Whether it’s lumber, piping, hay, palletized goods, or construction supplies, flatbed trailers, also known as open-deck trailers, can handle it all. Flatbed trailers are extremely versatile in their use, but that’s because, unlike enclosed trailers, there are many variations of flatbeds to choose from. If you’re considering a flatbed or open-deck trailer for your shipment, how do you know which one is best for your freight? This article will help you answer just that. Read on to better understand the different kinds of flatbed trailers that are available so you can make an informed decision on which one your freight needs.

Types of Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers come in all shapes, sizes, and load capacities; each designed to carry different types of cargo. The one tricky part of flatbed shipping is choosing and finding the flatbed trailer that is capable of hauling your freight’s weight and size. It’s also important to note that anything exceeding legal dimensions and weight can be considered oversized and may require more to ship, such as state permits, police, escorts, or more.

*Important Note – Trailer capacity, weight, and dimensions mentioned in this article are general specifications and should be used as an estimated guideline. These can vary based on the trailer type, brand, or semi-tractor being used with it.  

• Standard flatbed
• Extendable flatbed
• Step deck / drop deck
• Stretch single step deck / drop deck
• Double drop
• Stretch / extendable double drop
• Removable gooseneck (RGN)
• Stretch RGN
• Conestoga
• Side kit

Standard Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 48,000 lbs.

Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 48 to 53 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Standard flatbed trailers are widely used and versatile, often the most popular of all flatbed trailers. They most commonly haul steel, lumber, and other kinds of building or construction materials.

Extendable Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 43,000 lbs.

Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 48 to 80 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Extendable flatbed trailers can also be known as flatbed stretch trailers. These trailers have an extendable deck to transport cargo that is too long for a standard flatbed, like a piece of large or heavy machinery. 

Step Deck/ Drop Deck Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 48,000 lbs.

Top Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 11 ft.

Bottom Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 37 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft. on the bottom deck, 8 ft 6 in. on the top deck

These trailers are referred to as either a step deck or a drop deck. They consist of a bottom deck and a top deck. These flatbed trailers are great for transporting freight that would exceed the height restriction on a standard flatbed; they are ideal for any tall loads that need to go under low bridges. They also make it easy to use ramps to load and unload freight. A common piece of freight they haul is tractors. 

Stretch Single Step Deck/Drop Deck Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 45,000 lbs.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 10 ft.

Main Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 35 to 63 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Main Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft.

These flatbed trailers are like step decks, except they can be extended to transport cargo that can be too long for a standard step deck. This can include goods like scaffolding or drilling and mining equipment. 

Double Drop Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 36,000 to 40,000 lbs.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 10 ft.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 25 to 29 ft.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 9 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Height: 11 ft. 6 in.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft.

Double drop trailers are also good for cargo that is too tall and generally used to haul oversized freight. Double drop trailers are unique in that they have a longer piece of the trailer called the “well”.

Stretch/Extendable Double Drop Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 40,000 lbs.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 10 ft.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 29 to 50 ft.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 9 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Height: 11 ft. 6 in.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft.

Like the standard double drop trailer, this one is also great for oversized freight. Since this trailer can be lengthened for longer loads, it’s ideal to carrier longer freight since it provides more support and prevents any overhang. It’s also common for this trailer to have two to three axles so it can support more weight. Common freight hauled by stretch double drops are pipes and steel beams.

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 42,000 to 150,000 lbs.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 10 ft.

Main Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 30 ft.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 9 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Height: 11 ft. 6 in.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft.

An RGN is one special flatbed trailer. They’re great for long, tall, and heavy freight! They have a detachable front that can be used to create a ramp for loading and unloading and can expand from three axles to over 20, to carry heavy items, like farming combines. However, it’s important to note that since these are more specialized, they can be tougher to find and more expensive to use for your flatbed shipping.

Stretch RGN Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 42,000 to 150,000 lbs.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 10 ft.

Main Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 29 to 65 ft.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 9 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Front Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft. 6 in.

Main Deck (well): Maximum Legal Height: 11 ft. 6 in.

Rear Deck: Maximum Legal Height: 10 ft.

When you need an RGN that can haul longer freight, a stretch or extendable RGN can help. Just like the standard RGN, axles can vary, from three and up, depending on the freight weight. The only real difference with this RGN trailer is the main deck is extendable up to 65 feet long.

Conestoga Flatbed Trailers

 Maximum Legal Weight: 42,000 to 45,000 lbs.

Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 48 to 53 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 6 in.

Maximum Legal Height: 8 ft.

One interesting fact about Conestoga trailers is that Conestoga is also a brand name for them. Conestogas are specialized, flatbed trailers that have a hard shell and rolling tarp system, which is great for freight that needs better protection from outside elements. These can be one of the most requested flatbed trailers due to their versatility. They can often be seen transporting freight like CNC machinery or helicopters.

Side Kit Flatbed Trailers

Maximum Legal Weight: 42,000 to 45,000 lbs.

Maximum Legal Cargo Length: 48 to 53 ft.

Maximum Legal Width: 8 ft. 4 in.

Maximum Legal Height: “technically” it’s 8 ft. 6 in. but because of sides, 6 ft. is more easily accomplished

Side kit trailers are like Conestogas in that they are flatbed trailers that offer more protection. These trailers have panels surrounding often made from plywood or fiberglass, allowing for tarping over the top. Side kits are great for freight that is not packaged or crated, like corn or watermelons.

Flatbed Trailer Tips

Match Your Cargo to the Correct Flatbed Trailer

It’s important to know your cargo and that you have the right flatbed trailer to transport it. If the wrong trailer pulls in and it can’t carry your freight, you’ve lost out on precious travel time. Additionally, having the correct trailer ensures safe transport.

Communicate the Details

Regardless of what kind of product you need to transport, a lack of detailed communication with your logistics provider is important to avoid confusion and setbacks. For a logistics provider to effectively support you with your flatbed shipping needs, you’ll need to share specific details such as:

• Dimensions of cargo (length, width, height)
• Cargo weight
• Type of commodity
• Does your freight have any sharp edges?
• Does it need tarped/element protection?
• Is your cargo multiple pieces or singular?
• Is your cargo loose or palletized?

Understanding Your Flatbed Trailer Needs

Understanding the different kinds of flatbed trailers there are helps you make more informed and cost-effective decisions. You’ll better know their limitations and whether they may be more costly and time-consuming to acquire. For example, by knowing that more specialized flatbed trailers like RGNs or Conestogas are tougher to obtain, you’ll know to give your logistics provider advanced notice for those shipments, giving you the benefit of a more successful relationship and potentially cheaper rates.

Access the Flatbed Trailers You Need with Trinity

Now that you know more about the different kinds of flatbed trailers, you’d think you would be set to manage flatbed shipping on your own. However, flatbed shipments aren’t always easy to facilitate. Depending on the type of freight, the flatbed trailer needed, and whether it’s an oversized shipment can all hinder and complicate things.

Flatbed shipping requires proper planning, effective communication, and access to carrier relationships with a variety of flatbed trailers to ensure supply chain success. Luckily for you, Trinity Logistics has over 45 years of experience and trusted relationships with expert flatbed carriers. Working with Trinity is like adding an extra person to your logistics team – one who’s able to take on the workload that comes with arranging flatbed shipments, finding the right flatbed trailer for the right cost, reducing your risk, ensuring the freight you need gets delivered right where it needs to on time and intact.

Whether owning or renting, heavy equipment is a big investment in your business – and you don’t want to take unnecessary risks that can lead to loss or damage during transportation. Heavy equipment shipping can be challenging, but it’s not as complicated as it appears when you have the right provider. To help you ship your heavy equipment safely, here’s some additional information you may need. 

What We Cover in This Article

• What is heavy equipment shipping?
• Common types of heavy equipment
• Rules and regulations for heavy equipment shipping
• Trailers used for heavy equipment shipping
• What should I know about my heavy equipment shipping?
• How much does it cost?
• Preparing for heavy equipment shipping
• Shipping heavy equipment internationally
• Choosing the right provider 

What is Heavy Equipment Shipping?

Heavy equipment can be a broad term, but it usually consists of a piece of large machinery or equipment of at least 40,000 pounds or more. Due to its size and weight heavy equipment is often loaded and unloaded by a crane if it cannot be driven on/off the trailer. Often, these kinds of shipments can be oversized and/or overweight, requiring permits, escorts, route surveys, and an experienced motor carrier with specialized trailers to transport your equipment safely and effectively.

Common Types of Heavy Equipment

• Agricultural Equipment and Machinery
• Construction Equipment
• CNC Machinery
• Crawler Cranes
• Gas & Oilfield Equipment 
• Industrial Plant Machinery
• Military Equipment
• Mining Equipment Oilfield Equipment
• Renewable Energy Parts and Components

Heavy Equipment Shipping Rules and Regulations

When it comes to heavy equipment shipping, you should have knowledge of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, regulations, and restrictions. Overlooking DOT regulations and restrictions surrounding OD/OW transportation can be both costly and time-consuming.

Heavy equipment shipping is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the U.S. DOT, and state governments. Each state varies its rules, regulations, and restrictions for permitting OD/OW travel. Be sure to double-check state regulations before transporting your equipment. Or work with an expert in the field of over-dimensional shipping. 

Overweight and oversized shipments can be more comprehensive as, besides the permits, you may need oversized banners, flashing lights, civilian escorts, police escorts, route surveys, bucket trucks, or even a road closure. It’s important that you always take the time to double-check that you’re in compliance with DOT rules and regulations when transporting your heavy equipment.

Trailers for Heavy Equipment Shipping

Heavy equipment shipping is made possible by the various types of flatbed and specialized trailers available.

Flatbed Trailers/Open-Deck Trailers

Flatbed trailers allow for easy loading and unloading and can carry up to 48,000 pounds. When choosing your flatbed carrier, make sure to confirm that the trailer will be able to haul the weight of your equipment. Trailer dimensions are approximate: 48’ L x 102’’ W x 58’’ H   

There are other open-deck trailers to consider, like step-decks or drop-deck trailers. They can accommodate around 46,500 pounds and can legally haul taller products, up to 10’6’’ tall, and can be fitted with permanent or removable ramps to drive equipment on and off the trailer. Trailer dimensions range approximate:  48’ or 53’ L x 102’’ W x 36’’ to 42’’ H.   

Specialized Trailers for Heavy Haul Trucking

Due to the size, some heavy equipment may need a specialized trailer to accommodate its transportation.

Double-drops and Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers are ideal for heavier machinery and equipment that needs easy loading and unloading or drive-on drive-off capabilities, and they are great for freight exceeding the legal height and weight maximums.

What Should I Know About My Heavy Equipment Shipping?

You’re ready to get started with heavy equipment shipping. What should you be prepared to answer when looking for a provider?

Know the Dimensions of Your Heavy Equipment

Size matters. The equipment’s dimensions and weight will help determine what kind of trailer the carrier will need to transport your freight and if any permits, escorts, or other accessorial charges are required that will ultimately determine the total shipping costs. 

Breaking Down or Shipping in One Piece?

Does your equipment need to be taken apart to ship and then reconstructed upon delivery? Can your equipment be crated or boxed? Is it more effective to break down your equipment into smaller components for shipping? If shipping in one piece, what are the things that need to be done before shipping, such as having any fluids discharged or batteries removed? These are all important questions you should know so all parties involved know what is to be expected throughout the entire shipping process.

What Equipment is Needed to Load and Unload Your Freight?

This is very important information that is needed for your shipment. Do you need a ramp, forklift, or crane to load and unload your equipment? Do you have the required equipment ready to unload and load your freight?  Or can the equipment be driven on and off of the trailer?

Know What is Covered by Your Provider’s Insurance

It’s important you know what is covered by your provider’s insurance, so you know whether you will need to buy any supplementary insurance to make sure your heavy equipment is fully protected in case of any issues.

How Much Does Heavy Equipment Shipping Cost?

While we’d love to give you exact numbers, there can be quite a few factors involved that make each quote unique, such as:

Size of Your Heavy Equipment

The larger or more oddly shaped your piece of equipment means it may need specialized trailers, permits, or routing requirements, likely raising your shipping price.

Time of Delivery

If you need your equipment delivered at a specific time, this will likely raise the shipping price as well.

Pick-up and Delivery Location

The further distance your equipment must travel, the higher it will cost you. Additionally, more congestion (think cities) in or around your pick-up or delivery location can increase your shipping costs.

Time of the Year

Adverse weather conditions, such as during the snowy and icy winter months or hurricane season, can affect your pricing if certain routes are shut off, making your equipment’s journey longer. There’s also flatbed peak shipping season, which ranges from April to October, which increases flatbed demand – and rates.

Current Fuel Rates

The more fuel costs motor carriers, the higher your shipping cost will be.

Permit or Licenses Required 

When transporting heavy equipment, oversize or overweight permits may be required. Costs can vary by state and province, and some states may take longer to issue permits due to each state’s unique regulations and infrastructure. 

Escorts Required

Escorts will increase your shipping costs as they need to be paid too! When freight is over 12ft wide or tall, it’s a good idea to check routing to see if escort cars are required. 

