Which Trailers Are Best for Heavy Equipment Transport?
Many industries have specialized equipment to complete various tasks. While outsiders may have difficulty recognizing the difference between a bulldozer and a front loader, each piece of equipment is built to complete a different type of job. Bulldozers work best pushing large volumes of material from one area to another, while front loaders are used to scoop up material, such as gravel and dirt, to drop into a dump truck or to dump into another nearby location.
The same differences exist in the trucking industry. While you may not notice the subtle differences between trucks and their trailers as they haul various goods down the highway, there are different trailer types made specifically to support machines and their various sizes. When it comes to hauling heavy equipment, our drivers use specialized trailers to get your load shipped securely.
Why Different Trailers Are Needed for Different Jobs
Industrial machinery and heavy equipment come in various weights and dimensions, which is why there are different trailer types to fit them. A machine that is oversized in height will require a different trailer than a lower machine that is extra long. Let’s list the common trailer types used for heavy hauls and for which machines they are best suited. This will give you an idea of what to expect when a driver comes to load up your shipment, based on the specs you provide.
Trusted Dispatch drivers are well equipped to haul heavy, large machines that are on wheels or tracks and can roll on or off a trailer with the assistance of a ramp, such as tractors, AG equipment, dozers, excavators, graders, and more.
Flatbed Trucks or Highboy Trailers
If you’ve ever seen a truck and trailer haul lumber down a highway, then you’ve seen a highboy trailer in action. It’s also referred to as a flatbed truck and is best suited for shipping heavy loads of materials. It can also be used to transport smaller pieces of equipment that don’t exceed height restrictions, such as a tractor or caterpillar. Due to the height of a highboy trailer, a ramp or loading dock is required to drive the machines up to the deck, where they can be secured for transit. The average flatbed trailer reaches between 48 feet and 53 feet in length.
Lowboy Semi-Trailers or Double-Drop Trailers
Lowboy trailers are sometimes called double-drop trailers because they feature two high decks with a lower deck, or well, in the middle. This style of a trailer can accommodate those tall pieces of heavy equipment, such as combines, wheel loaders, rock trucks, or bulldozers. The lowest part of the trailer measures 18 inches, while the upper decks measure at 24inches. The upper decks also measure about 6 to 10 feet in length, while the lower deck can extend between 30 and 32 feet in length. These long trailers require precision handling from experienced drivers, and our network of drivers has that knowledge and experience.
Step-Deck Trailers or Single-Drop Trailer
A step-deck trailer or single-drop trailer consists of two levels. The higher level is right behind the truck and is shorter in length, roughly 11 feet, and sits at about five feet off the ground. The lower deck drops almost two feet lower and can be up to 63 feet in length to accommodate extra long loads. However, the most common length is 53 feet. These trailers can also add axles to support overweight shipments by evenly distributing the load over the additional axles.
You’ll often see front loaders, excavators, and other construction equipment shipped on step-deck trailers. Not all come with ramps, but most of our drivers will have their own to make the loading and unloading process smoother.
RGN Trailers (Removable Gooseneck Trailers)
The removable gooseneck trailer is a versatile type of trailer that comes in different sizes and functions. It can be a double drop as well as a lowboy style to accommodate different types of machinery. These trailers can also carry extreme amounts of weight, depending on how many axles are added. In total, the deck can reach between 24 and 29 feet in length, measuring between 18 and 24 inches off the ground. This trailer is perfect for transporting long and heavy motorized equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks.
Shipping From Heavy Equipment Auctions
If you’re shipping to or from a heavy equipment auction in Canada or the United States, Trusted Dispatch is your heavy haul trucking company of choice. Our network of professional drivers will transport your machines from the auction location to your destination for a fair rate. Use our free, instant shipping quote calculator to get started.
