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ABOUT SSI
Sliding Systems, Inc. (SSI) is North America's leader in Curtainside Van and Trailer technology. We offer custom-built transportation systems that are fast and efficient, reliable, durable and superior. Our systems can be adapted to many applications. This advanced over-the-road shipping capability has proven itself with great success over the years.
Innovative engineering at SSI has produced the revolutionary Quick Closer and Rolling Post. These designs have become the de facto standard in the Curtainside industry. We take pride in our accomplishments and continue to strive for improvements in our products so that we can keep ahead of our competition, so you can keep ahead of yours. We have earned the reputation as being the leader in the curtainside technology. For all your Curtainside and Sliding Bow needs, Sliding Systems, Inc. (SSI) is the only name you need to know.
TECHNOLOGY
Our customers tell us there is a fast payback for the additional cost of the Curtainside. The engineering and technical changes are constant, to make them more durable and easier to use.
Over 85% of the trailers and vans in Europe are Curtainsides, because fuel is expensive and they need the flexibility. SSI offers the latest technology and is constantly working with Europe to bring the highest quality products to North America.
PACKAGING
When you consider how much your company spends on packaging your products for shipment, plus the added cost for the customer who has to dispose of this packaging, you can quickly understand the savings offered by the use of a Curtainside.
With careful planning we can help a shipper save their customer money by re-designing the pallets or racks to make it possible to haul more product with less disposable materials. Many clients now use bins that are reusable. Others charge for custom pallets and refund on return, so there is no waste.
WHY CURTAINSIDES?
As the cost of trailer equipment has increased, most trailers have been re-designed to offer lower overall weight. Lighter materials, while more expensive, create bigger payloads. The flatbed trucker, in order to be flexible, has been tarping the loads, sometimes several times each day on a diminishing load. The Curtainside allows the driver to load the trailer in a manner that will give that driver the most flexibility for unload. The contract hauler who has a defined series of one-way trips can now offer a more versatile opportunity for better back hauls.
The conventional Curtainside can be enhanced by adding the Edscha Sliding Roof for crane and top loading, available for trailers and truck vans.
SSI both distributes and install the popular new Sliding Bow Systems. The outside frame mounted Sliding Bow will open the entire flatbed from either the front or rear. The quality and durability in each SSI product makes them longer lasting and user friendly.
Many companies that own SSI Curtainsides have found them to be very beneficial. There's no need for loading docks, saving you on wait time. Tarps are eliminated, thus reducing work injuries and gaining more valuable time. Loads are protected from the weather. SSI Curtainsides are designed for user-friendly operation. Open and close the entire length of a trailer within minutes. Shouldn't we be helping your company?
ABOUT CURTAINSIDES
Carriers across America have discovered a European secret for more profitable hauls and backhauls: one word, Curtainsides.
No more waiting at the docks for your drivers, they can simply pull in the destination yard and let the lift truck do the work.
If you have ever paid a Worker's Compensation claim for "tarping", you can now save the premium. With a Curtainside trailer or van, load and unload is as easy as opening your closet at home.
Sliding Systems, Inc. is the premier source of Curtainside Technology for all of North America. As the exclusive distributor for Edscha of Germany, SSI offers all the advanced designs of trailers, vans and other specialty equipment used by the primary carriers of Europe.
Lift a handle, unbuckle some straps, and you have entry to the entire side of a trailer in a matter of seconds. The exclusive SSI "Quick Closure" is durable and will protect curtain life, and anyone can operate it.
The versatile and exclusive "Versa Rail" is a curtain rail designed for little deflection and the assurance of smooth curtain operation for the life of the Curtainside. This advanced curtain rail using specially designed roof bows offers a secure, no leak, sealing roof.
Some Curtainside designs will have the driver removing the side posts. Not the SSI exclusive "Rolling Post". The SSI side post stays securely in the rail and rolls to either side while loading. Since it never leaves the trailer or van, it will last for the life of the vehicle and offer the safety and durability not available from others.
NO LOADING DOCKS
How often does your trailer and driver have to wait for an available dock to load or unload? The lack of dock space is the largest problem for "Just in Time" deliveries. A big advantage of the Curtainside is that it can be loaded or unloaded from both sides or by opening the roof. In inclement weather the Curtainside can be unloaded inside the warehouse with a lift truck. Continuous loading docks inside the plant makes it possible to unload on one side, while loading the empty pallets on the other side.
OUR HISTORY
Sliding Systems, Inc. (SSI) was founded in 1991 and is still equally owned by two of the original co-founders: Gail B. Dallmann-Swenson and Duane A. Swenson.
SSI brought the German engineered curtainside technology to the United States. We manufactured curtainsides and sold them internally to a subsidiary transportation company before selling the curtainside trailers and curtains publicly to customers throughout North America and the Dominican Republic.
In 1998 the vision of an All Aluminum Curtainside System came to reality with the introduction of the first and still the only All Aluminum Curtainside manufactured in the world. Aluminum is strong, light weight, does not require painting, rust resistant and has a superior appearance.
With the introduction of this unique technology and its immediate success, an expansion of the facilities was required. In July, 2004 SSI held a Grand Opening of its new state-of-the-art 36,800 square foot adjacent building. This unique facility was equipped with new machinery, a massive curtain shop and a paint booth to accommodate a 53' tractor and trailer.
One third of our new building is dedicated to the building of curtains and the enhancement of artwork. Curtain replacement, with exceptional available artwork, has become a major additional business for SSI.
SSI stocks parts for all makes of curtainsides. Repair and replacement work on curtainsides and all sliding bow systems has become a major business for SSI. SSI provides immediate emergency repairs for busy truckers. SSI is three minutes off Interstate 69 at exit 94.
SSI remakes competitive curtainsides and outfits units with SSI quick closures and our unique sliding posts. SSI rehabilitates and updates units to keep trailers on the road.
New for 2009 at SSI is a partnership with Edscha in the sale of sliding bows. The new and vastly improved Edscha sliding bow rolls smoothly on special carriers and ride on aluminum rails that have been hardened, to severely reduce denting. These units are outfitted with SSI curtains, a quick closure at the bulkhead, an available DOT approved bulkhead, and an exceptional tensioner that sends the unit down the road tight as a drum.
SSI is growing by providing the best aluminum curtainside, steel system and now a world renowned sliding bow. You can trust SSI to provide you with the best systems, full service and curtain replacements to keep you on the road.
Our Facility
Business has increased tremendously and SSI has geared up to meet the demands. As a result, a new manufacturing plant has been built! This facility is 36, 800 square feet in size. All manufacturing processes of curtainside units, kits and components, curtains, and repairs will now be under one roof.
SSI has invested in new tools and equipments, along with the building, so that production can increase with regards to efficiency.
