Maximum trailer length allowed on roads, highways and interstates.

By WLSADMIN on November 5, 2019 / Trailers / 2 Comments

Maximum trailer length allowed on roads. highways and interstates.

Maximum length requirements semi trailer allowed on interstates, roads or highways in North America.

LENGTH REQUIREMENTS

The Federal length limits are principally minimums that States must allow for the following vehicles on the NN and reasonable access routes.

Truck Tractor-Semitrailer Combinations

The minimum allowable length limit for the semitrailer in this combination is 14.63 m (48 feet) or the grandfathered limit for a particular State. (See discussion of Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths on page 3.) A State may not impose an overall vehicle length limit on a truck tractor-semitrailer combination operating on the NN or reasonable access routes, even if the trailer is longer than the minimum length required by Federal law (Figure 2). A State may not impose an overall length limit on a truck tractor pulling a single semitrailer or a limit on the distance between the axles of such a truck tractor.

Credit: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/

Removable goose neck trailer.

By WLSADMIN on July 4, 2018 / Trailers / Leave a comment

Tags: equipment, heavy haul, loadboard, oversize, quotes, removable goose neck, RGN, shipping, trailer

What is a removable goose neck trailer?

A removable goose neck trailer (RGN) detaches from it’s own goose neck which attaches it to the semi-truck. Detaching the equipment allows driveable machinery to be loaded onto the deck. The driver of the truck then backs up to the deck and re-attaches the removable goose neck with a hydraulic lift. Removable goose neck trailers are very popular and versatile as they can move heavy haul loads. Notice in the photograph below the extra axles. These additional axles evenly spread the weight of the heavy haul shipment throughout the road. This ensures the pavement is not damaged. Removable goose neck trailers save money because items requiring transportation don’t need a crane. Additional axles are easily added to this type of configuration. RGN shipments can be moved easily using our loadboard in order to get a freight quote.

Removable goose neck trailers were invented during the 1950’s and are great for transporting over weight, over height, oversize and over height shipments.

As we discussed above the front portion of this trailer detaches which allows the trailer to be lowered to the ground. This leaves a ramp to drive equipment on to. RGN shipments are typically driven onto the trailer. RGN trailers can have up to 20+ axles so they can carry freight up to 150,000 pounds.

These are the maximums that can be loaded onto a removable goose neck trailer before trucking permits are required:
The maximum load weight is around 42,000 pounds.
The maximum well space provides about 29 feet of deck space.
The maximum width is 8 feet and 6 inches.
The maximum height of the load is about 11 feet and 6 inches.
The maximum overhang is determined by the laws in each state/province.

Learning removable goose neck basics.

Always be sure you clearly understand all of the state(s) laws, regulations, rules and limitations prior to shipping any type of load on a removable goose neck trailer. Hefty fines can be levied from breaking laws. Regulations in each state differ and you should fully research them prior to moving any load to make sure you are in compliance. Oversize and heavy-haul loads require specialized driver training and trucking permits in order to be transported. Always refer to the actual state issued permit for any discrepancies you may have. Be smart, be safe and know exactly what you are doing before doing it.

Accessories used with removable goose neck trailers.

Quite a few removable goose neck trailer accessories are available. In order to make loading/unloading easier as well as protecting the item that is being transported. In many cases the owner of removable goose neck (RGN) trailers may add ramps to the trailer thus making it easier and quicker to load/unload items. Especially farming equipment or dozers, loaders, back-hoes, trucks, tractors and scrapers or any specialized equipment that has tracks or wheels. One of the most popular accessories is tarps. Tarps provide protection for items that are being shipped and can cut down on the possibility of damages. Keeping insurance claims to a minimum is always a smart idea.

Removable goose neck trailers with additional axles.

Heavy equipment shipping is a demand that is increasing. As we grow so do our capabilities which usually means larger equipment. As you can see in our illustration above 5 axle removable goose neck trailers are in demand these days and the owner of one with the right customers can have a 5 axle removable goose neck (RGN) combination running team drivers pretty much year round.

Large equipment hauling on removable goose neck trailers.

