Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating trailer towing is provided comprising a steer axle fixed to a rigid frame by means of a suspension, a selectably adjustable hitch, for receiving a trailer tongue, mounted on the frame and positioned above and forward of the steer axle, a vertically displacing articulated and spring centered tongue support fixed to the front of the frame, the vertically displacing articulated tongue support capable of absorbing vertical displacement between the apparatus and a towing vehicle while maintaining the a forward disposed tongue mount in a horizontal position. The apparatus forms a towing apparatus providing improved stability, traction, control, and maneuverability facilitating wheel traction at speed, through turns and over irregular or undulating terrain. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in combination with light weight prime mover vehicles.

Abstract: A livestock trailer with sliding safety door having a trailer with a two section sliding door mounted at the rear and hung from a slidable rail assembly at the top and retained by a guide at the bottom wherein the guides are steel reinforced. The sliding safety door, being secured at top and bottom, facilitates the loading and unloading of livestock by minimizing injuries sustained from kicking the door and eliminating injuries sustained when utilizing prior art swinging door type livestock trailers. The sliding door mechanism further eliminates the need to reposition the trailer while docking to a loading ramp so as to provide clearance to operate the door.

Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the present invention are directed at software systems for managing the logistics of one or more voyages. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for collecting and disseminating voyage data in a computer networking environment. In this regard, the method includes providing a user interface that is accessible in the computer networking environment configured with controls for accepting input from one or more users. Then, a set of voyage data is collected from the user interface that describes the attributes of the cargo scheduled to be shipped on a voyage. As data is obtained from users, the method calculates a set of utilization statistics based on the collected voyage data that describes the extent that the capacity available from a carrier will be utilized. In this regard, the collected voyage data and utilization statistics may be accessed by authorized users from a central location.