Choosing the right trailer for heavy equipment shipping in Arkansas is essential. The wrong trailer can lead to costly damages, delays, and other issues. Knowing what to look for when selecting a trailer for heavy equipment shipping can help ensure your shipment reaches its destination safely and on time. In this article, we will look at the types of trailers available for heavy equipment shipping, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best practices for selecting the right trailer for your shipment.
Heavy Equipment Shipping in Arkansas
Arkansas: a heartland of industries as varied as construction, mining, and agriculture. The state demands a meticulous approach to heavy equipment shipping. Companies rise to this challenge by transporting oversized machinery and equipment, underscoring an unyielding commitment to safety, efficiency, and timeliness. A parade of specialized trucks, trailers, and supremely skilled operators act as the lifeblood of this industry. They ferry hefty items like excavators, bulldozers, cranes, tractors, and industrial machinery with unwavering precision.
Types of Trailers for Heavy Equipment Shipping
From the vast array of trailers available for heavy equipment shipping, four types dominate the landscape: flatbeds, stepdecks, drop decks, and double drop decks. Each of them carries unique traits that suit different kinds of equipment or shipping scenarios.
Flatbeds
Flatbeds are the most commonly used trailers for heavy equipment shipping. Oversized or particularly heavy items find a comfortable home on the flat surface of a flatbed, making loading and unloading a breeze. However, they falter when it comes to weather protection, showing their vulnerability for equipment that needs shielding from the elements.
Stepdecks
What if we took a flatbed and gave it a lower deck? Enter stepdecks, which nestle items against the vagaries of the weather. This makes them a refuge for temperature-sensitive equipment. But their lower deck design does introduce a height restriction, limiting space for taller items.
Drop Decks
Drop decks take it up a notch—quite literally. Their raised deck proves a blessing for items that need extra height. But remember the flatbed’s Achilles heel? It’s here, too: Drop decks, like flatbeds, are susceptible to the elements.
Double Drop Decks
Picture a deck with two levels, giving you both improved weather protection and more room for taller items. That’s a double drop deck for you. However, the conveniences it offers comes at a higher cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Trailers
Every trailer type in our lineup has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Flatbeds, despite their popularity and cost-effectiveness, falter when items require elemental protection. Stepdecks, while they do offer additional weather protection, struggle to accommodate extra-height items. Drop decks fit the bill for taller items but leave them exposed to the weather, just like flatbeds. Double drop decks top the charts in protection and space but dig deeper into your pockets.
Best Practices for Selecting the Right Trailer for Heavy Equipment Shipping
When selecting a trailer for heavy equipment shipping, it is essential to consider the size and weight of the items being shipped and the nature of the shipment. For items that require extra protection from the weather, a step-deck or double drop deck is the best choice, as these trailers provide additional protection from the elements. A drop or double-drop deck is the best choice for extra-height items.
Conclusion
In summary, the path to successful heavy equipment shipping in Arkansas lies in picking the right trailer. Bearing in mind the equipment’s size, weight, and shipping requirements will pay dividends in safe, timely deliveries. The right decision, supported by a wealth of information, can ensure the safe journey of your shipment. For more information, Freedom Heavy Haul provides comprehensive services for heavy equipment shipping in Arkansas.