The Deutsches Rotes Kreuz - Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein e.V. - has recently started using a special semi-low loader manufactured by Pacton Trailers of Ommen. The regional branch of the DRK-Landesverband represents more than 70,000 members in 397 local associations and countless facilities. Regional branch leader Benjamin Hussong explains: "We are the only regional branch in Germany with a multipurpose trailer like this. We can deploy it in all sorts of ways to respond to everything from flooding and earthquakes to accidents and disasters."

The curtain-side body of the new, three-axle Pacton semi-low loader features a large, red cross with the words "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz”. On the back of the trailer, the doors also say "Katastrophenschutz” (Emergency Response Unit). The rear is also suitable for transporting a King Lifter transportable truck in the same livery. While this is not often common for a semi low-loader, it has clear benefits for the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz.

Combined with their MAN truck, they now have access to a multipurpose fleet that can be widely used to respond to disasters and emergencies, as well as for first aid and emergency work. Hussong: “We could already carry pallets, but now we can also transport containers and vehicles. We have a Unimog truck for all sorts of tasks and errands, but it’s too uncomfortable and loud for long-distance travel. Now, we can simply load it onto the truck and go. With the new trailer, we can simply transport more cargo with fewer people.”

Metal Festival

In 2023, following earthquakes and floods in Turkey, DRK Landesverband Schleswig-Holstein used its old trailer to take winter-proof tents to the disaster-stricken area. The old trailer, which had just entered into its fourth decade of service, has now been replaced by the new Pacton semi-low loader. Fortunately, donations following the 2021 floods in the German Ahrtal enabled the DRK branch to purchase a new trailer.

In August 2024, the new Pacton semi-trailer was used at the Wacken Open Air festival, an annual metal festival in the tiny town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, just north of Hamburg. “Wacken usually has a population of about 2,000, but a massive 85,000 people flock to the festival”, Hussong explains. “Our DRK branch always puts up an on-site emergency and first aid centre at the festival."

In addition to the Pacton trailer, the DRK branch also has a mobile doctor's office, built on a trailer. Hussong: “In an ideal situation, we wouldn’t need to use these resources, but it’s important to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”

Extendable rear frame

Pacton's gooseneck semi-low loader boasts a full-length curtain-side body, which makes it suitable for transporting pallets, containers, or even large machines and vehicles. The tri-axle type SXD.342.T semi-trailer has a length of 13.64 meters with a 4-metre gooseneck and a 9.6-metre lowbed. The internal height of the trailer is 2.72 metres at the gooseneck and 3.11 metres at the lowbed. The overall height of the trailer is 4.04 metres.

The BPW air suspension features three nine-tonne axles, with an axle lift on axle 1. The semi-low loader has a rated gross vehicle weight of 42 tonnes. The trailer also has a sliding roof that can be hydropneumatically slid from front to rear as well as from rear to front. Extras include wide load signs, 2 stainless steel storages boxes and an open box for the ramps. The trailer is amply equipped with stanchion pockets and lashing eyes, as well as twistlocks for carrying two 20-foot or one 40-foot container. Alternatively, the trailer can also be used to transport a single 20-foot container in the middle. The trailer features LED lights all around, including multi-chamber rear lights, side lights, work lights and flashing lights. The 28 mm hardwood floor comes with Omega steel profiles and has three sliding stanchions with adjustable positioning on each side. The manually operated, extendable rear frame offers an additional 45 cm to the left and right. The side curtains and aluminium rear doors were supplied by Pacton, including the lettering and reflective markings.

Hussong: “There were only a handful of manufacturers that could meet our needs. After extensive market research, we decided on Pacton. Not only did they provide excellent support, but the price was good too. The trailer is entirely bespoke, entirely up to spec and of impeccable quality. Our old, run-of-the-mill trailer from 1990 had started holding us back, and we expect this new, multi-purpose Pacton trailer to last a good four decades, too," Hussong concludes with a smile. “Fortunately, it’s a Pacton, so I’m sure it will.”