Not all truck trailers are created equal. That’s a simple fact of transportation logistics that has to be understood by companies looking to ship heavy loads in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The amount of weight a particular style of trailer can support varies from design to design and manufacturer to manufacturer. Before you decide on what your trailer needs are you to need to engage with experienced heavy haul trucking companies.
Heavy Haul Trucking Requires the Right Trailer for the Job
The simple fact is the overall weight of freight targeted for heavy equipment transport correlates to the type of trailer you’ll need to use and the number of axles necessary to safely carry the load. There are many things to consider for heavy haul trucking companies besides just the weight; oversized loads may require escorts and special routing with many restrictions along the way (low bridges, residential areas, road restrictions, etc.). There may also be provincial and stage regulations mandated by local government that dictate the maximum amount of weight allowed to remain in compliance. All that aside, it really gets down to the trailer choice when it comes to heavy haul trucking.
Partnering with an experienced transportation provider or 3PL company with a long track record of success is the best way to ensure you’re getting the right trailer for the job. Here are a few examples of how weight dictates trailer size.
- Freight 25,000kg or less. This load would require a three axle truck with a minimum two axle trailer. The majority of freight being transported via ground transportation across Canada falls into this category. Most of these loads are delivered using flatbed, step deck, double drop, reefer or dry van trailers. There is an abundance of companies that can handle this freight regardless of the product.
- Freight 25,000 – 30,000kg. This load would require a three-axle truck with a three axle trailer. Adding the third axle is necessary at this weight. This is common for companies shipping pallet-based, boxed or consumer goods and construction materials. These trailers can safely handle loads of this weight.
- Freight 49,000kg – 55,000kg. Let’s take it up a notch. Loads this big are typically large pieces of machinery or equipment that require expert logistical oversight when moving them along public roads. This will require a minimum of 10 total axles to be in compliance. Transporting such loads could take a combination of vehicles and trailers for example, a four-axle truck with a three-axle “jeep” and three axle trailer could be deployed to move such heavy loads.
- Over 180,000kg. At this point you’re looking at jobs only a few heavy haul trucking companies can manage. With any load over 180,000kg (approximately 400,000lbs) the only type of trailer that can handle this is a specialty modular line trailer.
Work with NATS CANADA When Hauling Heavy Loads
NATS Canada is an experienced 3PL provider than can ensure the safety of your load regardless of what you’re shipping.