Flatbed trucks are often used to haul building and construction materials, move scrap metals, agricultural goods, and transport oil and gas rigs. A flatbed trailer makes it easy to load heavy construction equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and skid steers, onto the trailer and quickly move them to the job site. Another significant benefit of a flatbed trailer is that it can carry large cargo and oversized items that a standard container will not carry.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about flatbed trailers:
Q1 How much weight can the flatbed trailer haul?
In general, the gross weight of the trailer, cab, and cargo should not exceed 80,000 pounds without a permit. The amount of weight you can haul will depend on various factors, including the engine, transfer case, axle spacing, and the health of your vehicle. Here are some specifications:
- 24-Foot, Three-Axle Truck: 54,000 Pounds Maximum Load
- 36-Foot, Four-Axle Truck: 66,000 Pounds Maximum Load
- 51-Foot, Five-Axle Truck: 80,000 Pounds Maximum Load
- 43-Foot, Six-Axle Truck: 80,000 Pounds Maximum Load
The length of a standard flatbed trailer is between 48 feet to 53 feet. The maximum legal width of a flatbed is 8 feet 6 inches. It can carry freight with maximum dimensions of 48’ x 8’6” x 8’6” (lwh) or 53’ x 8’6” x 8’6” (lwh). There are also stretch trailers that can haul freight too long to be carried in a standard trailer.
Q2 What are the different types of flatbed trailers?
Drop deck – A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck or lowboy trailer, has two decks, an upper and a lower. The lower deck makes it easy to load and unload the cargo. A drop deck can carry tall cargo that exceeds the legal height limit. Even with a permit, the maximum height is 13’ 6” to 14’, so the trailer helps ensure the driver’s safety and clearance for bridges.
Tippers – These are flatbed trucks equipped with a hydraulic system. It allows the driver to unload the material in a controlled way. The flatbed is inclinable to the rear and/or side.
Walking-floor trailers -- Walking floor or moving floor trailer uses a hydraulically controlled floor system to move the load outwards quickly. It allows easy moving of large quantities of packaged goods such as pallets.
Side-kit flatbed trailers -- It is essentially a flatbed trailer fitted with panels to enclose it. A side kit allows the flat deck to be loaded and unloaded with a crane. And clearance can be quickly converted to deliver the cargo safely in case of a sensitive load.
Conestoga trailer -- It is a specialized flatbed with a hard shell and tarping system. It helps protect the freight inside. This trailer is easy to load and unload with ease. It has a legal maximum freight weight of 42,000 lbs to 45,000 lbs.
Q3 What are the benefits of flatbed freight shipping?
Flatbed trailers give you the advantage of shipping almost any type of cargo. You can use them to place oddly shaped or even oversized items.
No Spatial Constrictions – Unlike a four-walled truck, your flatbed cargo truck doesn’t have spatial constrictions. You can also hang the freight over the edges.
Ability to strap down cargo – To ensure the safety of your cargo, you can securely strap everything down to the bed.
About Silver Moon Trailers
No matter your need, Silver Moon Trailers should be your one-stop destination for all your trailer requirements. We have trailers for all kinds of businesses, budgets, and cargo. And if you don’t find a trailer that meets your demands, we can construct a custom trailer to match your specifications.
You can call us at 870.330.9133 or email us at silvermoontrailers@gmail.com to know more about our trailers in Arkansas.