Shipping construction equipment is a unique transport process that comes with its fair share of challenges. Almost all construction equipment is oversized, over-dimensional, and overweight to be transported by standard trucking.
This is why it is imperative to choose the right company to transport your construction equipment. And while an ideal transportation company should help you select the best-suited trailer for shipping your construction equipment, knowing what to expect comes in handy.
When shipping construction equipment, you have the following options in trailers:
i). Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)
A detachable front characterizes a removable gooseneck trailer. When the front is detached, the trailer drops to the ground, thus creating a ramp. Construction equipment to be shipped should fit in the following dimensions:
- Maximum weight – 100,000+ lbs
- Well width – 8.5 ft
- Legal height limit – 11.6 ft
- Main deck length – 29 ft
ii). Double Drop Trailer
A double drop trailer has a lower deck height and a lower center of gravity. This is why it is the best option for shipping construction equipment that is very tall. A double drop trailer will have an upper deck in the front and back with the middle, often referred to as the “well,” dipping below the trailer axis. Construction equipment to be shipped should fit in the following dimensions:
- Maximum weight – 45,000+ lbs
- Legal height limit – 11.5ft
- Well length – 29 ft
- Front deck length – 10ft
- Rear deck length – 9ft
- Maximum width – 8.5 ft
iii). Step Deck Trailer
Step-deck trailers are characterized by two deck levels; the lower deck, which comes about after clearing of the tractor unit, and the upper deck. Ramps and forklifts mostly facilitate loading and unloading construction equipment on step deck trailers. Construction equipment to be shipped should fit in the following dimensions:
- Maximum weight – 48,000+ lbs
- Maximum width – 8.5 ft
- Lower deck length – 37 ft
- Upper deck length – 11 ft
- Lower deck height – 10.5 ft
- Upper deck height – 8.5 ft
iv). Standard Flatbed Trailer
The lack of sides and roof characterizes flatbed trailers. This makes it ideal for shipping construction equipment as loading and offloading is done from the top, sides, or behind. Construction equipment to be shipped should fit in the following dimensions:
- Maximum weight – 48,000+ lbs
- Maximum width – 8.5 ft
- Maximum height – 8.5 ft
- Maximum length – 53 ft
For whichever construction equipment you need transported, there is a suitable trailer available. And at Great Western Transportation, we will go the extra mile in ensuring your construction equipment is shipped safely and efficiently. To ship your construction equipment with the experts, contact us today.
