The importance of trucking
The trucking industry in the United States is a major part of the transportation industry. For decades, it has helped move the economy by hauling products, machinery, and equipment from production facilities to stores and consumers. Trucks, including the drop deck trailer, have delivered the most essential supplies to all communities from anywhere in and out of the country. The importance of trucking could not be overemphasized and its usefulness can not be ignored. That being so, as a company, it is crucial to know the different kinds of trailers to suit your needs.
Different kinds of trailers
There are different kinds of trailers for long-haul transport. The key is finding out what you need and matching that with the kind of trailer that could meet that demand. The most common trailer on the roads today is the Dry Van Trailer. It is usually 53 feet long and generally used to transport stuff people use every day. Commodities such as clothing, non-perishable food items, medicine, and day-to-day household items are often transported using dry van trailers.
A second type of trailer is a refrigerated trailer more commonly known as Reefers. Reefers are similar to dry vans but are insulated and equipped with temperature control mechanisms. Accordingly, they are more commonly used for carrying perishable commodities such as frozen foods, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals. Reefer rates vary throughout the year since different seasons may require various temperature control systems to maintain the integrity of your cargo.
Another common type of trailer is the standard flatbed trailer. The standard flatbed trailer may come in various sizes, with 48 and 53 feet being the most popular lengths. Unlike dry vans and refrigerated trailers, the standard flatbed trailer does not have a container to hold your cargo. This means flatbed trailers can be used to deliver oversized cargo considering required permits are acquired and proper routes are followed. Without a container, additional tools, such as chains, straps, and tarps, are required to secure the freight.
What is a drop deck trailer?
One more type of trailer is a drop deck trailer. It is also called a step deck trailer. Drop deck trailers are usually 48 or 53 feet long. While flatbeds are mostly 5 feet off the ground, dropped trailers have a much lower rear (also called the well), measuring approximately 3 feet from the ground. This allows the dropped trailer to carry taller cargo thus making it a more versatile type of trailer.
What is a drop deck trailer used for?
A dropped deck trailer hauls mostly similar cargo as the flatbed. However, its design of having a lower rear allows for heavier and taller cargo. Here are some types of cargo that drop-deck trailers are used for:
1. Heavier Machinery. This can include construction equipment like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. Dropped deck trailers are suitable for construction equipment because their lower deck provides extra clearance for taller machinery
2. Vehicles. Cars, buses, and other types of vehicles can also be transported using step-deck trailers. The drop deck’s lower rear is usually equipped with a ramp to make the loading and unloading process even smoother.
3. Agricultural Equipment. Tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment are also commonly transported using drop deck trailers.
4. Industrial Equipment. Boilers and generators are also suited to be hauled by drop deck trailers because of their height and weight.
5. Construction Materials. Lumber, concrete, and other irregularly shaped materials for buildings are also common cargo for dropped decks.
What Types of Loads Are Unsuitable for Drop Deck Trailers?
While drop deck trailers are praised for their flexibility, certain types of cargo are not appropriate for them. Here are some examples of loads that should not be transported using step-deck trailers:
Oversized and Overweight Cargo: Every trailer has specific weight and size limitations governed by federal regulations. Transporting cargo that exceeds these limits can create significant road hazards and result in legal repercussions for the company.
Perishable Goods: Since drop deck trailers are typically open, they do not protect cargo from the elements. Perishables like fresh produce and frozen foods often require temperature control and moisture protection, which these trailers cannot provide.
Livestock: Drop deck trailers are not designed to transport live animals. Moving livestock necessitates specialized trucks or trailers to ensure the animals remain safe, secure, and healthy during transit.
It is important to prioritize safety and efficiency in transporting your freight, so it is necessary to ensure that you know what you need. There are countless types of trucks and trailers. And the various types can meet the demands of different cargo types. Drop deck trailers are known for their ability to carry different kinds of cargo, but like every other trailer, step decks have their limitations and considerations. The important thing is to always be informed of your options and to ensure that what you choose is what is best suited to your needs.
And we can help you determine what’s best for you! Learn more about our drop deck trailer models or contact us. We’ve been in the trucking business since 1986, have two of our locations in the United States, and have helped thousands of truckers transport their goods safely, reliably, fast, and cost-effective. Reach out to us today!
