A Phnom Penh logistics fleet of 42 trucks switched to the FRIDERIC CHILONG CA999 12R22.5 tire. Service life increased 30–40% with reduced tread chipping on gravel roads and lower cost per kilometer.
I. Client Background
KONG****, a logistics company based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, operates 42 container tractors and short-distance dump trucks. Operations include long-haul routes between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville Port, and short-distance transport of sand, stone, and building materials to surrounding provinces. Routes consist of asphalt highways, rural gravel roads, and unpaved dirt tracks.
Cambodia’s tropical monsoon climate presents year-round high temperatures, a rainy season from May to November, and dry season conditions that elevate tire operating temperatures.
II. Previous Challenges
Before adopting FRIDERIC tires, KONG**** experienced the following issues:
- Tread damage – Tires used on highways suffered tread chipping and pattern damage when operated on gravel roads with sharp stones and potholes.
- Rubber degradation – High ambient temperatures accelerated rubber aging, reducing tire service life and increasing replacement frequency.
- Structural failures – Vehicles frequently operated above recommended load capacities. Combined with irregular tire pressure maintenance, this resulted in irregular wear patterns and casing damage.
- Reduced wet traction – During the rainy season, previous tires demonstrated insufficient grip on wet roads and muddy construction sites.
III. FRIDERIC Tire Solution
FRIDERIC supplied the CHILONG CA999 12R22.5 tire—a size standard for Cambodian trucks, supporting inventory turnover for distributors. This TBR tire has an 18PR ply rating, load index 152/149L, 16.0mm tread depth, and 232mm tread width. The tire is applicable for steer, drive, and trailer axles.
The CA999’s block drive pattern provides traction across paved and unpaved surfaces. The reinforced carcass and sidewall structure resist impact damage from gravel and potholes. The rubber compound—formulated for tropical climates—reduces aging under high temperatures and minimizes tread chipping on gravel roads.
IV. Performance Results
After installing FRIDERIC CHILONG CA999 tires, KONG**** reported the following data:
Service life increased from 65,000–70,000 km to 90,000+ km
Tread chipping on gravel roads reduced
Wet traction maintained during rainy season operations
Rubber degradation slowed under dry season conditions
Cost per kilometer reduced through extended mileage and fewer replacements
Following FRIDERIC’s recommendations, KONG**** implemented monthly pressure checks (steer: 7.2–7.5 bar; drive/trailer: 8.0–8.3 bar), 20,000 km tire rotation, and driver protocols for traversing gravel potholes during rainfall. These measures optimized the performance of their commercial truck tires across Cambodia’s operating conditions.
V. Client Feedback
“The FRIDERIC CHILONG CA999 12R22.5 tire performs on highways and gravel roads. Tread chipping has reduced and rubber aging has slowed. Cost-per-kilometer savings are measurable. This tire ranks among the best truck tires for heavy loads in the Cambodian market.” — Fleet Manager, KONG** Logistics**
VI. Future Plan
KONG**** intends to standardize the CHILONG CA999 across their 42-vehicle fleet. The company is also evaluating FRIDERIC CA656 and MD506 patterns for specialized applications. For fleet operators in the region, the CHILONG CA999 provides a cambodia tire solution that delivers performance and cost efficiency.
