Glass Transport Systems: Technical & Safety

We pride ourselves on the quality and strength of our glass transport systems. We are confident we have the best value, highest quality glass frails on the market. Call us now for services in Bilston and across the UK.

Technical Specification

As well as the 3 year warranty offered on all glass transport systems from Top Fleet, there are many key areas that set us aside from other manufacturers in the industry.

Unique Aluminium Profile

Our glass racking products are constructed from a mix of 6063T6 and 6082T6 aluminium. T6 – Solution heat treated and artificially aged
aluminium alloy 6063/82 is a medium strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. It has the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys. The addition of a large amount of manganese controls the grain structure which in turn results in a stronger alloy.

6063/82 is typically used in:
  • Highly stressed applications
  • Trusses
  • Bridges
  • Cranes
  • Transport applications

Rack Protector System

The rack protector is a sophisticated moulded block which is strong enough to secure the safety marker boards for the pole system, yet supple enough to absorb a percentage of the impact in the event of a collision. The rack protector also encompasses a wraparound reflector for high visibility from the front, back and side of the vehicle.

No Welding

Welds are much more susceptible to fatigue than mechanical fasteners. When aluminium cracks it usually begins at the weld. This is why we use Huck Magna-Grip® Lock Bolts for maximum strength and integrity.

Vibration proof – absolutely will not loosen due to stresses produced by highway driving.
Flexibility – lock bolts provide a secure bond with less rigidity to prevent cracking at joints.
Consistency – the clamping force of each fastener is guaranteed to be uniform throughout construction.
Doesn’t compromise aluminium’s strength – lock bolts possess high shear and tensile strength but won’t weaken the metal surrounding them.

Independent Safety Testing by CERAM

Test Report No. SW232/05
  • 1. INTRODUCTION

    Glass Carriers were provided by the client for use in the test programme. A total of six carriers of differing designs were used in the test programme.

  • 2. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLES

    Each Glass Carrier consisted of a nominally 1m x 1m square vertical frame manufactured from extruded aluminium section, to the bottom of which was attached a 130mm deep ledge, either fixed or fold-down.

    The samples tested were as follows:-

    Sample 1 – no intermediate upright / fold-down ledge

    Sample 2 – no intermediate upright / fixed ledge

    Sample 3 – one intermediate upright / fold-down ledge

    Sample 4 – one intermediate upright / fixed ledge

    Sample 5 – two intermediate uprights / fold-down ledge

    Sample 6 – two intermediate uprights / fixed ledge

    Plates 1-6 show the above samples.

    The fixed ledges were attached to each of the uprights by means of two rivets per upright. The fold-down ledges were attached to the uprights by means of #mm bolts, acting as hinges, through each upright. Each upright was strengthened by means of a steel channel where the hinge was located.

  • 3. TEST METHOD

    Each sample was bolted to a stiff steel framework by means of 4 no 8mm bolts, one at the top of each of the outer vertical uprights, and one approximately 250mm from the bottom of each of the outer vertical uprights. A load was then applied to the ledge by means of a hydraulic ram acting through a spreader plate. Deflection of the ledge was monitored and recorded at the centre of the underside of the ledge. Each sample was loaded until failure occurred with the exception of sample 1. Test 1 was terminated prior to failure as the loading rig started to bend. The rig was

    strengthened prior to the testing of sample 2.

  • 4. CONCLUSIONS

    The results indicate that for each carrier type, the fixed ledge version is stiffer than the fold-down ledge version.

    The ultimate failure loads of Samples 5 & 6 show that the ultimate strength of the fixed ledge type is greater than that of the fold-down version and the failure modes indicate that the supporting ledge itself is stronger than the method of fixing the carrier to a vehicle, possibly due to there being four fixing points for the ledge. The failure modes of Samples 3 & 4 indicate that the fold-down ledge type is stronger than the fixed ledge. This is probably due to the steel channels located at the fixing points of the fold-down ledge, which act as stiffening members.

    It is likely that Sample 1 would have achieved a higher failure load than Sample 2 (ie greater than 23kN) had the loading rig not bent, leading to a similar conclusion to that of Samples 3 & 4.


    In conclusion, the ultimate failure load of all the samples was in excess of 20kN per metre length of ledge, which is equivalent to more than 2 tonnes per metre length.

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