Why Proper Drying Matters for Trailer Floors 

For trailer flooring destined for North American markets, kiln-drying isn’t just a best practice, rather it’s a necessity. The combination of stringent U.S. import regulations and the continent’s diverse, often harsh climates demands wood that is stable, durable, and compliant. At Terradeck, we ensure every Apitong board meets these rigorous standards through meticulous kiln-drying. This article explains our process, the standards we follow, and why this matters for your fleet.

 What is Kiln-Drying and Why It’s Essential

Kiln-drying is a controlled process that reduces the moisture content in wood using heat and airflow. For heavy-duty wood flooring like ours, this step is critical. It prevents warping, checking, and fungal decay, eliminates wood-boring pests, and ensures the material remains dimensionally stable under stress. Without it, even the toughest hardwoods would be prone to failure in demanding trailer applications.

Meeting Strict U.S. Import Regulations

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforce strict rules to protect ecosystems from invasive pests. Kiln-drying is approved under the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15), which requires that wood packaging material be treated to eliminate pests.

Additionally, the USDA Forest Service recommends a moisture content between 12–15% for wood used in most applications, including transportation. This range is ideal for ensuring stability in varying climates. By adhering to these guidelines, we help importers avoid costly delays, rejections, or treatments at U.S. ports.

Engineered for North America’s Climates 

North America presents unique environmental challenges:
•  The Midwest and Canada face freeze-thaw cycles that can cause wood to expand and contract.

•  The Southwest deals with extreme heat and dryness, leading to cracking.

•  Coastal regions combat high humidity and salt exposure, accelerating decay.

Kiln-dried floor is uniquely suited to these conditions. Its stabilized structure resists moisture absorption, thermal expansion, and biological degradation, offering reliable performance across regions.

Choose Compliance, Choose Confidence 

When you choose Terradeck, you’re choosing more than hardwood, but you’re choosing peace of mind. Our kiln-dried flooring meets the highest standards for U.S. importation and delivers the durability needed for North American operations.

Ready to learn more? Contact us for technical specifications, samples, or a consultation. Let’s build something that lasts.