Skip to main content

Trailer Options

The Right Equipment To Move Any Freight!

Having the right trailer and equipment options saves time and money.

At B4 Logistics we have a thorough understanding of trailer types and equipment options available to our valuable customers and their freight. Choosing the right trailer options can not only save the shipper money but it helps to guarantee a safe transport of freight.

Heavy Haul Trailer Selection

The heavy haul trailer specifications listed below will assist you determining the quantity and type of trailers that are required to transport your freight or load. The total freight weight and dimensions each trailer type can typically transport “legally” (ie. without the need for state highway permits) is shown below.

Since there are variations within each trailer type, the information shown should be used as a general guideline. Most of these platform trailers have the capacity to handle freight exceeding these weights and dimensions for a premium charge and require state(s) permit authority to be obtained prior to shipment.

Our knowledgeable team of flatbed and heavy haul representatives at B4 Logistics will be able to let you know if your load or freight requires permits for the state(s) the load or freight will be transported through. Our team of representatives are highly educated and experienced in transporting freight through all 48 lower US States, Canada and Mexico.

Flatbed

Flatbeds are one of the most commonly used trailers due to their versatility. A flatbed trailer can be loaded from the top, sides, or rear of the trailer making it a primary and common asset to the flatbed trucking industry.

Maximum Freight Weight: 48,000lbs
Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 48ft. or 53ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 8ft. 6in.

Step Deck

Step deck trailers are also known as ‘drop deck’ trailers. These are a version of flatbed trailers, with a top and bottom deck. They are designed to haul freight that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed (usually due to height restrictions).

Maximum Freight Weight: 44,000 – 48,000lbs
Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 37 – 42ft. (bottom deck)
Length: 10 – 12ft. (top deck)
Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 10ft. (bottom deck)

Extendable Flatbed

Extendable flatbeds are also known as flatbed stretch trailers. They are designed for loads or freight that is too long to transport on a standard flatbed trailer, and that require the support of this trailer so there is no overhang.

Maximum Freight Weight: 43,000lbs
Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 48 – 80ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 8ft. 6in.

Stretch Single Drop Deck

Stretch single drop decks or extendable drop decks are designed for loads or freight that are too long to transport on a standard step deck, and that require the support of this trailer so there is no overhang. They are also designed to haul freight that cannot be transported on a standard step deck that is usually due to length restrictions.

Maximum Freight Weight: 45,000lbs
Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 35 – 63ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 10ft.

Double Drop

Double drops are used generally for oversized freight. The lower deck height lets you load products that are taller then 10 feet. It has a longer piece of trailer in the middle that is called the “well” and then a front and back deck of the trailer as well. The “well” usually ranges from 25 ft. to 29ft.

Maximum Freight Weight: 36,000 – 42,000lbs

Standard Freight Dimensions:
Main Deck                       Front Deck                 Rear Deck

Length: 25 to 29ft.         Length: 10ft.              Length: 9ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.               Width: 8ft. 6in.           Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 11ft. 6in.            Height: 8ft. 6in.          Height: 10ft.

Stretch Double Drop

Stretch double drops or extendable double drops are designed for loads or freight that are too long to haul on a standard double drop trailer. They commonly have 2 or 3 axles depending on weight of freight.

Standard Freight Weight: 40,000lbs

Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Main Deck                       Front Deck                 Rear Deck

Length: 29 to 50 ft.        Length: 10ft.              Length: 9ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.               Width: 8ft. 6in.           Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 11ft. 6in.             Height: 8ft. 6in.          Height: 10ft.

Removable Gooseneck (RGN)

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers give you the choice to move those same tall loads or freight, but also give you the ability to load large pieces of equipment onto the trailer by driving them on. The front of the trailer is detachable, which allows the trailer to drop to the ground and create its own ramp.

These types of trailers can be designed to haul up and over 150,000lbs worth of equipment. RGNs can go from a 3 axle RGN to 20 plus axle, the more axles the heavier the shipment can weigh. Heavy haul trailers such as these are more specialized then some of the other trailer types and this makes them more expensive to use.

