If you’ve been to Walmart lately or watched the news you already know that most of what we purchase is either made or partially made in China. Believe it or not so is your truck and trailer. Think about the little things first. The plastic parts of your interior, the tires that you are driving on, the lights and chrome you just bought at the truck stop. What you may not realize is that now many engine parts, and suspension assemblies are made in China as well.

Earlier this year I began looking at a new manufacturer of trailers, Direct of Jasper, AL. At first I was very skeptical and pretty much dismissed them. After starting a new dealership in central Louisiana, I was faced with the reality of being able to choose a whole new line of trailers. I looked at, and continue to look at different lines to carry. I was amazed at what this company has done with their flatbeds and dropdecks. The list of standard benefits is strong. Lifetime beam warranty, thicker flanges in the main beam, LED lights, coil rated dropdeck, and a willingness to build what the customer needs. This last one is huge considering the number of manufacturers that have decided to only make cookie cutter trailers.

For those who doubt the Chinese can be successful here in the States, consider this, Vanguard Trailer came on the market just a few short years ago. The parent company for Vanguard is the same company that has purchased a 60% stake in Direct Trailer.

We have went ahead and placed an order for our first trailers to arrive this week. We are also working to develop a trailer for the oilfield in south Louisiana, with some special options. As this market sits on the bottom, the equipment dollars spent by trucking companies has to be stretched as far as possible. The reality of a flatbed under $21,000 is a real competitive advantage. If this little manufacturer is able to take the market as fast as Vanguard has been able to in the van market, you will be seeing alot of these trailers on the road very soon.

These trailers can be seen at Branded Trailer Sales in Woodworth, LA (exit 73 on I49)