When shipping Full Truck Loads (FTL) there are many options to choose from to best fit your needs.
Open Deck
Flatbed: trailer with no enclosure. Up to 48,000 lbs. 48’ or 53’ in length, 102” wide, 60” off ground
Step deck: like a flatbed but with a step down partway down the length of the trailer. This type of equipment is of benefit when shipping taller commodities that would otherwise be Over-Dimensional (OD) on a traditional flatbed. The top deck is 60” off ground and is 11’ in length. The lower deck is 37’ or 42’ in length. Heights off the ground are commonly 40-42” but there are low-profile step decks with the lower deck at 38” off the ground.
Conestoga: versions of both flatbed and step decks that have a retractable cover over the deck of the trailer. Up to 44,000 lbs. up to 96” of loadable height and up to 102” in width
Removable Gooseneck (RGN Trailers): trailer that can be disconnected at the front creating a ramp. The deck, referred to as the “well,” can be 24’ to 29’ in length, 102” in width, 24” off ground. 42,000 lbs. is the maximum cargo weight for the standard RGN. RGNs with additional axles can accommodate more weight
Flatbed Hotshot: trailer that is pulled by a pickup truck. Hotshots are u to 40’ in length, 102” wide, 34” from ground and can carry up to 16,500 lbs. Some have ramps on the back of trailer.
Enclosed Trailers
Dry Van: basic enclosed trailer 48’ or 53’ in length (truckload carriers will have 53’ with swing doors,) 102” in width and 110” in height. Can carry up to 45,000 lbs
Reefer: refrigerated trailer up to 53’ in length 102” width and 110” height. Can carry up to 45,000 lbs
Straight truck: loading space is not a trailer but part of the vehicle. Up to 26’ in length. Width 96” to 102”, height 96” to 102”. Can carry up to 13,000 lbs. Benefits may include lift gate, pallet jack, faster transit times (see our separate blog post specifically on benefits of straight truck shipping.)
Sprinter van: 96”to 120” in length, width 48”, height 48”. Not dock high. Faster transit times
Talk with us about your shipping needs and we’ll help you decide which option is best for you.