Chassis manufacturer Pratt Industries, inventors of the industry’s first 20/40 combo chassis, unveiled its Super Lightweight 412 (GSL 412) trailer. The newest in a long line of innovative intermodal chassis, the GSL 412 is being introduced in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary.

“The new GSL 412 embodies our customer commitment by addressing their needs to maximize load capacity and reduce fuel consumption — all in a robust and highly functional chassis design that will stand the test of time.” said Joel Schubach, chief operating officer for Pratt and one of the company’s owners.

Over the previous five decades, Pratt has diversified into:

• Tank and container chassis

• Truss and modular home trailers

• Gas and energy trailers

• Heavy haul, lowboy, and gooseneck trailers

• EZ ramp utility trailers

• Flatbed and platform trailers

• Log and pole trailers

• Trailer refurbishment

However, the company’s legacy leadership position in the chassis sector remains a top priority.

New Intermodal Trailer Much Lighter Than Predecessor

The GSL 412 is 700 pounds lighter than previous models and has been engineered to be remarkably strong for its 4,550-pound weight profile. It maintains the same structural integrity as preceding generations of Pratt chassis, and end users can further reduce the new chassis’ weight to 4,450 pounds, saving another 100 pounds by switching from standard dual tires to super singles.

“End users can feel confident that they are buying the most advanced, lightweight intermodal chassis out there, and that we will continue to support that chassis for another 50 years,” said Garrett Musick, chief sales officer for Pratt, and another one of the company’s owners. “That’s an important point, because we still have some of our original chassis in the field, and recently received a request for replacement parts for one of our 1978 models.”

Schubach and Musick both said that Bob Pratt, the company’s founder, would be exceptionally proud of the new Gooseneck Super Lightweight 412.

Schubach and Musick pointed out that the GSL 412 will allow users to maximize intermodal payload capacity when laden and to save on fuel costs when not. The company said the GSL 412 is also designed to include best-in-class components that will please end users and enhance trailer functionality.

Addition features of the GSL 412 include:

• Aluminum landing gear

• Large-diameter axles

• Sealed wiring harnesses

• LED lighting

New System Launches to Better Track Trailer Orders  

To underscore its commitment to customer satisfaction and support, the company also recently launched it enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which will help the organization to better track trailer orders by customer, type, and industry.

Pratt said the ERP system enables it to access customer data immediately and to answer questions quickly and accurately on order lead times and delivery schedules. It also helps the company successfully manage urgent orders that might otherwise negatively impact production burden rates.

GSL 412 Mostly Made with US-Produced Components

More than 95% of the new GSL 412 is made in the U.S., and the company owners agree that they are committed to the reshoring movement currently sweeping American manufacturing.

“This is a strategic business decision that is focused on enhancing economic stability and growth here at home, and to revive domestic industry as a whole,” they said. “In its first 50 years, Pratt has seen plenty of economic cycles, but we know keeping things a bit closer to home will improve quality, reduce financial exposure, and enhance supply chain resiliency.”