Transporting heavy equipment requires meticulous planning and the right resources. Selecting the appropriate trailer is crucial to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the transport process. This comprehensive guide will cover the various factors to consider when choosing a trailer for heavy equipment transport, the types of trailers available, legal and safety considerations, and practical tips for making the best choice.

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Factors to Consider

1. Equipment Specifications

Understanding the specifications of the equipment to be transported is the first step in selecting the right trailer. Key details include:

Weight: The total weight of the equipment will determine the load capacity required for the trailer.
Dimensions: Length, width, and height of the equipment will influence the type of trailer and any necessary permits.
Shape and Center of Gravity: Unusual shapes or high centers of gravity may require specialized trailers and securing methods.

2. Distance and Route

The distance and route of transport impact the choice of trailer:

Distance: Long-distance hauls may require trailers with enhanced durability and comfort features.
Route: Routes with tight turns, narrow roads, or low bridges may necessitate specific trailer types or route planning.

3. Terrain and Environment

Consider the terrain and environmental conditions:

Terrain: Rough, uneven, or off-road conditions may require trailers with reinforced structures and better suspension systems.
Weather: Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme heat, can affect trailer choice and the need for additional protective measures.

4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is crucial:

Permits: Oversize or overweight loads often require special permits.
Road Regulations: Understanding state and local road regulations ensures legal compliance.
Safety Standards: Adhering to safety standards, such as those set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), is mandatory.

Types of Trailers

1. Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are versatile and commonly used for transporting heavy equipment:

Advantages: Open design allows for easy loading and unloading, suitable for a variety of equipment.
Disadvantages: Lack of sides and roof offers no protection from weather and requires secure strapping.

2. Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers, also known as drop deck trailers, have a lower deck height:

Advantages: Accommodates taller equipment, easier loading with ramps.
Disadvantages: Limited by weight capacity compared to other trailer types.

3. Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers have a low deck height, making them ideal for very tall and heavy equipment:

Advantages: High weight capacity, lower center of gravity for stability.
Disadvantages: More expensive, may require permits for height and weight.

4. Double Drop Trailers

Double drop trailers have two drops in the deck height, providing an even lower middle section:

Advantages: Allows transport of extremely tall equipment, very stable.
Disadvantages: Limited to specific types of equipment, higher cost.

5. Extendable Trailers

Extendable trailers can be lengthened to accommodate longer loads:

Advantages: Versatile for varying equipment lengths, can handle oversized loads.
Disadvantages: Complex to operate, requires careful planning and skilled drivers.

6. Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGNs)

RGNs have a detachable front end, allowing equipment to be driven onto the trailer:

Advantages: Ideal for self-propelled equipment, high weight capacity.
Disadvantages: More expensive, may require additional permits.

Legal and Safety Considerations

1. Load Securing

Proper load securing is essential for safety and compliance:

Tie-Downs: Use chains, straps, and binders rated for the load’s weight.
Positioning: Ensure the load is centered and evenly distributed.
Inspection: Regularly inspect securing devices during transport.

2. Permits and Documentation

Ensure all necessary permits and documentation are in place:

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Oversize/Overweight Permits: Obtain permits for loads exceeding standard dimensions or weight limits.
Route Surveys: Conduct route surveys to identify potential obstacles and plan accordingly.
Insurance: Verify that insurance coverage is adequate for the load being transported.

3. Safety Measures

Implement safety measures to protect the load, drivers, and other road users:

Driver Training: Ensure drivers are trained and experienced in handling heavy equipment transport.
Escort Vehicles: Use escort vehicles when required for oversized loads.
Lighting and Signage: Equip the trailer with proper lighting and signage to enhance visibility.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Trailer

1. Assess Equipment Needs

Evaluate the specific needs of the equipment being transported:

Special Features: Identify any special features or requirements, such as winches or ramps.
Multiple Loads: Consider if the trailer will be used for multiple types of equipment.

2. Budget Considerations

Determine your budget and consider both initial and long-term costs:

Purchase vs. Rental: Decide whether to purchase or rent the trailer based on frequency of use.
Maintenance: Factor in maintenance costs and potential downtime.

