Freo Group strengthens heavy haulage capability with new TRT trailer

Article by Cranes And Lifting

Freo Group is expanding its heavy logistics capability with the delivery of a new-generation TRT 10-line ESS Modular Platform Trailer, giving the business greater control over oversized transport operations across mining, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Freo Group has traditionally supported projects through lifting operations while subcontracting transport requirements. With the addition of the TRT 10-Line ESS Modular Platform Trailer, the company can now manage transport logistics from start to finish.

Image: TRT Trailers

Freo Group  said the introduction of the new-generation TRT 10-line ESS Modular platform opens new opportunities to support clients with oversized transport movements both on and off-site.

“While we have always supported our core sites with the loading and unloading of this equipment using our modern and up-to-date fleet of cranes, we have previously contracted out the transport. This left us reliant on transport companies.

With the new platform, we now have the ability to control and plan transport logistics for our clients from start to finish and everything in between,” Freo Group said.

The trailer was officially showcased during a well-attended TRT customer event hosted at the facilities of Qube Heavy Lift. Jeremy Carden, Trailer Sales at TRT, said the event highlighted TRT’s strong relationships across the heavy haulage and lifting sectors.

He said the trailer was designed to give Freo Group greater flexibility and efficiency, particularly for mining work in Central Queensland.

Image: TRT Trailers.

According to Jeremy, the trailer will mainly be used to transport heavy mining equipment from ports to mine sites, with Freo Group handling both the lifting and transport sides of the work.

Beyond mining applications, the trailer is also expected to support Freo Group’s renewable energy operations along the east coast.

The company remains heavily involved in wind farm projects and the platform has been designed to help relocate large crawler cranes used on those developments.

One of the major advantages of the TRT platform is its modular configuration capability. The unit can switch between five, seven, eight or 10-row configurations with minimal downtime.

The trailer also features TRTs heavy duty 4.5m long Bi-fold ramps, perfect for loading Freo Group’s 7,8 & 9 axle Mobile cranes.

“TRT are the only Australasian manufacturer to offer these large Bi-folds in the Modular Platform space” says Jeremy.

Jeremy said the quick reconfiguration process was a major advantage compared to older trailer designs.

“It’s already been used as a 10-row trailer and then quickly changed into a seven-line setup with a dolly,” Jeremy said.
“They were able to remove the three-axle section in around 15 minutes, which greatly reduces downtime.”

Jeremy said older trailer systems often required significant workshop time to reconfigure, impacting productivity and operating costs.

Image: TRT Trailers.

The trailer also incorporates TRT’s electronic steering system, designed to maintain steering geometry regardless of trailer configuration. Jeremy said that improves manoeuvrability, tyre life and overall efficiency.

“The enhanced steerability of this unit places us in an excellent position for load placement under the hook of cranes and provides versatility when receiving goods onto the platform,” Freo Group said.

“Manoeuvring around tight work sites and busy main roads is made easier with impressive deck height adjustability as well.”

Jeremy said the platform was also designed with future applications in mind.

“All of our platforms in that space have the valving in them to be able to do other work, in particular “beam mode” with a split tailer configuration” Jeremy said.

“They could move into wind farm transport themselves or take on more infrastructure transport work in the future.”

Safety was another key focus during the trailer’s development. Jeremy said TRT’s ESS trailer range includes remote-controlled functions and integrated speed interlocks designed to reduce operator risk.

“All of our steering modes have speed interlocks built into them,” Jeremy said.

“The operator physically can’t activate certain steering modes at unsafe speeds.”

Jeremy said TRT has also moved away from traditional manual trailer controls that required operators to work close to suspended loads.

Image: TRT Trailers.

“Gone are the days where you should have your staff crouching down underneath a load on the side of a trailer pulling levers,” Jeremy said.

“The operator can stand well clear of the trailer and still carry out the same task using the fully proportional remote-control system.”

For Freo Group, the trailer represents more than just a fleet addition. It signals a broader expansion into integrated heavy logistics solutions.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to introduce such a valuable piece of equipment to our clients, and we look forward to expanding our current business model,” Freo Group said.