Shipping heavy and over-dimensional loads requires that all the heavy equipment hauling services flatbed trailers can safely move those items. These vehicles are called specialized transport equipment. These vehicles are oversized with specific shapes and features for easy loading and unloading heavy objects.
We see many of these oversized vehicles on the road, but not many are aware of their different types and purpose. We have compiled a shortlist of the common specialized transport equipment we see today.
1. Dry Van Trailers
Dry van trailers are long rectangular boxlike shapes, which is why they are also called enclosed trailers. They are about 53 feet in height and 8 feet 6 inches in height and width. They can carry about 42,000 to 45,000 pounds of freight weight.
Since they are enclosed, dry vans are mostly used to transport loose and pallet-based commodities. They are perfect for freight that needs extra safety as they keep shipments enclosed. This is also why they are named dry van, as cargo loaded in a dry van remains dry and protected from any external element.
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2. Refrigerated or Reefer Trailers
As evident from their name, reefers or refrigerated trailers are vehicles with a refrigerated unit installed at the back. They are specially designed for transporting temperature-sensitive items. They are most commonly used to transport frozen food products, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable items.
A reefer is about 53 feet in length and 8 feet in height, with a maximum load capacity of 45,000 pounds. Their cooling mechanism is perfect for keeping loads safe from external weather conditions – however, this also makes them less fuel-efficient.
3. Conestoga Trailers
Conestoga trailers are also called “curtain side” trailers because of their specialized design. They have a rolling tarp system that covers and uncovers the trailer. They are specially designed like this for freight that might require in-transit protection. Moreover, this also helps in the easy loading and unloading of oversized items.
A Conestoga also measures about 48 to 53 feet in length and 8 feet in height and width. Their maximum weight capacity is 45,000 pounds. Conestoga trailers are used for the transportation of various types of items. But they are most commonly used for sensitive cargo that tarps can damage.
4. Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers are the most common type of heavy equipment hauling services equipment. As the name suggests, flatbeds are trucks with a flat back with no roof, sides, or doors. Because of their design, they are considered very versatile transport equipment.
Flatbeds are about 48 to 53 feet long and can carry up to 48,000 pounds of weight. Flatbeds vary in their dimensions and design. Some common sub-categories in flatbeds are:
● Step-deck trailer
Also known as drop-decks, they are flatbeds with two different levels of decks- bottom and top deck. They can also expand in length, specifically designed to carry odd-shaped and long freight items.
● Double Drop trailers
Commonly known as lowboy, double drop trailers have two drops – one from the gooseneck and the other from the back. Because of this, their center is closer to the ground – making them perfect for carrying over-dimensional and very tall items
● Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGNs)
RGNs are trailers with a detachable front, which can be dropped on the ground to form a ramp for loading and unloading heavy materials. They are used for transporting all kinds of long and tall loads.
Specialized transport equipment are used across various industries, for carrying and shipping oversized heavy loads Understanding the different types of vehicles is important to make sure you use the right trailer for your shipment. Looking for a trustable transportation company, click here!