Safe Recoveries


	Gravel Trailer Recovery - March 2007 (Click each image to enlarge)






	On March 7, 2007 Arens Services was called to CCM, a Concrete and Ready Mix Company to right the trailer of an 18 wheeler. Only the loaded gravel trailer had gone over and there were no injuries to the driver or CCM employes. During the load discharge process, the tipping trailer was in a near vertical position when one set of rear wheels sank through the hard surface, causing the trailer to move from the vertical while still two thirds loaded. With the sudden vertical weight transfer, the trailer

hydraulic ram and tipping frame could not sustain the load stress and the trailer went over on its side.

Arens Services sent a single 50 ton NRC rotator to the scene and gently recovered the trailer without additional damage. The load was completely recovered by a front end loader. The tractor was undamaged however, the trailer required repairs to the hydraulic ram and the tipping frame.


	Union Pacific Train & Trailer Accident Recovery - May 2007 (Click each image to enlarge)










	May 2007 found a Louisiana transport driver uncertain of his route in Prairie View, Texas. This momentary loss of direction cost him his oversized load and his trailer when his vehicle collided with a west bound Union Pacific freight train at the crossing barriers and the intersection of Hwy. 290. The impact between the locomotive and the rear of the 53 ft. trailer twisted the trailer deck and sheared the 35,000 lb. single slab of reinforced concrete from the trailer, hurling it some 50 feet before coming to rest blocking the intersection and both traffic lanes.

Damage to the concrete slab was substantial on one corner and this was later returned to the fabrication plant for repair. The Union Pacific locomotive, one of triple header sustained significant frontal damage to the cab and chassis. However, apart from shock, neither the train driver nor the driver were injured The tractor unit was undamaged however, the trailer was a total loss.

Arens Services sent two wreckers to the site along with a cleanup crew. Shannon Arens, a Nationally Certified Level 3 Operator was asked by the local police to clear the intersection of the 35,000 lb slab, so that traffic could partially resume along Hwy. 290. Using a 50 ton NRC rotator Shannon lifted the slab and rotated it to one side of the highway and made ready to load it onto a replacement flatbed trailer. The damaged trailer and the load were transported to Arens Services, Monaville impound lot and Union Pacific had the track cleared within five hours.