Heavy Haulage Game Changer: Ceres Environmental’s TRT 4x8 ESS Low Loader

Modern heavy haulage demands innovative solutions that exceed the capabilities of standard transport equipment. As urban projects grow more complex, companies like Ceres Environmental rely on specialised, high-performance trailers to move demolition equipment efficiently through narrow city spaces. That’s where TRT’s 4x8 ESS Low Loader comes in, a first-of-its-kind trailer designed to meet the challenges of New Zealand’s heavy transport sector.

Ceres Environmental, a leader in commercial demolition and asbestos removal, recently added this cutting-edge trailer to their fleet. Their experience with TRT highlights why the 4x8 ESS Low Loader is set to redefine heavy transport operations in New Zealand.

Why Ceres Needed an Advanced Transport Solution

Managing a fleet of heavy demolition equipment, from 1.2-tonne to 120-tonne excavators, is no small logistical feat for a nationwide operation. As Ceres Environmental continued to grow, relying on subcontractors for transport became less practical, leading them to take their transport operations in-house.

“We didn’t need our own transport back then, but over the past five years, we’ve been working all over New Zealand. With transport costs rising significantly, bringing it in-house became the best option for us,” explains Phil Robertson, Senior Site Manager at Ceres Environmental.

Ceres’ work varies widely, spanning rough terrain, urban demolition zones, and salvage operations. The need to navigate restricted sites, lift heavy loads, and transport oversized machinery meant that a standard trailer simply wouldn’t work. With an increase in city-centre projects requiring careful planning and execution, Ceres had to ensure they had a transport solution that aligned with New Zealand’s regulatory requirements, council restrictions, and evolving infrastructure challenges.

The purchase of a trailer was a strategic investment to improve operational efficiency, reduce transport costs, and increase the company’s overall control over logistics. Transporting heavy machinery involves multiple considerations, from securing permits with local councils and the NZTA to navigating narrow urban streets. The right trailer would provide long-term value, enabling smoother workflows and fewer logistical bottlenecks.

The ever-changing nature of demolition projects means transport needs are constantly evolving. High-density urban jobs bring different challenges than remote industrial sites. With a versatile, custom-built trailer, Ceres can adapt quickly to varying conditions, minimising downtime and maximising efficiency.

The Power of the 4x8 ESS Low Loader

The TRT 4x8 ESS Low Loader is unlike anything Ceres has used before. Its Electronic Steering System (ESS) allows for precise manoeuvrability, a crucial feature for demolition projects where access is often restricted.

“We are always having to be in tight spaces… and the all-steering was perfect for us,” said Robertson.

Compared to traditional trailers, the ESS Low Loader provides unmatched flexibility. Its ability to lift, oscillate, and steer independently of the truck driver means Ceres can navigate construction zones with greater ease and efficiency.

“It’s a all steering four by eight trailer that can lift up to 1,500mm high, drop down to 800mm, and you can steer without relying on the truck driver. Someone can get out, control it from a remote, and just have the driver pull the trailer,” Robertson noted.

A low loader that adapts to different site conditions makes a huge difference in efficiency and safety.  “When you’re navigating tight turns or dealing with obstacles, you can steer your way out without even needing to reverse the truck,” Robertson explained.

The remote-controlled steering system allows for greater precision, particularly in urban job sites where congestion is high. The ability to control the trailer from up to 100 metres away is a significant advantage, ensuring that site personnel can coordinate movements without disrupting traffic or requiring complex reversing manoeuvres.

Additionally, the trailer’s suspension system and weight distribution reduce stress on roads and make it easier to comply with weight regulations, further improving its usability across various job sites.

Choosing TRT: Reputation, Innovation, and Expertise

TRT is a name that carries weight in the heavy transport industry. Known for its engineering expertise and high-performance trailer solutions, TRT was an obvious choice when Ceres began searching for a manufacturer.

“TRT has got a good reputation in New Zealand… Talking with certain drivers about what brand they use, and basically seeing them on the road, was why I started digging into it,” said Robertson.

However, choosing a manufacturer wasn’t just about brand recognition. Ceres spent three to four months evaluating options before making a final decision. When Robertson and his team visited TRT’s Hamilton-based manufacturing facility, they were impressed by the company’s hands-on approach.

“I like a salesperson who really knows their product,” said Robertson. “Jeremy Carden took us through the entire factory, walking us through the process and discussing our options. Even before we signed anything, they went out of their way to understand our machines, including what we carry in terms of weight and dimensions. That’s where it all started.”

For Ceres, the decision to work with TRT also hinged on the ability to customise the trailer to suit their unique demolition fleet. With over half their machines classified as oversized, they needed a trailer designed specifically for demolition specs, longer booms, and non-standard attachments.

Delivering on Performance: TRT’s Customer Experience

Beyond the product itself, Ceres was particularly impressed by TRT’s customer service.

“Jeremy and Glen Harnett both flew down even before we signed on the dotted line. They came out, measured the machines, seeing what hazards could be on it, and what they could change on the trailer as it was getting built,” said Robertson.

Even before Ceres committed to the purchase, TRT’s commitment to service was clear. “Jeremy always answered my phone calls. Communication is very big for me,” Robertson stated. The ability to have direct access to knowledgeable support throughout the decision-making and production process gave Ceres confidence in their purchase.

“I get a lot of timelines that get pushed and pushed. With Jeremy, they actually came right on the date they said,” Robertson said.

The customer support extended beyond just the trailer itself, TRT also helped set up and integrate the heavy haulage truck that would be towing it.

“Jeremy actually ended up taking on more work for the heavy haulage truck… he preassembled all the wiring for the trailer so that we didn’t have to go back to Hamilton when the truck was done,” Robertson shared.

With TRT’s expertise in truck fit-outs, they ensured that the trailer was fully optimised for seamless connectivity, safety compliance, and long-term durability. By integrating custom wiring, traction control, and load balancing features, TRT ensured that the 4x8 ESS Low Loader would perform at its peak for years to come.

A Smart Investment for the Future

Bringing transport in-house with the TRT 4x8 ESS Low Loader has already had a significant impact on Ceres Environmental’s operations. The combination of flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings makes it a valuable asset as the company continues to expand.

“I would definitely recommend TRT. I’ve had a few people come and look at the trailer. They’re quite amazed at how far the technology has come. Anyone here that I know is welcome to test out the trailer and have a look for themselves,” Robertson stated.

As the heavy haulage industry in New Zealand evolves, so too do the demands for precision-engineered solutions that optimise transport operations. With TRT leading the way, businesses like Ceres Environmental are proving that investing in cutting-edge trailer technology isn’t just about transport, it’s about transformation.