Steveco has deployed new trailers for transporting paper and cardboard rolls from the MM Kotkamills factory to the ports of Mussalo and Hietanen. The design and construction of the new trailers took more than a year to complet, but the result is trailers that can only be described as unique.

The new trailers are used by HMK-Drive as Steveco's contract haulier. The company's drivers transport rolls of paper and cardboard around the clock with three drivers for each shift.

One of the drivers of the longer than standard trailer is Saana Jaakkola. who says that the increased length of the cargo has had very little affect on her work – thanks to the excellent technology and design.

In fact, the changes have resulted in noticeable improvements. Handling is made easier by the turning axle of the last trailer, which is particularly useful at intersections and in tight bends.

"Thanks to the axle, the trailer makes a smaller turn than usual; without the axle I would need more space to turn," says Jaakkola.

A new combined indicator and camera

The new transport units have four-axle 15.5-meter semi-trailers. The new load tying system ensures that the tying is fixed and does not come loose at any time during transport.

"Furthermore, there are cameras in the mirrors of the truck. When I switch on the indicator to the right, the camera shows the blind spot on the right side. I have better control of the vehicle thanks to the camera."

Jaakkola says that the combination of indicator and camera was completely new to her.

"When I got to try it for the first time, I felt like Wow, what an invention!"

No unloading wait

The journeys from the MM Kotkamills factory to Mussalo and Hietanen are short, about 15 minutes in each direction.

Mussalo has some unloading berths reserved for HMK-Drive’s Kotkamills transport, so there is no waiting for unloading. According to Jaakkola, you usually don't have to wait long for your turn in Hietanen either.

In the new trailers, the rolls are loaded from the side, and when fully loaded, the driver lowers the wings first, then the walls and the roof.

The driver can monitor the binding via cameras even when the walls and doors are closed.

In Jaakkola's opinion, the introduction of the new trailers has gone smoothly and problem-free. One of her colleagues once had a flat tyre, but that can happen to anyone and with any kind of vehicle.

Long days off enrich family life

At HMK-Drive, the work shift is 12 hours. After four consecutive shifts, the driver has six days off.

"This arrangement suits me just fine. I really couldn't wish for anything better because we have a small child, and this schedule gives us a lot of family time,” says Jaakkola.

Night shifts don’t pose a problem because the long time off gives her time to rest and re-energise. When she’s working, her spouse takes care of the child.

Jaakkola enjoys her work and says the drivers are a good bunch. They are always ready to help others.

"At least so far, I have never once been unhappy to report for work."

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Text: Kirsi Riipinen Photos: Marko Laukkarinen