HEAVY HAULING

FLATBED AND STEP DECK

Flatbed trailers are open deck platforms with no side or roof. The construction of the trailer makes it very versatile and allows cargo to be loaded from all angles. Due to exposure to the elements, it is common for flatbed carriers to offer strapping, chaining, and tarping services depending on the requirements of the load.

Step deck trailers, otherwise known as drop deck trailers, have a similar open deck profile to flatbeds, but have two deck levels. The upper deck is short and connects the trailer to the tractor. The lower deck drops down after the tractor connection, giving the trailer a lower deck height than a flatbed. Step deck trailers are great options for taller loads and typically come with ramps to easily load machinery and equipment. The unloading and loading process is generally considered safer than flatbed due to the deck's proximity to the ground. The main deck (bottom deck) is typically around 3 feet of the ground, sitting a full foot below the flatbed average deck height of 4 feet, with the upper deck sitting 4 feet off the ground.

Our step deck trailers are perfect for hauling equipment, machinery, vehicles, tractors, SETs, and more. Our owner operators can provide tarps, straps, and chains upon request. Our carriers are flexible, professional, and are eager to help you and your team.

LOWBOY TRAILER

A Lowboy trailer has two drops in the deck after the gooseneck and just before the trailer wheels. This trailer shape allows the deck to hang much lower to the ground, allowing for the transport of loads up to 12’ tall. These trailers are typically used in the transport of heavy machinery, equipment such as bulldozers, track hoes, cranes, industrial equipment, other trucks and any other equipment that would not fit on a standard flatbed trailer.

There are many types of lowboys, all with their own unique strengths.

Fixed gooseneck (FGN) trailers allow for longer deck length and have the lightest weight. These trailers are lower than normal, with low-profile tires, and usually, come with drop ramps in the rear to facilitate the loading of equipment. These trailers are not officially considered “lowboys”. The neck of the trailer is arched. When lowered, it becomes a ramp allowing the front tires of equipment to be pulled onto the deck.

Hydraulic Detachable Goosenecks, otherwise known as RGN or HRGN trailers, are the fastest and easiest to detach, but sacrifices both in weight and in deck length. RGN trailers are the most common and versatile of lowboy trailers. The gooseneck is detached using large hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the trailer while a small cylinder shores the neck to the truck, removing the neck from the trailer so a large piece of equipment can be driven over the front onto the deck.

ABOUT HEAVY HAULING

Heavy Haul refers to any shipment exceeding the legal height, weight, or length limits set by the local government. Trucking is a heavily regulated industry, but large and heavy loads are subject to different rules and regulations, making it extra important you select the right heavy haul carrier. Heavy Hauling almost always requires special equipment and permits. Moving equipment without these permits, or knowledge of legal routing for oversized loads, can have very expensive consequences.

Heavy haul services are required on any load exceeding 8’6” in width, 14’ in height, 59’ in length, or if the load exceeds 20,000 lbs per single axle, 34,000 lbs for dual axle, and 80,000 lbs total. Loads are only permitted to be hauled at specific hours of the day and can require a combination of flags, warning lights, and escort services.

Our expert dispatch team excels at pairing your job with the perfect owner operator. We partner with a wide range of trucking companies capable of hauling even the most complex loads. When the FCC needed an entire building moved up an otherwise too steep mountain, they called our carriers. When your construction crew needs equipment moved and needs it moved now, you call our carriers. Our owner operators will provide a custom service tailored to the needs of your job, at an unbeatable price, with unmatched safety and communication.