Swap bodies for timber construction: flexible logistics without waiting times

The user-optimized transport racks specially designed for the prefabricated timber industry

Swap body transport racks

Video of R-Tech swap body with import chute:

Efficiency is the key to success in modern timber construction. With R-TECH’s swap bodies for timber construction, you can decouple your production from transportation and create a smooth logistics process. Our systems are designed as high-quality BDF swap bodies and are specially constructed for the safe transportation of wall and ceiling elements. They offer you maximum flexibility – from the factory to the construction site.

Universally applicable: The R-TECH BDF system

No more rigid transport solutions. Our BDF swap bodies are characterized in particular by their telescopic support legs, which make transport universally possible. No matter which fleet you use or commission – our swap bodies fit on all standard system carriers:

  • Standard semitrailer tractor (pick-up height 1,200 mm)

  • Mega trailer (pick-up height 1,000 mm)

  • Low-bed trailer (pick-up height 800 mm)

This compatibility guarantees you independence in your choice of forwarding agent and noticeably reduces your logistics costs.

R-TECH stacking pallets for prefabricated timber construction

Lengths

7,450 mm; 7,650 mm; 8,000 mm; 9,000 mm; 10,000 mm; 12,200 mm

Width

2,550 mm or on customer request Standard container width: 2,438 mm

Entry chute

Overall height

Payload

Support height for transportation

600 or 700 mm

170 mm

20,000 kg

300 – 1,300 mm

Your advantage: increased capacity and reduced costs

The use of R-TECH swap bodies radically optimizes your processes. Use the swap bodies as flexible temporary storage directly in your production hall or on the factory premises.

  1. No standing times: Load in the hall, protected from the weather and without time pressure. The truck does not have to wait, but simply picks up the fully loaded BDF bridge (“drop & swap”).

  2. Product protection: Your high-quality wooden elements are only handled twice – once from production to the frame and once from the frame to assembly. This minimizes transport damage and reworking.

  3. Durability: Like all R-TECH products, our swap bodies are designed for tough continuous use – robust, durable and low-maintenance.

Would you like to optimize your timber construction logistics? Let’s talk about your requirements. We will be happy to advise you on the right dimensions and equipment.

Swap bodies for timber construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Swap bodies for timber construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Detailed view of base - swap bodies for timber/precast concrete construction
Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
Detailed view - Swap bodies for prefabricated timber/concrete construction
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about swap bodies / swap platforms for timber construction

Timber components react sensitively to moisture and wetness. In contrast to concrete construction, where the focus is on load-bearing capacity, weather protection during transportation and storage is essential in timber construction. Our swap bodies for this sector are therefore prepared to accommodate tarpaulin or sliding roofs or are equipped directly with weatherproof superstructures.

Timber components are very bulky in relation to their mass. Our swap-body platforms are optimized to accommodate large wall and ceiling elements. We offer special racks and load carriers that make efficient use of the maximum internal height and width of the transport space. This minimizes the number of journeys required and thus reduces transport costs.

The surfaces of timber components, especially finished surface-treated elements, must not be damaged by point loads. The R-TECH solutions for timber construction are based on:

  • Large-area supports: Special support points or protective profiles distribute the load evenly.

  • Adjustable stanchion systems: Enable gentle yet form-fitting load securing without direct pressure on the edges.

  • Vibration protection: Precise adjustment of the component holder to the transport racks minimizes movement during travel.

Yes, fundamentally. Swap bodies for timber construction must be stable, but not designed for point loads of 25 tons. The focus here is on torsional rigidity over the entire length in order to transport long elements such as beams or girders without deflection. The frame construction is lighter, which optimizes the payload in favour of the volume.

Absolutely. As timber elements are usually delivered “just-in-time” for assembly, our swap-body platforms reduce the need for expensive construction site logistics. They serve as mobile, weather-protected storage directly on the construction site. The components can be removed by the fitters with a time delay and without the need for immediate crane unloading, which helps to reduce truck downtimes.

Yes, the basic design is based on the proven BDF system and is compatible with all common standard articulated lorries, mega trailers and low-bed trailers, as well as with the fleet already used in concrete construction. This ensures maximum flexibility in fleet management.

Yes. We develop customized special frames for transporting XL beams or very long wall elements that exceed the standard dimensions of 13.60 m. The exact load distribution and compliance with the maximum permissible overall vehicle length play a decisive role here, which we calculate and implement precisely with our engineering team.

Although the swap bodies are often used with covers, the frame is exposed to the weather. We offer the same long-lasting corrosion protection as in all product areas: Hot-dip galvanizing to DIN standard or a highly resistant industrial paint finish, which ensures a long service life and freedom from maintenance in tough conditions.

Transport technology and load securing

The R-TECH catalog

The robust frames have been tried and tested worldwide and define new safety standards for loading and transportation based on our own test procedures.