Raildecks, a provider of intermodal flatbed trailers, announced that Universal Truckload Services and Prime Intermodal both now are “Certified Equipment Partners” and that both companies have completed the Raildeck Equipment Certification Training Program, which enables their trainers to certify others drivers within their organization.

“In the preliminary work we have done to start the project, the Raildeck program has been enthusiastically received by our flatbed customer base,” said Don Cochrane, chief executive officer of Universal Truckload. “This is a good way to supplement capacity in a segment of the industry where it is progressively harder to grow our fleet of flatbed drivers and contractors. We are excited about getting our first loads on the move.”

Ryan Harrington, Prime Director of Intermodal, said his company was “excited to offer shippers an intermodal option to move their flatbed freight using the Raildecks solution. Prime Intermodal is the nation’s only company to offer both flatbed and refrigerated intermodal service. We are confident these expanded services will benefit both our drivers and our customers by providing additional capacity while minimizing our carbon footprint.”

Through BNSF, the Raildeck Equipment Certification Training Program also includes a rail securement program. “BNSF is pleased to see Boyd Brothers, Contrans, Prime and Universal commit to the development of the flatbed intermodal market,” said Katie Farmer, BNSF Railway vice president, domestic intermodal marketing. “We believe intermodal is a competitive and reliable alternative for flatbed shippers and for carriers seeking new avenues to grow their business.”

In addition to the new equipment partners, Raildecks has signed a multiyear manufacturing agreement with Reading, Pa.,-based Reitnouer Trailers. “Reitnouer has 30 years of experience in the trailer manufacturing industry,” said Rick Jocson, chief executive officer of Raildecks. “They are highly respected and have a wealth of knowledge and experience that will add to our product development.”

Murray Crane, Raildecks vice president of business development, said the company’s “design will continue to evolve to service the needs of the market and our customers.”