Krueger Transport

PIONEERING ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE.

With a legacy rooted in a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Krueger Transport Equipment has spent the last 45 years making Industry Awarded Semi-Trailers that are built for the Australian Industry and Environment.

Australia’s transportation industry asserts its dominance by moving more tonnes per kilometer (t/km) than its global competitors annually. In recent years, the sector has witnessed a surge in performance-based standards (PBS) adoption and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen technologies as part of its ongoing expansion.

Kevin Dennis, CEO of Krueger Transport Equipment (Krueger), acknowledges, “Australia’s transport industry has a legacy of pushing boundaries, making it the most respected, productive, and efficient transportation landscape worldwide.”

As Krueger, a pioneer in innovative semi-trailer design, gears up for its 46th year in business, it remains committed to the foundational principles that have defined its brand. “2024 promises to be another dynamic year for Krueger as we continue to enhance our products,” Dennis affirms. “This commitment stems from decades of engineering expertise and a relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the Krueger trailer.”

“In the product realm, we are poised to ramp up production of our newly introduced K-Van range (Dry van) by year-end, following successful pilot runs with key clients. This expansion into a new market

segment solidifies our position as a major player through broadening our product portfolio.”

Furthermore, strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as a laser cutting facility, has revolutionized Krueger’s manufacturing processes. “By the conclusion of 2023 and into early 2024, we are already reaping significant benefits and efficiencies from these investments,” notes Dennis. “Our newly implemented laser cutting machine and facility has notably enhanced quality and time efficiency, translating into improved manufacturing standards and reduced production times. This ultimately results in delivering more high-quality Krueger trailers to the market.”

ENGINEERED TO LAST.

Hearing from John Krueger, Founder of Krueger Transport, and Adis Selmic, Manager - Projects & Production Engineering, they shed light into the past, present and future of the core of Krueger’s business, engineering and design.

When you first started Krueger, what was your intention in building semi-trailers?

John Krueger, Founder (JK): It all started 48 years ago at the kitchen table when I conceptualised my first design. I’d been a truck driver for many years and driven Skeletal Trailers. During this time, I’d encountered numerous safety challenges and operational difficulties with various trailer brands, notably the dangers and weekly accidents and incidents you would hear about posed by poorly designed 20-foot container skeletal trailers.

The first trailer I built was for my own use as an owner-driver, which took me six to nine months to construct in my own driveway and my intention was to increase my rig’s capacity from carrying one 20-foot (ft) container to two, doubling my trip’s efficiency.

A crucial aspect of the trailer design was to stop the issues around manoeuvrability under load, which caused dangerous and sometimes fatal incidents on

the roads, as well as a safe and efficient decoupling of the trailer from the truck at the dock point, which is those day had huge issues with trailers sinking on poor footed ground or diving headfirst as the weight was not evenly spread lifting the rear of the trailer and trapping workers or forklifts and destroying cargo. It was a huge amount of work, but ultimately it was a huge success, literally. This catalysed a change in the industry, and we began Krueger Transport Equipment. My journey as an owner-driver gave me such an understanding of the complexities in trailer design, safety aspects and maximising productivity. When we first started producing trailers as Krueger Transport Equipment, for the first 10 years, I spent more time in the field analysing our product to keep innovating. Our designs where not without their critics, as industry and competitors spent years disparaging the designs. Then years later they eventually copied my designs, as customers became more and more frustrated with outdated ideas and continual issues and incidents from their products.

Today, Krueger stands as a pioneer in establishing fresh industry benchmarks within Australia. This distinction is attributed to our pioneering role in

solving the problems of the industry and innovating and executing various aspects and elements of trailer design. This also meant consistent recognition through multiple industry accolades.

Our commitment to innovation is underscored by the number of successful patents we have all designed to address safety in load cartage and restraint issues as well as occupational health and safety.

How has the company’s engineering and design process evolved over the last 45 years?

JK: I don’t think much has changed outside of the use of technology and changes to transport regulations. The innovation hasn’t stopped. Since its inception, Krueger has prioritised R&D, laying the groundwork for our stringent policies and procedures. By adhering to rigorous standards, we ensure that only the highest quality materials are used in the manufacturing of our trailers and that we stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and processes to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers.

I still am heavily involved in the engineering process and the conceptualisation of answers to customers problems and feedback. And over the

years, our engineering team’s dedication to quality remains unwavering. It’s what has and continues to distinguish us in the industry and has made Krueger synonymous with excellence. Whether it’s engineering, manufacturing, design, or delivery – innovation and quality are at the forefront of everything we manufacture.

From an engineering and manufacturing perspective, what differentiates Krueger from the competition?

Adis Selmic, Manager of Products and Production Engineering: Before my time at Krueger, John Krueger was extremely hands on in creating the strategy and

procedures within the engineering department, and these are the core values that my team and I work by today.

What sets Krueger apart from the competition is our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, regardless of the design’s complexity. Our engineering team works tirelessly on new ideas and continuous improvements, ensuring that each trailer we produce is of the highest quality and safety.

ENGINEERED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS.