An automatic coupling system for connecting grid power to charge the battery of a battery powered electric semi-trailer reefer and a method for automatically, directly providing electrical power to a battery powered electric semi-trailer reefer battery. The method comprises providing an auxiliary power source and electrically connecting said auxiliary power source to a parking surface charging pad for each leg of a landing gear for a battery powered electric semi-trailer reefer. The parking surface charging pad contains an electrode plate in it. Also provided is a landing gear electrical contact pad containing an electrode on a lower end of each leg of the landing gear.

Trailer particularly provided with a device for removing and/or arranging a bundle from and/or in a heat exchanger, comprising at least one wheel axle, wherein the trailer can be coupled to a tractive vehicle, wherein at least one support wheel axle is connectable to the trailer for the purpose of independently supporting the trailer in at least an uncoupled state thereof.

Autonomous yard vehicle management systems and methods are described. An autonomous yard vehicle system comprises a chassis, at least one freely rotating wheel disposed proximate to a distal end of the chassis, a first drive wheel driven by a first motor, a second drive wheel driven by a second motor, a coupling configured to mechanically couple with a cargo trailer, a plurality of sensors disposed about the chassis, and a computing system programmed to navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and the cargo trailer.

One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

A storage arrangement for at least one line from a tractor truck to a trailer including at least one of an electrical line, a first pneumatic line and a second pneumatic line includes a housing member configured to be secured to the truck external to a cab of the truck, a first receiver connected to the housing and configured to couple to a select one of the electrical line, the first pneumatic line and the second pneumatic line, and an air pump positioned within the housing and pneumatically coupled to a pneumatically-driven assembly of the trailer.

The Trucker's Tool is a safer way to pull fifth wheel handles because the length allows truck drivers to stand up straight with (both) feet flat on the ground when pulling on the fifth wheel handle. The Trucker's Tool keeps you from bending your back and reaching over the top of the tires to pull the fifth wheel handle with your hand, putting you in an unsafe position. Standing up straight when pulling on the fifth wheel handle helps to keep a driver's head, hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder away from dangerous areas. A driver can put (both) hands on the Trucker's Tool when pulling the fifth wheel handle, allowing them to use twice the strength and less the strain on the above mentioned areas of the body helping to lower the risk of injury.

The weight distributing trailer hitch installation and storage dolly is designed to store and transport to and from a tow receiver all, but not limited to, the common weight distributing trailer hitch components listed herethe hitch-head assembly, comprised of the shank and the hitch-head with connecting balls installed, the spring bars, the sway control brake(s), and the spring tension adjusting tool. At the to receiver the weight distributing trailer hitch installation and storage dolly enables the operator to raise or lower the hitch-head assembly with spring bars attached and adjust the horizontal and vertical angles to match those of the hitch receiver of the tow receiver. The shank of the hitch-head assembly can then be inserted and secured into the hitch receiver of the tow receiver. The weight distributing trailer hitch installation and storage dolly can then be released and rolled out of the way. With the tow receiver coupled to the trailer, the spring bars can be tensioned and the sway brake(s) installed. The process is reversed at the other end of the trip. All done safely, easily, and without manually lifting or carrying heavy parts.

A terminal tractor, comprising: (a) an operator cab. (b) a fifth wheel configured for repositioning trailers, and (c) a trailer stabilizer lift separate from the fifth wheel.

A parked freight trailer stabilizer and restraint comprising: (a) a kingpin receiver configured to lock onto a kingpin of a parked freight trailer; (b) a jack operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the jack repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (c) a tail hold operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the tail hold repositionable between a stowed position and a restraining position, the tail hold configured to engage a ground mount; and, (d) a transport receiver configured to engage a transport vehicle.

The invention relates to a driverless transport vehicle for moving a semi-trailer. The driverless transport vehicle comprises a coupling device which is designed to establish a connection with the braking system and/or an electronic system of a semi-trailer. The invention also relates to a method for coupling a driverless transport vehicle to a semi-trailer.