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2026
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07
Chaos in the semi-trailer market: why trailer brakes have become a major problem
China's truck technology has clearly made great strides, but in the semitrailer sector, there is an interesting 'paradox' — tractor units are almost perfectly compliant, while trailers have become a hotspot for problems.● Tractor units: the 'honour students' of regulationMentioning tractor units, almost everyone in the industry nods in agreement. Due to strict regulations, major manufacturers have invested heavily in the research and production of tractor units, ensuring that every product meets national regulatory requirements. Emission standards, safety standards, environmental standards… tractor units have no blind spots in these areas.This high level of compliance is thanks to strict enforcement by regulatory authorities and manufacturers' respect for the regulations. In other words, the tractor unit market has developed a healthy competitive ecosystem, with compliance as the basic entry requirement.However, when we shift our focus to the trailer market, the scene looks completely different.
Trailer Market: A Mixed Bag
In stark contrast to the "top student" image of tractors, the trailer market is full of chaos.
First, there's the complexity of manufacturer backgrounds. There are many domestic trailer manufacturers, and quite a few are small factories lacking technical strength. They often don't have a complete R&D system or quality control capabilities, so product quality is inconsistent. This "dispersed, chaotic, weak" industry pattern lays the groundwork for future quality issues.
Second, there's the widespread flaw in braking systems. According to on-site research by Truck Home at the Xinfadi market, over 90% of semi-trailers on Chinese roads have unqualified braking systems. The main issue is the prevalence of fake ABS systems. A huge number of ABS products that don't meet national regulations flood the market, and there are even so-called "registration ABS" used just to pass vehicle inspections, but their actual performance is practically non-existent.
The consequences are severe. How bad is the braking on these trailers? Tail swings on the highway in rain, abnormal tyre wear—these problems are common in trailers with poor ABS. For truck drivers, it's not just a safety risk, it's a threat to their lives.
● Misunderstood ABS
Interestingly, many truck drivers naturally resist the ABS system. To them, 'trailer ABS doesn't work well' has almost become a consensus.
But this is probably a misguided perception.
The poor experience with low-quality ABS has created deep-seated biases among drivers. In reality, genuinely compliant ABS products perform excellently — everyone who has used them praises them. The problem is that most drivers have never experienced a properly qualified ABS product, and after purchasing a vehicle, they may even modify it with so-called 'brake kings,' further increasing safety risks.
This is sadly unfortunate.
● New national standards approaching: Can EBS break the deadlock?
As smart technology sweeps the truck industry, the application of new technologies is accelerating. It is reported that the trailer sector will soon implement new national standards — GB7258 'Technical Conditions for Vehicle Operation Safety', fully promoting EBS (Electronic Braking System).
However, the harsh reality is that many users haven't even figured out ABS yet, and now they have to face this 'new species' called EBS. EBS has obvious technical advantages over ABS, with faster braking response, higher stability, and greater intelligence. But the premise is that the product must be up to standard. If market chaos continues, could EBS become the next 'poor-quality ABS'? This risk can't be ignored. In conclusion, from compliant standards in tractors to the chaos in trailers, this comparison is something the whole industry should reflect on. Trailers play a crucial role in logistics, and their safety directly affects the lives of every truck driver as well as the overall traffic safety of society. We call on regulatory authorities to strengthen management of small and medium trailer manufacturers to prevent substandard products from reaching the market; at the same time, supervision of uncertified brake modification shops should also be stepped up to prevent safety hazards. Ensuring that every truck on the road meets the national safety standards is not only a sign of industry progress but also a respect for life.
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