NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 25, 2024) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today introduced the new Bridgestone V-Steel Container Lifter G-Smooth (VCLG) 18.00R25 port tire, the company’s latest smooth tire in port and/ or industrial operations. The Bridgestone VCLG is proven to deliver better heat resistance, with improved load capacity and extended tire life1.
Other features of the new VCLG include:
- +6% load capacity2: Designed with a 3-star rated casing structure providing 6% more load capacity and enhanced durability.
- 20% longer tire life1: Deeper tread depth greatly extends the life of the tire, realizing enhanced productivity and long-term cost savings.
- Improved heat resistance1: Increased resistance to tire heat generation caused by heavy usage in severe operations.
“Bridgestone is pleased to introduce the new and innovative VCLG port tire into the market,” said Rob Seibert, President, Off-the-Road, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas. “Given the unique conditions of the port segment, the VCLG has been specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of reach stackers, keeping operations moving.”
The VCLG is the latest addition to Bridgestone’s growing portfolio of tires for the port segment, demonstrating the company’s commitment to the U.S. supply chain by enhancing specialized material handling equipment. The U.S. supply chain is fueled by 300 ports operated 24 hours a day by states, counties, municipalities, and private corporations, moving an estimated 1.6 billion tons of international freight in annual trade worth $2.3 trillion3.
The addition of the VCLG bolsters Bridgestone’s full portfolio of Bridgestone and Firestone port products intended to meet the demanding conditions of this segment, designed for higher load capacity, efficient speeds, and long service life to help minimize operating costs and improve operational hours. The company manufactures port tires for empty container handlers, load container handlers, straddle carriers, and automated guide vehicles. This portfolio includes the recently launched V-Steel Port Container Straddle (VPCS) radial tire, specially designed for straddle containers. Bridgestone also offers solutions and technologies like Bridgestone Advanced Tire Monitoring Services & Asset Management that help ports turn tires into real-time data sources, increasing productivity and reducing overall cost per hour.
The new VCLG tire aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment that consists of 8 Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) to contribute to realizing a sustainable society.
1 Comparison of the results of field tests conducted at the port site with tires Bridgestone VCHS 18.00R25 3-Star vs. Bridgestone VCLG 18.00R25 3-Star. Actual results may vary
2 Compared Load capacity from Bridgestone VSMS 18.00R25 2-Star vs. Bridgestone VCLG 18.00R25 3-Star. Actual results may vary
3 Estimates according to the U.S. Office of Coastal Management.
