Choosing A Car You Will Love

Basic Guide For Flatbed & Drop Trailers: Choosing The Best Trailer For Your Freight Shipping Business

21 May 2015

Louis Castro

When you're in the freight shipping business, having the right trailer for the job is essential for getting your shipment to its destination on time and in good order. You may need to have several different types of trailers in your fleet in order to cater to a variety of customer's needs. Keep reading to learn about the different types of trailers and their maximum load capacities, so you can choose the best one for your company's needs:

Flatbed Trailer

This is the standard type of trailer used by freight shipping companies who typically handle average-sized machines, equipment, and other large freight. It can safely transport loads up to 48,000 lbs, as long as the loads meet the maximum load dimensions, which are:

• 48 feet in length

• 8.35 feet in width

• 9 feet in height

Stretch Flatbed Trailers

This type of trailer is best used for freight that is standard height, but longer than what the average flatbed trailer can handle. The maximum freight weight, which is 45,000 lbs, is also a little less than a regular flatbed trailer. This is because the "stretch" factor makes the middle of the trailer a little weaker.

The maximum freight dimensions for a stretch flatbed trailer are:

• 45-70 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 8.5 feet in height

Single-Drop Deck Trailers

This trailer is perfect if you need to move shipments that are a little taller than standard size. It can specifically handle loads up to 10 feet tall on the main deck of the trailer. If you offer specialized services to your customers that include oversized freight transportation, then this is a drop trailer you should have in your fleet. This trailer can hold freight that weighs up to 48,000 lbs.

The maximum freight dimensions for a single-drop deck trailer are:

• 37 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 10 feet in height

Stretch Single-Drop Deck Trailers

If you often ship freight that is both a little taller and longer than a standard load, then you'll want a stretch single-drip deck trailer in your fleet. But, it can only handle freight that is 43,000 lbs or less.

The maximum freight dimensions for the main deck of a stretch single-drop deck trailer are:

• 45-70 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 8.5 feet in height

Double-Drop Deck Trailers

If you are shipping oversized loads on a constant basis, this is a good trailer option for you. It can handle loads that are even taller than what the previous trailers can handle. A double-drip deck trailer can be used to carry freight that is up to 11.5 feet in height, and up to 45,000 lbs. But it's also shorter than the other trailers.

The maximum freight dimensions for the main deck of a double-drop deck trailer are:

• 29 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 11.5 feet in height

Double-Drop Deck Trailer With Detachable Deck

Also called a lowboy, a double-drop deck trailer with a detachable deck is perfect for tall freight, as long as it's not more than 12 feet in height. The "detachable" part of the trailer refers to the goose neck that detaches and moves away from the trailer's lower deck. This characteristic allows the freight to be driven onto the trailer. The maximum weight this trailer can hold is 44,000 lbs.

The maximum freight dimensions for the main deck of a double-drop deck trailer with detachable deck are:

• 30 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 11.8 feet in height

Stretch Double-Drop Deck

Stretch double-drop deck trailers come in both 2 and 3 axle models. If you typically carry heavier loads, then you want to opt for the 3-axle model. This is the largest of all flat bed and drop trailers. It can carry loads up to 40,000 lbs.

The maximum freight dimensions for a stretch double-drop deck trailer are:

Main Deck

• 29.7-61 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 11.5 feet in height

Front Deck

• 10.7 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 8.5 feet in height

Rear Deck

• 21 feet in length

• 8.5 feet in width

• 10 feet in height

Now that you have a good idea as to the different types of flatbed and drop trailers available, and what their load capacity is, you will have a better idea as to which trailers you need for your freight business. If you have any questions, contact your local trailer dealer.

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