Flatbed Heavy Haul vs Standard Flatbed

Unlike more traditional semi-trailers, open deck trailers are level and flat, which makes them useful for carrying cargo that doesn’t fit in an enclosed tractor-trailer. Items you might see on an open deck trailer include lumber, steel bars, construction equipment, and agricultural machines.

When choosing between open deck heavy haul vs. standard open deck, it’s important to understand the differences. In this guide, we examine the varied uses, equipment, and logistics required for each type of open deck trailer, so you can make an informed decision for your shipping operation.

Understanding Open Deck Heavy Haul Shipping

Open deck transportation allows shippers to haul oddly-shaped and oversized cargo securely over varying distances. It is typically divided into two categories: standard and heavy haul. Heavy haul open deck trailers are for items over the weight threshold for standard open deck trailers. Industries that rely on open deck heavy hauling services include: 

• Construction: Transporting large construction equipment, such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, as well as materials such as wood, steel, bridge beams, or precast concrete
• Manufacturing: Carrying industrial equipment between production facilities 
• Mining: Moving excavators, cranes, and other heavy mining equipment 
• Agriculture: Transporting agricultural machines, such as combines and tractors
• Aerospace: Conveying aircraft components and other aerospace equipment 
• Energy: Transporting large solar panels, drilling rigs, and wind turbine parts 
• Utilities: Moving excavation machines, transformers, generators, and other utility equipment

When to Choose a Heavy Haul Open Deck Trailer vs. a Standard Open Deck Trailer

Federal and state laws limit commercial vehicles to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds. Anything that causes the total weight, which includes the truck, trailer, and freight, to exceed 80,000 pounds requires overweight permits and may require specialized equipment.

Federal and State Dimension Thresholds

In addition to weight limitations, federal and state governments place limits on vehicle length and width. Federal and state dimension requirements for commercial motor vehicles are generally:

• • Maximum 102 inches wide, except in Hawaii, where it is 108 inches
  • Maximum overall length varies by state
  • No federal height limits, but states typically limit the overall height between 13.5 and 14 feet high

The thresholds can differ depending on the state and the type of trailer. Check with state and local requirements when planning your route, or partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider familiar with shipping regulations and limits.

Oversized and Overweight Freight Considerations

Without an applicable legal exception, heavy haul open deck carriers must obtain permits from each state they travel through when transporting freight that exceeds 80,000 pounds or standard dimensional limits. These permits govern when and how oversized or overweight loads may move, including approved routes and daylight-only travel restrictions.

A seasoned 3PL provider like Jones Logistics (JoLo) can help you navigate the size requirements, weight limitations, and permitting process to get your freight moved efficiently from point A to point B. 

Equipment Utilized for Heavy Haul

Heavy haul trailers are often specialized to accommodate different types of cargo safely. Examples include: 

• Step deck trailers: Step deck trailers, also called drop deck trailers, have a higher deck with a fixed gooseneck hitch, and a lower deck capable of carrying taller loads.
• Lowboy trailers: A lowboy trailer, also called a two-drop deck or double drop, features a two-level deck. With two higher decks situated on the front and back of the lower deck, the trailer can haul tall payloads without exceeding height limitations. 
• Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers: A type of lowboy trailer, an RGN lets you remove the gooseneck hitch as needed to facilitate quicker loading and unloading. It may also include hydraulic equipment to elevate and lower the trailer.
• Extendable flatbed trailers: Also called a stretch flatbed, an extendable flatbed trailer includes a sliding chassis that extends the cargo deck for long items like construction beams or pipes.

Safety and Compliance Requirements

Drivers must take special care to secure open deck loads using restraints such as straps, chains, tarps, and other securment tools to meet Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) requirements. These regulations also govern cargo placement, securement devices, and the number of restraints necessary based on weight. 

To ensure the security of your cargo, it’s also important to have experienced drivers and a logistics team familiar with planning routes for oversized cargo. Vehicle operators and logistics planners need to be aware of weight and height restrictions for all roads on the shipping route, including any bridges, viaducts, highways, and local streets.

Benefits of Partnering with a 3PL for Open Deck Heavy Haul

Simplify logistics and compliance for heavy-duty open deck hauling with the help of an established, reputable 3PL partner. JoLo has extensive experience managing the timely, hassle-free delivery of heavy equipment, building materials, and other oversized and overweight equipment. 

Choosing the Right Open Deck Partner

When choosing the right open deck partner for your heavy haul shipping needs, look for a company with the experience necessary to professionally manage your cargo. Before booking a 3PL open deck partner, consider the following questions:

• Does the company exhibit proven experience handling the type of load you need shipped?
• Does it have the appropriate fleet vehicles, securement, and loading equipment necessary to handle your cargo?
• Is the rate aligned with your budgetary needs?
• What safety record does the company have?
• Does it meet requirements for compliance and insurance?
• Is the potential partner experienced in logistical planning for heavy haul shipments?

The JoLo team creates effective shipping solutions for clients across a wide range of industries. We provide customized, flexible solutions tailored to the needs of each client. See one of our heavy haul case studies to learn more.

Streamline Your Open Deck Needs with Jones Logistics

At JoLo, we think outside the box to bring you customized shipping solutions based on your unique needs. We have created numerous trailer-agnostic fleets and solutions to accommodate a wide range of freight commodities.

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