Flatbed oriented trailers are capable of hauling a very diverse range of items. While items like connex trailers, tiny houses and general freight can help keep a trucking company busy generating revenue the real purpose of removable goose neck trailers is hauling big, heavy, tall machinery and equipment. As we mentioned earlier the target market for removable goose neck (RGN) trailers is equipment and machinery that may be heavy but also tall. This is the key element that drives demand for this type of trailer.

What is a double drop trailer?

By WLSADMIN on June 26, 2018 / Trailers / 2 Comments

Tags: double-drop, double-drop trailer, what is

What is a double drop trailer?

If you are wondering what a double drop trailer is we may be able to help you learn all about them. Double drop trailers (sometimes referred to as a lowboy or RGN) is a specialized trailer that has many very unique capabilities. The deck design on double-drop trailers is very unique meaning primarily it is low to the ground and specifically meant to service the oversize and overweight (heavy-haul) trucking industry. One of the advantages of double drop trailers is they are capable of shipping items that are excessive in height that otherwise may require a special oversize trucking permit in order to be transported. This means transportation costs will be higher in order to successfully ship the item. However, thanks to the double-drop trailer transporting machinery and items that are excessive in height is cheaper to perform. In this review we’ll cover double-drop trailer dimensions, axle spacings, axle groups, weights, accessories and much more so let’s check it out in detail!

Learning double drop basics.

Always be sure you clearly understand all of the state(s) laws, regulations, rules and limitations prior to shipping any type of load on a double drop trailer. Regulations in each state differ and you should fully research them prior to moving any load to make sure you are in compliance. Oversize and heavy-haul loads require specialized trucking permits in order to be transported. Always refer to your actual state issued permit for any discrepancies you may have. Be smart, be safe and know exactly what you are doing before doing it.

Note: It should be clear that any weights or dimensions listed below are for the purposes of example only so you are able to learn about double drop trailers.

Empty weight: refers to the actual weight of the semi-truck and the double drop trailer.

Item weight: refers to the actual weight of the item being shipped. Generally speaking a double-drop trailer can ship from 41,000 to 43,000 pounds maximum legally without being required to obtain a heavy-haul trucking permit.
Over-all weight: refers to the weight of everything combined. The semi-truck, the double drop trailer and the item loaded onto the trailer. The gross maximum weight of any combination of trailer, semi-truck and item being transported must not exceed 80,000 pounds (GVW) of the shipment will be required to obtain a heavy-haul trucking permit from each state the item will be transported in. When very heavy items are being shipped extra axles are required to spread the weight of the item over a larger distance so its foot print on the road is still the same as a legal shipment that is under 80,000 pounds. The exception to this general rule is bridges. All heavy-haul shipments that are transported over bridges must comply to federal bridge formula to ensure safety.
Heavy-haul loads: When a load exceeds the overall maximum allowed weight or axle group weight limits set fourth by the states regulations a special heavy-haul (overweight) trucking permit is required to be purchased from the state it will be transported in. Heavy-haul trucking permits usually cost more than a basic oversize trucking permit.

Accessories used with double drop trailers.

Quite a few double drop trailer accessories are available in order to make loading/unloading easier as well as protecting the item that is being transported. In many cases the owner of the double drop trailer may add ramps to the trailer thus making it easier and quicker to load/unload items. Especially farming equipment or dozers, loaders, back-hoes and scrapers or any specialized equipment that has tracks or wheels. One of the most popular accessories is traps. Tarps provide protection for items that are being shipped and can cut down on the possibility of damages. Keeping insurance claims to a minimum is always a smart idea.

Double-drop trailers with additional axles.

Heavy equipment shipping is a demand that is increasing. As we grow so do our capabilities which usually means larger equipment. As you can see in our illustration above 5 axle double-drop trailers are in demand these days and the owner of one with the right customers can have a 5 axle double drop combination running team drivers pretty much year round.

Large equipment hauling on double-drop trailers.

Flatbed oriented trailers are capable of hauling a very diverse range of items. While items like connex trailers, tiny houses and general freight can help keep a trucking company rolling on the road with generating revenue the real purpose of double-drop trailers is hauling big and heavy machinery and equipment. As we mentioned earlier the target market for double-drops is equipment and machinery that may be heavy but tall is the key element that allows this trailer type to be so diverse.

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