Infographic: Which Trailer Type Do I Need for my High Stakes Freight®?

Learn the pros and cons of each trailer type so you can decide which to use for your High Stakes Freight®.

High Stakes Freight® involves high-value or specialized products, timely workflow, complex shipments, and brand reputation. It requires special transportation, including selecting the right trailer type for your cargo.

From double drop to hot shot, pup to RGN, there are many specialty trailers to choose from. It can be challenging to know which best suits your needs.  Below, we list the pros and cons of each trailer type to assist you in deciding which one your shipment requires. Additionally, we’ve created an infographic for easy reference.

Pros and Cons by Trailer Type 

Flatbed

The most common trailer type, these versatile, open trailers are suitable for oversized or irregularly shaped loads.

Pros of the Flatbed 

• Versatile: They can transport a wide range of goods and equipment, including large and irregularly shaped items.
• Cost-effective: They are often less expensive compared to specialized trailers.
• Easy to load/unload: They provide easy access for cranes and forklifts to load and unload cargo.

Cons of the Flatbed

• Height limitations: The maximum non-permitted freight height is 8 feet 6 inches.
• Weather exposure: Cargo is exposed to the elements, which may lead to damage or deterioration.

Step Deck

Also known as drop decks, the step deck consists of two decks, upper and lower, that accommodate taller cargo. This allows for greater freight height, easier lifts for forklifts, and larger cargo transportation.

Pros of the Step Deck

• Height clearance: A lower deck provides extra clearance for taller loads compared to a flatbed.
• Accessibility: Similar to a flatbed, they allow loading from the sides, back, and overhead.

Cons of the Step Deck

• Limited weight capacity: They may have weight limitations compared to a flatbed.
• Complex loading: Requires specialized equipment or techniques for loading taller cargo onto the upper deck.

Double Drop

Also known as a lowboy, double drop trailers have two lowered sections for carrying exceptionally tall loads with multiple trailer variations.

Pros of the Double Drop 

• Height clearance: This trailer type offers exceptional clearance for very tall or oversized loads.
• Stability: A lower center of gravity improves stability during transport.

Cons of the Double Drop 

• Complex loading: The double drop requires specialized equipment and expertise for loading and unloading due to the two-level design.
• Difficult loading: Loading and unloading may be more challenging due to the lower decks.

Extendable Double Drop

These trailers have the capability to extend their length to accommodate even longer loads.

Pros of the Extendable Double Drop 

• Height clearance: The extendable double drop offers the same height advantages for tall loads as a standard double drop.
• Adjustable length: This trailer type can be extended or retracted to accommodate various load sizes.

Cons of the Extendable Double Drop 

• High upkeep: Complex mechanisms can require additional maintenance and can be more complex to operate.

RGN

THe Removable Gooseneck (RGN), also called lowboy or double drop trailers, have a detachable front to load heavy, oversized equipment easily.

Pros of the RGN

• Easy loading and unloading: The detachable front allows for easy ramp access for loading and unloading heavy equipment.
• Stability: RGNs offer good stability for transporting heavy and oversized loads.
• Height clearance: This trailer type is suitable for tall equipment.

Cons of the RGN

• Limited weight capacity: The RGN may have lower weight limits compared to other specialized trailers.
• Storage requirements: The detachable gooseneck requires additional space for detachment and storage.

Extendable RGN

Extendable RGNs have the ability to extend out their well via two bars, which allows longer commodities to be fully supported, length-wise.

Pros of the RGN

• Adjustable length: The extendable RGN provides flexibility to handle a range of load sizes.
• Easy loading and unloading: The extendable version offers the same advantages as a standard RGN.

Cons of the RGN

• Upkeep and operation: Complex mechanisms can require additional maintenance and can be more complex to operate because of the extendable feature.

Tools For Success

The suitability of a trailer type depends on the specific requirements of the cargo and the transportation route. It’s important to choose the right trailer based on the nature of the load and the logistical constraints of the project.

 At Stream Logistics, we deliberately concentrate on High Stakes Freight®. We also provide tools to help you plan and execute logistics for large projects efficiently. Discover the power of our trailer dimensions tool, take the High Stakes Freight® Quiz, and learn about the Trailer Types & Dimensions before consulting with our team to make informed decisions for your cargo requirements. 

Read more: 

• The High Stakes Freight Flywheel
• Stream Logistics Capabilities
• The Stream Approach to Logistics Management

Stream Logistics is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in High Stakes Freight®, or freight where there is significant risk in moving your product. We help you transport freight when there are projects with timelines and delivery sequences, shipments with high complexity, and shipments with unique constraints.

Looking for Trailers for Modular Projects?

Are you looking for information about modular trailers? Head over to Stream Modular to our Find Your Modular Trailer resource to learn about carriers specific to the transportation of mods, pods, and panels.