Types of Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed Trailer
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People are now quitting their jobs to go into self-employment. This shift has been motivated by the desire of people to gain self-actualisation. This also allows them to use their ideas to maximise their profits rather than boost someone else’s returns.

The key to actualising your profits when self-employed lies in investing in the right industry. The logistics and construction sectors are currently among the most lucrative. You, however, only stand to reap the most out of your investment with the right heavy equipment.

Without Hitachi diggers for sale from an NZ-based dealer, for instance, you can do little in the construction sector. Trailers are however the must-haves in both the construction and logistics industries. These will help get your heavy machines and materials to your construction site or haul client goods across long distances.

Though several trailer types exist, the flatbed trailer is one of the leading choices. This is versatile since it is open and can be unloaded and loaded on all sides and accommodate loads of irregular shapes. Here are your business’ flatbed trailer options.

Step Deck Trailer

This is also called a single drop deck trailer. It is a version of the flatbed trailer with a bottom and top deck designed for the haulage of freight that cannot be accommodated on a standard flatbed owing to height restrictions.

The bed will drop lower compared to conventional flatbed trailers allowing you to haul goods with an extra two feet overhead clearance. The weight limit of most step deck trailers is 48000 lbs.

Double Drop Flatbed

These resemble step deck trailers but have centre sections that will drop lower than the rest of the trailer, thus creating a “well.” This allows you to transport even taller freight compared to when using a drop deck trailer. Unfortunately, the “well” will also shorten the usable length of your trailer.

Extendable Flatbed

This is at times called a flatbed stretch trailer. It is designed for the transportation of goods that are too long to be accommodated on a typical 48-foot flatbed trailer. It also suffices for items that need the extension found on this trailer to prevent their overhang.

Extendable flatbeds have lengths of up to 80 feet and usually accommodate maximum weights of 43,000 lbs. Some states require special permits for the use of these trailers on their roads.

Lowboy Trailer

car and a flatbed trailer

This is used for the transportation of tall and large cargo like excavators and bulldozers since it is incredibly close to the ground. The maximum height of the trailer is 18 to 24 in. There are three lowboy trailer options, including fixed gooseneck, removable gooseneck and fixed neck trailers.

These feature different attachment methods to your truck and will determine the ease of loading your items on the trailer.

Heavy equipment will usually require the highest investment when starting your company. This should not worry you since several companies offer an alternative to hire rather than buy the above trailers. This way, you can lower your start-up expenses and use the trailer to generate enough cash to buy yours later.

To maximise your business’ returns, hire or purchase the trailers from a reputable manufacturer so that the repair expenses are minimised.

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