Preparing Heavy Equipment for Shipping 

You’ve got your quote and provider selected. What’s next? Here are the steps you should take to ensure your equipment remains safe and secure during shipping.

Have Documentation Ready

You’ll want to ensure all required documentation and permits are sorted and ready before pick up. Make sure to confirm with your shipping provider what permits are required and that they are in place to limit the chance of any shipping delays or fines.

Planning Transportation Routes, If Needed

Planning your route is necessary if your shipment is considered Oversized. Depending on the dimensions of your equipment, you may need to have your provider avoid bridges with low clearances, sharp turns, or even roads of a particular width.

Check the Condition of Your Heavy Equipment

Just as car rental services do before lending their vehicles, inspect your equipment, and take photos before shipping, so, should anything happen during the transportation process, you have it documented.

Make Sure Any Loose Parts or Tools are secured

You don’t want to lose anything important during the transportation of your equipment!

Cover Any Important Parts

Your equipment will likely be hauled through open air, facing the wind and other elements. Covering any vulnerable or important parts is a great way to ensure that your equipment stays safe and functional.

Check Your Equipment’s Manual

The manufacturer’s manual is a great resource for getting your equipment ready for shipping. It will help you determine exactly what steps you need to take before pick-up.

Ask Your Provider How You Can Help

If you’re unsure, ask your provider how you can help make your equipment’s transportation a smooth process. Based on their experience and expertise, they can give you tips and advice and will appreciate you taking this extra step to work together as a team so your equipment can be delivered safely.

Shipping Heavy Equipment Internationally

What if you need to ship your heavy equipment internationally? There can be many challenges to overcome, which you may find incredibly difficult to do alone. In this case, it makes the most sense to hire an expert to help you. While it can be costly, it’s the most stress-free way to safely transport your heavy equipment internationally.

Here are some tips to ensure your international heavy equipment shipping is successful.

1. Make sure the provider you select to help you with your international shipping is experienced, has relevant credentials, and has a good reputation.
2. Just like shipping inland, know the dimensions and weight of your heavy equipment to inform your provider.
3. Determine the best shipping method for you. Your expert provider can help you figure this out. Your options are
   • Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) is popular and involves driving the machinery onto a flatbed style truck at the pick-up location and rolling it off after it arrives at its destination. RoRo is speedy, efficient, and often less costly than your other shipping methods.
   • Flat rack containers have walls or support posts on the ends, allowing loading from the top or sides. Flat racks mean your equipment is exposed to open air and so this method can be less costly, but then your equipment is exposed to the elements throughout its transport.
   • Lift on/lift off (LoLo) is a method of loading and unloading containerized cargo over the top of a shipping vessel using cranes or derricks. LoLo ships usually have onboard cranes and can often carry a larger container capacity.
4. Be prepared for the costs. With international shipping, you have extra costs such as taxes, tariffs, and customs checks.

Choosing the Right Heavy Equipment Shipping Provider is Important

You have many options for selecting a provider to help you with your heavy equipment shipping needs. Though too many options can feel overwhelming. How do you know you’re making the best choice for your company and freight?

Here are some qualities you should consider when looking for a provider.

Extensive Experience in Heavy Equipment Shipping

You’ll want to look for a company that has been in business for a long time, has the experience transporting the heavy equipment you’re shipping, and has a good reputation. This is a great opportunity to ask for references and contact them for their feedback.

Offers Flexible Shipping Solutions for Your Unique Needs

Do you need help with prepping your equipment for shipping, obtaining any necessary permits, or any other specialized services? Make sure the provider you’re considering has all the solutions you may need.

Carries the Proper Insurance

You want to make sure your heavy equipment is protected should anything happen during the shipping process. Verify that the provider you’re considering has the appropriate insurance to cover your equipment and enough liability insurance should anything else occur. 

Trinity can help with Your Heavy Equipment Shipping 

It’s easy to see that heavy equipment shipping has the potential to be a complicated process. If you’re looking for a provider that can help simplify your shipping, saving you time and stress,  please consider working with Trinity Logistics.

Trinity Logistics is an industry-leading third-party logistics company with expert knowledge, ready to help you with your oversized, heavy haul, or any other flatbed shipments. We do this by providing our best-in-class People-Centric service and building strong relationships with skilled and experienced motor carriers.

We have the experience you’re looking for and the reliable carrier relationships you need to move your heavy equipment safely, securely, and on time.