Moving oversized and heavy machinery across Canadian provinces or into cross-border markets requires more than just finding a truck. Trailer selection can determine whether a shipment arrives safely, stays compliant with regulations, and remains within budget. A mismatch between equipment and trailer type can lead to costly delays, damage, or route restrictions.
For heavy equipment shipping in Canada, the choice often depends on load dimensions, weight distribution, access points, and loading requirements. Canadian heavy haul trucking companies work with a range of trailer designs, each engineered for specific freight challenges. Selecting the right one is a key step in delivering reliable heavy haul services in Canada.
Key Factors That Influence Trailer Selection
When planning heavy equipment transport, several elements guide the choice of trailer: the weight and size of the load, its center of gravity, the route’s bridge and height clearances, and the loading method. These considerations help ensure safe and compliant heavy equipment shipping.
1. Flatbed Trailers: The Standard Choice for Accessible, Oversized Loads
Flatbeds remain a popular choice for heavy equipment shipping in Canada due to their versatility. They accommodate loads that can be easily lifted by crane or forklift and are ideal for machinery with standard height and width.
Also read: https://www.natscanada.com/why-flatbed-trucking-remains-essential-for-oversized-loads/
2. Step Deck (Drop Deck) Trailers: For Taller Equipment
Step deck trailers feature a lower deck, allowing taller freight to travel without exceeding legal height limits. They are particularly useful for heavy equipment transport involving excavators, loaders, or other machinery that surpasses standard flatbed height allowances.
3. Double Drop Trailers: Handling Extra-Tall Freight
When machinery exceeds even step deck height limits, double drop trailers are a solution. With a lower central well, they can carry extremely tall equipment while remaining road-compliant. These trailers are common in specialized heavy haul services in Canada.
4. RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers: Built for Self-Propelled Equipment
RGN trailers are designed for equipment that can be driven or rolled onto the trailer. They provide a low-level loading area and are widely used by Canadian heavy haul trucking companies for transporting dozers, cranes, and other self-propelled machinery.
5. Extendable Trailers: For Long, Awkward Cargo
Some heavy equipment transport jobs involve unusually long loads such as beams, wind turbine components, or oversized tanks. Extendable trailers prevent overhang while maintaining stability during transit.
6. Multi-Axle Configurations: When Weight Is the Real Challenge
Excessively heavy loads require multi-axle trailers to distribute weight evenly and comply with provincial weight limits. These configurations are essential for the heaviest categories of heavy equipment shipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Trailer
Mistakes often occur when weight, dimensions, or loading requirements are underestimated. Selecting a trailer without accounting for permits, road restrictions, or axle limitations can lead to compliance issues. Partnering with experienced Canadian heavy haul trucking companies helps avoid these risks.
The Right Trailer = A Safer, Smoother Heavy Haul
Efficient heavy equipment shipping in Canada begins with matching the right trailer to the specific job requirements. From flatbeds to multi-axle configurations, each option offers unique advantages for different freight challenges. NATS Canada provides tailored heavy haul services in Canada, ensuring compliance, safety, and timely delivery. Contact NATS Canada today to discuss the best trailer solution for upcoming heavy equipment transport projects.