When is Heavy Hauling Needed?
Heavy hauling comes into play when a trucker is assigned a load that is too large to be considered a normal haul. This could mean that the load is overweight, too tall, too wide, or just generally considered a super load. However, load sizes vary from state to state, so it’s not an exact science when determining what is and isn’t an oversized load. Heavy hauling calls for unique equipment to deal with the larger loads, and this typically means using a special trailer, depending on how the load is oversized and what it’s carrying. Today, we’re going to go over each trailer and talk about what kinds of loads they can carry, how rare they are, and some other general facts that would benefit any owner-operator truck driver.
What Are the Trailer Options for Heavy Hauls?
Step Deck Trailer
This trailer is commonly used for freight loads that are both very tall and heavy.They can hold a maximum of 48,000 pounds, depending on the design of the step deck trailer and can hold freight that is up to 10 feet high. Step deck trailers are rather interesting when compared to other trailer types because they have two decks, a higher deck, and a lower deck. Heavier freight usually goes on the lower deck, while lighter items can be placed on the upper deck. A ramp can also be installed on this trailer to assist with loading and unloading.
Low Boy Trailer
Like the step deck trailer, the low boy trailer is usually used for transporting tall, heavy freight. Due to its specific capability, they are a little less common than other trailers. The low boy can actually transport freight up to 12 feet in height, which makes it a little more well-suited for extremely tall cargo than the step deck trailer. However, it has a smaller weight limit at 40,000 pounds. The interesting thing about the low boy is that it is very low to the ground, hence the name. This is what allows it to transport such tall freight, as the deck hangs lower than most other trailers. Low boys are used quite often for transporting industrial equipment, as these machines usually fit into the specs that a low boy can handle.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer
This trailer, sometimes referred to as an RGN, is ideal for handling tall and long freight. Typically, these trailers are broken up into two categories, standard and extendable, with the extendable removable gooseneck trailer being able to hold even longer freight. These Gooseneck trailers can usually handle about42,000 pounds in cargo, but the stretch may even be able to handle more. Of course, the most interesting thing about this trailer is its ability to stretch and expand, but interestingly enough, the front part of the trailer is able to detach, which allows the back end to extend down into a ramp to help out with loading. This trailer is also less common than others.
Double Drop Trailer
These trailers are used to accommodate freight that is very tall but are built differently than the low boy trailers which perform the same job. These trailers can handle freight that is 12 feet tall and can handle around 45,000pounds of cargo. What makes them unique however is that they are built to have a deck installed in the middle of the trailer with two decks that sit on both ends of it. These trailers are not all that uncommon due to their many capabilities.
Dual Lane Trailer
These trailers are not commonly used and are often only brought out to accommodate exceptionally large hauls. Whether it be very wide, very heavy, or both, dual lane trailers are meant to be customizable for each job. These trailers are designed to handle extreme weights that push the limits of what is legally haulable, upwards of 125 tons, and can be expanded to great lengths, potentially up to 75 feet. These trailers are really only used in very specific circumstances and are not commonly seen on the road. To actually make use of a dual lane trailer, the job being performed must be huge.
How To Hire a Heavy Haul Truck in Texas
Hiring a heavy haul truck in Texas can be tricky. With some companies you can’t be sure exactly what their capabilities are, and when dealing with specialized loads and trailers you’re going to want to hire someone you trust. We at Twisted Nail consider every job to be a top priority. We have the drivers and the trailers you need for any job and will get what you need where you need it every time. If you need a heavy hauling service in the Waco, Bryan, or Austin area, call us now, and we will work with you to get the job done exactly as you want it. Twisted Nail can handle your job like no other.
