April 14, 2024
Pratt Industries
, Bridgman, Mich., recently unveiled its Super Lightweight 412 (GSL 412), an intermodal chassis. The latest in a long line of intermodal chassis, the product is being introduced in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary.
The GSL 412 is 700 lbs. lighter than previous models and has been engineered to be strong for its 4,550-lb. weight profile, the company said. The chassis has a gross payload carrying capacity of 66,000 lbs.
“The GSL 412 represents Pratt’s renewed commitment to our customers and their needs, a core value that extends all the way back to the company’s founder 50 years ago,” said Joel Schubach, chief operating officer for Pratt and one of the company’s owners.
“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 agree that the late Bob Pratt, the company’s founder, would be exceptionally proud of the new model. Both also concur that the new chassis renews the company’s dedication to its 1974 intermodal roots.
In the mid-70s, Bob Pratt had previously been employed at an equipment company and during his time there, had invented and patented the first “twist lock” device capable of securing intermodal shipping containers to the chassis, the company said. He went on to incorporate Pratt Industries.
The company is a private, family-owned original equipment manufacturer (OEM) trailer manufacturer.
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, and trailer refurbishment. More than 95 percent of the new GSL 412 is made in the U.S., the company said.
“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,” Schubach and Musick 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.”
Today, the company said it is responsible for continuing to decrease weight on chassis.
