SDC Trailers

13th February 2020

SDC provide EN 12642 XL certification on Freespan and Insuliner Curtainsider range


As more operators continue to opt for EN 12642 XL vehicle certification, SDC, the UK & Ireland’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers has expanded their portfolio to include the standard on their Freespan and Insuliner curtainsiders. Each vehicle successfully completed structural testing carried out by independent assessment body TUV-NORD to certify the build.

EN 12642 XL is a whole-body, European load containment standard which details the safety and technical parameters required to secure a load for transport. Under advice issued by the DVSA, vehicles with EN 12642-XL certification are now deemed to comply with the DfT Code of Practice, 'Safety of Loads on Vehicles', provided that the goods are loaded with a positive fit. While trailers are not legally required to have EN 12642 XL in EU member states, it provides part of the load securing system and certifies that quality standards are met.

SDC’s CTO Jimmy Dorrian said: “In response to market demand we are pleased to offer the EN - XL option to our customers providing an extra quality guarantee on our Freespan and Insuliner curtainsiders. Each trailer passed a series of rigorous tests, fully loaded to simulate emergency manoeuvres in cornering and braking. While EN-XL provides extra assurances for load security, SDC also offer a wide range of load restraint options for compliance when cargo does not meet the positive fit guidelines. As the market leader, SDC are committed to delivering the highest level of quality and safety across our trailer portfolio and our engineers have over 40 years’ experience in this field.”

SDC offer EN 12642 XL as standard on their Freespan curtainsider, recently launched in the UK following years of manufacturing solely for the Irish market. Built on a robotically welded chassis, the Freespan features a clear side aperture and 5* easy-roll curtain technology to advance efficiency, safety and reliability during loading and unloading.

The second trailer to receive certification is SDC’s Insuliner with integrated fridge for the transport of temperature sensitive cargo. Featuring insulated curtains, doors, roof and front bulkhead the Insuliner provides a thermally efficient solution with EN 12642 XL certification up to 29,000kg payload.

SDC Trailers full EN 12642 XL offering:

  • Freespan Curtainsider
  • Insuliner Curtainsider
  • Wrap around rear step frame double deck trailers
  • Fixed rear bulkhead step frame double deck trailers
  • Straight frame 'Fastliner' trailer
  • 13.6m Straight frame curtainsiders with fixed and sliding roof
  • 15.65m Straight frame curtainsiders with fixed and sliding roof
  • GRP Boxvan
  • 34 pallet GRP Boxvan
  • Platform
  • Alloy double skin Boxvan
  • Hydraulic lifting deck Curtainsider