O’Green specialises in sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the transport industry. Their products not only align with current environmental standards but also provide exceptionally durability and efficiency, setting new benchmarks for performance.
“We recognize the pressures faced by manufacturers like Krueger to innovate and continuously evolve their products. We believe that addressing these challenges is a shared responsibility. Consequently, we collaborate closely with our manufacturing partners to regularly update our offerings, ensuring that our customers can deliver tailored solutions to their markets.”
As they celebrate a decade of successful partnership, Velocity Tyres, Krueger Transport Equipment and O’Green continue to view each other as integral partners rather than mere suppliers. Their commitment to mutual growth and innovation promises to drive further advancements and achievements in the transport industry.
AG398S AG516
Available in sizes: 11R22.5, 275/70R22.5 and 255/70R22.5
Available in sizes: 11R22.5, 275/70R22.5 and 255/70R22.5
AG168
Available in sizes: 11R22.5, 275/70R22.5 and 255/70R22.5
produced is of the highest quality.
This is further emphasised by Krueger’s dedication to keeping pace with the ever-changing needs and technical advancements of altering market demands.
“While the fundamental principles of engineering excellence have remained constant, the methods and tools used in design processes have undergone a digital revolution,” Selmic informs.
Designs are now created using state-of-the-art computer software, allowing for more precise and efficient developments. The company also ensures that these programmes work efficiently, both within the manufacturing process and in practice.
“With these changes, our dedication to quality and innovation has remained steadfast as we make sure that each trailer reflects the pinnacle of engineering expertise,” Selmic emphasises.
This commitment has not faltered since the inception of Krueger, as the company understands that its responsibility extends beyond simply producing trailers – it is entrusted with the safety and well-being of customers and the general public at large.
For this reason, Krueger refuses to compromise on quality and rejects any materials or parts that don’t meet its exacting standards.
“We recognise the importance of maintaining both our reputation
APAC OUTLOOK: HAVING GROWN UP IN THE BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS KRUEGER’S LEGACY?
Grant Krueger, National Sales Director:
“As a second-generation member of the Krueger family, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the legacy built by my family and particularly my father.
“Growing up around the business and working in various departments means that my engagement with the company has been hands-on and continues to this day as I lead our sales team into the future.
“Krueger’s legacy is rooted in a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. My father instilled a dedication to quality and reliability into the business, setting high standards that have defined our reputation for over four decades.
“His visionary leadership and tireless work ethic have shaped Krueger into a trusted name in the industry, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to drive our success today.”
and the trust placed in us by our customers and the industry,” John acknowledges.
EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Steeped in a heritage of quality and innovation, Krueger ardently prioritises its customers’ needs as a fundamental ingredient to its success.
“We understand that our customers are the lifeblood of our business, as their needs and preferences are central to everything we do,” asserts Grant Krueger, National Sales Director and the son of John.
Indeed, Krueger actively listens to client feedback and continuously strives to exceed their expectations, enabling the company to develop
personalised trailers that meet their specific requirements and deliver exceptional value.
As such, the business has become a trailer industry stalwart thanks to its devotion to fostering strong client relationships built on trust and reliability and remaining the preferred choice for both large and smaller fleet owner-drivers.
Notably, Krueger would not be
able to deliver such exceptional customer service if it weren’t for its unparalleled trailer manufacturing capabilities and after-sales service through its National Spare Parts and ATR divisions.
For starters, its unwavering commitment to quality and durability has meant that the company’s trailers are built to last, with a reputation for reliability that is second to none.
“The durability and robustness of our trailers have earned Krueger a reputation for excellence that spans over four decades, with thousands still actively operating on Australian roads today,” Selmic urges.
Additionally, the company’s outstanding engineering team comprises highly skilled professionals who are equipped to tackle even the most complex design challenges.
“OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, RELIABILITY, AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION HAS SOLIDIFIED OUR POSITION AS A POWERHOUSE IN THE AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORTATION MARKET,”
– KEVIN DENNIS, CEO, KRUEGER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
Each engineer actively utilises cutting-edge two-dimensional and three-dimensional software, as well as conducting manual calculations and finite element analysis (FEA).
As a result, Krueger’s customers can rest assured that every aspect of the company’s trailers are rigorously tested and validated.
Moreover, Krueger’s comprehensive record-keeping and preservation of engineering expertise means that the same high-quality standards are maintained across the generations, especially in regard to after-sales and spare parts services.
EXPANDING PRODUCT RANGE TO KEEP UP WITH NEW MARKETS
2024 marks a year of ambition and innovation for Krueger as it is set to deliver its newly released K-Van range into full production by the end of the year, after completing many
successful piloting units with several key customers.
As a result, the company will become a major player in a new market segment as it continues to expand its product range.
Similarly, continuous improvements to its existing products are a benchmark target from year to year, which stems from decades of engineering practice and refinement processes that underwrite the recognised quality of Krueger trailers.
On top of this, the company’s recent investment in advanced technology has been a crucial pillar in the adaption of the business around the growing needs of the industry.
Towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of this year, Krueger has enjoyed major benefits from these investments, such as its newly installed laser cutting facility.
“This advanced technology has provided considerable gains in
quality, time, and efficiency, which is further reflected in our increased manufacturing quality and speed, which ultimately means we get more Krueger trailers out on the road,” insights Kevin.
Above all else, the company’s commitment and dedication to quality will remain unwavering.
“It’s what distinguishes us in the industry and has made Krueger synonymous with excellence for decades. Whether it’s engineering, manufacturing, design, or delivery, quality is at the forefront of everything we do,” John closes.
Tel: 03 8331 6100
sales@krueger.com.au
www.krueger.com.au