Maximum Freight Weight: 42,000lbs

Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Main Deck                    Front Deck               Rear Deck

Length: 29ft.                  Length: 10ft.              Length: 9ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.               Width: 8ft. 6in.           Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 11ft. 6in.            Height: 8ft. 6in.          Height: 10ft.

Stretch RGN

Stretch RGN’s are designed for loads that are too long to haul on a standard RGN trailer. They range from 3 axles and up, depending on freight weight. The more axles on the trailer, the heavier the load or freight can be.

Standard Freight Weight: 42,000-150,000lbs and up

Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 29 – 65ft.
Width: 8ft. 6in.
Height: 11ft. 6in.

Conestoga

Conestoga trailers have a rolling tarp system that can quickly cover and uncover a flatbed trailer. This system provides protection from the elements of the road and weather for products, loads, freight or equipment that require flatbed transport.

Maximum Freight Weight: 42,000 – 45,000lbs

Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 48ft. or 53ft.
Width: 8ft. 2in.
Height: 8ft.

Van or Dry Van

Vans or dry vans are enclosed trailers generally used to keep freight safe from the elements of the road and weather. These trailers may only be loaded from the rear, and are generally loaded from a loading dock. A curtain van is similar, but can be loaded from the side as well.

Maximum Freight Weight: 42,000 – 45,000lbs

Maximum Freight Dimensions:
Length: 48ft.or 53ft.
Width: 8ft. 2in.
Height: 9ft.

Specialized Trailers

There are some types of jobs that require specific specialized trailers. Some oversized and over dimensional pieces simply will not fit any other standard trailers and these trailers are specially designed for these pieces. These types of trailers include: perimeter trailers, perimeter frame double goosenecks trailers, dolly trailers, etc.

Maximum Freight Weight: 200,000lbs plus

Maximum Freight Dimensions Vary

Power Only

Power only units are used for towing all different types of trailers. They can haul most trailer types depending on the hitch hookup. Normally trailers are equipped with a 5th wheel hitch, ball and hitch, or a pintle hitch. A standard power only usually has 3 axles. If the trailer type is overweight, a 4 axle power only may be needed.

Maximum Freight Weight: Wide open but state requirements must be followed.

Maximum Freight Dimensions: Wide open but state requirements must be followed.

DISCLAIMER:

The actual freight load capacity weight and dimensions from trailer to trailer are based on the specifications of the actual trailer and semi-tractor being used.

The maximum freight dimensions and weight listed above for each trailer are approximates. Numbers listed above should be used as an estimated guide for load and freight planning, and should not be used for making precision loading calculations.

Heavy Haul Loads – Tarp Needed

When you need weather protect B4 has you covered. Regardless of the dimensions of the freight we can tarp. B4 has a database of heavy haul and flatbed carriers that carry multiple sized tarps from 24’ X 8’, 24’ X 6’ and 24’ x 4’ we will keep your freight protected. Over dimensional tarp is a job in itself for drivers depending on how over dimensional your freight is, so we make sure our drivers are compensated for tarp. Tarp is necessary on mostly specialized manufactured freight as well as anything that has electronic panels or is computerized machinery. There are a lot of variations of freight that are necessary to tarp. Our account managers are trained to always ask if you need tarp, please keep in mind it is 100% customer’s responsibility to let your heavy haul account manager know your freight needs tarp. Our drivers also carry corner protectors, this helps brace the tarp and lowers the chance of a tarp ripping.

Have some questions? Talk to an expert.

Our Shipping Solutions

We help businesses scale by offering shipping & logistics options for any type of cargo to anywhere in North America.

Full Truckload

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.

LTL/Partial Freight

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.

Freight Brokerage

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.

Refrigerated Freight

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.

Project Freight

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.

Flatbed & Stepdecks

Just a little information about full truckload services and how we help our customers.