When it comes to shipping freight across Western Canada and the U.S., choosing the right trailer is crucial. The size, weight, and shape of your load all determine what type of trailer you need to transport it safely and efficiently. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of transportation trailers and how they’re used.
Below, we at Shadow Group will break down the types of transportation trailers in North America and how they’re used in real-world shipping scenarios.
FLAT DECK TRUCKS
When it comes to transportation services, flat deck trucks are one of the most common methods used to move bulk, heavy, or oversized pieces of equipment. As the name suggests, this transportation method includes a flatbed that bows along its length to support heavy loads.
Some materials that are transported by flat deck trucks are:
- Lumber
- Raw materials
- Formed concrete
For safe transportation, equipment is secured with straps, chains, and other powerful bindings. Standard flat decks, also called flatbeds, are one of the most common types of transportation trailers, allowing for quick and easy loading of goods that aren’t vulnerable to rain or snow, such as building and construction materials. Some companies offer tarps to prevent or limit the equipment’s exposure to moisture and dirt.
STEP-DECK TRUCKS
Step decks are designed to carry taller loads or goods that require additional height clearance. Step-deck trucks have the same application as flat-deck transportation, the difference being that there are two different beds on the trailer, the upper and lower decks.
The upper deck is at the same 4’8” height from the ground as a standard flatbed trailer, while the lower deck is 3’3” from the ground. Step-deck trucks are best for:
- Tractors
- Machinery
- Agriculture equipment
- Excavators
LOW BED TRUCKS
Low bed trucks (commonly called lowboys) can legally carry loads up to 12ft tall. The top deck is only 18” from the ground, making these trucks best used to haul heavy equipment such as:
- Bulldozers
- Oilfield equipment
- Industrial equipment
PNEUMATIC TRAILER
A pneumatic trailer is a metal cylinder with cone-shaped hoppers at the bottom and openings at the top. Each hopper has a valve that opens into a pipe below the trailer. The products run out of the hopper and through the outbound pipe.
This type of transportation service is typically known as dry bulk trucking for fine materials such as:
- Sand
- Cement
- Dry chemicals
- Animal feed
- Dry foods
Choosing the Right Types of Transportation Trailers for Your Freight Needs
Now that you understand the different types of transportation trailers better, it’s up to you to weigh these options and determine what would work best for your transportation services needs.
Shadow Group provides all the transportation options and services mentioned above for various industries. Our highly trained operators work to achieve the optimum result through a series of supply chain management tools. We take care of everything from the actual transport to the delivery. Our logistics solutions can track shipments to ensure quick delivery, cost efficiency and quality transportation.
Get a quote from us today!