Trucker Con-way introduces double stacked freight

NEW YORK

Trucking company Con-way Inc. said Wednesday it's introducing a double stack system to some trailers in its fleet in an effort to squeeze more freight into each truck.

In the double stack system, thick aluminum beams are placed like bookshelves at certain points along the walls of the trailer. They can be adjusted according to how tall the freight is on top or bottom. They improve efficiency because they allow trucks to consolidate freight -- an important way to improve efficiency in a still-shaky economy.

The company has initially converted 100 of its standard 53-foot truckload trailers to double stacks. It plans to convert more trailers later this year depending on customer demand.