3. Consult Experts

Consult with industry experts and professionals:

Dealers and Manufacturers: Seek advice from trailer dealers and manufacturers to find the best fit.
Experienced Movers: Learn from the experiences of other heavy equipment movers.

4. Inspect and Test

Thoroughly inspect and test the trailer before committing:

Condition: Check the trailer’s condition, including tires, brakes, and structural integrity.
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your equipment and towing vehicle.

Conclusion

Everything You Need to Know About Lowboy Trailer Transport

If you’ve ever seen a trailer hauling more than 150 tons of cargo, you likely were watching a lowboy trailer of some description. If you’ve ever wondered how you would logistically transfer heavy machinery, such as construction cranes or excavators, a lowboy trailer could be how. If you’d like to know more about lowboys, also known as lowbed trailers, and their capacity, then read on.

In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about lowboy trailer transport, including how they got their name, a brief history of their invention, what dimensions you can typically find lowboy trailers in, where they’re used, and a quick summary of their advantages.

Lowboy Trailer Transport: A Brief History

The earliest lowboy trailers were manufactured early in the s. As expected, they got their name from having a deck that’s lower to the ground than on other trailers. In terms of design, initial models utilized a riveted gooseneck at the front of the trailer to attach to the truck cab. On the rear, the trailer had solid rubber tires. In the beginning, the first lowboys could only be loaded from the rear end of the trailer, somewhat limiting how truckers could load heavy cargo. However, for the first time, operable equipment could be driven onto the trailer’s deck, with the solid rubber tires and rear axles bearing a lot of the weight during the loading process.

By the s, lowboy trailer designs had improved enough to make heavy equipment loading much more comfortable and efficient for all involved, through improvements made to load-bearing capacity and making the front gooseneck detachable so that front-loading was also an option. Another neat advantage of the new loading design was that it meant ramps were no longer necessary for loading. The earliest detachable gooseneck trailers invented in the late s are very similar in design to the RGN trailers in use today, which speaks volumes to the trailer type’s usefulness. Other improvements have been made since the s, though, including hydraulic systems that can lift the trailer to meet the cab’s coupling once loaded. Modern lowboy trailers are also equipped with air breaks and easily towed by various trucks.

Dimensions of Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailer dimensions do vary between manufacturers and models; with lowboy trailers particularly, manufacturers can choose to alter the width and length of trailers to accommodate different shipping needs, but there are some typical dimensions that most manufacturers stick to. You also have to option to buy a customized lowboy trailer, but in general, you’ll find most lowboys are available in the following load-bearing capacities and configurations:

– A well sized between 24′ and 29.6′ length
– Up to 80,000 weight capacity, dependent on axles
– Two to eight axles
– Double drop configuration with 10′ front deck
– Double drop configuration with 9′ rear deck
– Height capacity between 8.5′ and 10′
– Width up to 8.5′

Where Lowboy Trailers are Commonly Used
For Transport

As you might expect, lowboy trailers are commonly used throughout the United States and beyond. China, for example, has an extensive need for lowboy transport services to cope with all the heavy equipment and manufacturing that often takes place in-country. In the U.S., lowboy trailers are commonly used in the trucking industry to transport a wide variety of equipment. They’re used to transport agricultural equipment, construction equipment, excavation equipment, mining equipment, and more throughout all states, from remote sectors of the U.S. to busy, urban centers.

Advantages of Lowboy Trailer Transport

While we’ve briefly touched on some of the advantages of using lowboy trailers, e.g., simpler front and rear loading, there are numerous reasons to consider using a lowboy trailer for your next heavy equipment order. Additional advantages compared to other trailer types include:

– Improved stability, thanks to the low center of gravity
– Improved safety, thanks to high-strength material construction
– Their ability to help oversized equipment comply with height regulations
– Suitability for both heavy loads and over-dimensional cargo transportation
– Additional versatility in terms of load types

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Transport Specialist

Brian Goncharsky

Brian has been with NTS for over five years now. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the Branch Manager of the Fort Lauderdale office. He specializes in moving all heavy equipment and oversize loads.

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