Double drop trailers play a very important role in the heavy haul industry. They’re similar to drop deck trailers, but have some very important differences. The portion of the trailer upon which the load sets drop below the trailer axels, not just below the level of the truck axels.

Double Drop Deck Trailer

A double drop trailer works to create a well or space between the first trailer axle and the gooseneck. They also have a removable gooseneck that enables wheeled and tracked machinery and equipment to be driven onto the trailer.

Often referred to as a lowboy trailer or RGN, they’re an excellent choice for tall loads. A drop deck trailer can bring the bottom of the trailer to as little as 18 inches off the ground. That can provide up to 3 ft. to the clearance level of the cargo height and can prevent the need for specialized permits to save individuals money. The trailers also have a lower center of gravity making them a safer choice.

Double drop trailers accommodate loads that are very large and/or very heavy, along with those that have a larger weight, height or width. They’re equally applicable for equipment, machinery and awkwardly-shaped cargo that must be loaded by crane.

For cargos that aren’t affected by prolonged exposure to the elements, a double drop trailer is a good option. However, the cargo can also be tarped if desired. Tarps usually aren’t utilized since tarps can fray, rip and have the potential of coming off, simply due to the action of the wind at high speeds.

There are also enclosed drop deck trailers. They’re typically used for transporting large items that must be protected from the weather or shipments on pallets.

The weight, height and width dimensions that designate an oversized load varies widely from state to state. Utilizing a double drop trailer ensures that drivers are always in compliance no matter what state they find themselves traveling through.

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Transporting heavy haul loads is a complicated, complex and risky endeavor. It requires drivers to have specific training and skills to ensure the load arrives safely and to protect the public from potentially hazardous situations.

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation sets safety regulations for all major types of transportation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversight of commercial carriers. Each state also enacts its own regulations governing the type of permits that are required when trucks pass through its borders.

Permits

Permitting ensures that safe hauling and delivery methods are followed and that specialized precautions are taken with loads that exceed specified weight, height, length and width limitations. Loads that exceed those specifications are considered super loads and proper permitting must be in place before the driver embarks on the job. Depending upon the destination, multiple permits will be needed.

Failure to obtain the appropriate permits will prevent the load from traveling on certain roads or crossing bridges. The road may not be built to sustain the weight or too narrow to traverse. There may be overpasses that are too low for the load to pass under and bridges that don’t have the structural strength to support the weight. There may also be construction projects in progress that can affect routes.

Any of those situations can result in damage to the load, harm to infrastructures, and danger to motorists and pedestrians. Professional heavy haul companies have highly-specialized software to track changes in conditions that may require a change of routes.

Heavy haul companies can supply escort vehicles and proper signage when required. Heavy haul professionals are knowledgeable in the types of permits that are needed to satisfy federal and all state regulations, depending on the load, to ensure that heavy equipment arrives safely and on time without any delays or fines.

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If you’re in need of a heavy hauler, you can certainly try to deduce the rates you’ll pay. It will give you a ballpark figure with which to work. However, the best route to deliver your property isn’t necessarily what appears to be the straightest line. That’s when the expertise of a logistic expert is invaluable. It’s particularly important if you’re shipping overseas.

Heavy Haul Freight

Heavy haul rates are calculated on a per-mile basis. Some heavy haul companies provide online calculators that can provide a general idea of costs, but there are other factors that need to be considered. For the most accurate quote, contact heavy haulers in your area. Many offer a free no-obligation quote.

One of those other considerations is the load’s ultimate destination. When shipping to international ports, the most direct route won’t necessarily ensure that your load will arrive at the correct time – some ports operate 24/7, but most don’t. There may be infrastructure obstacles, road construction, and roads that are unable to handle the weight of the load. There may also be delays in unloading.

Heavy haul providers are focused on the best and safest routes for the load that enables it to arrive at its destination at the correct time. The time of the year you ship will also affect your rates. Heavy haulers are often booked months in advance. They’ll need to provide the correct trailer for the load and weather may be a factor. Depending on the load, specialized permits may be required.

It’s essential that you keep in mind that a single inch in the height, width or length of what you’re shipping can add thousands to the amount of your transportation costs. It’s possible for you to get an idea of what your heavy haul freight rates will be, but it’s always better to contact a company directly if you want to have an exact figure.

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Heavy haulers are a common sight on highways across the nation, but that wasn’t always the case. Prior to the invention of the automobile in the early 1900s, “heavy haulers” consisted of horse-drawn wagons that transported items to a train depot where the freight continued its journey.

Heavy Hauling History

The regular use of heavy haulers began in the military during World War I. After the war’s end in 1918, the use and value of heavy haulers in civilian projects began to get traction. Early heavy haulers had iron and solid rubber wheels that damaged roads. Trucks were limited to 15 mph and weights of 18,000 to 28,000 lbs., depending on the state. Still, there were about 100,000 trucks on the road.

The need to transport goods and products during World War I increased and trains became congested. Improved roads during the 1920s and the introduction of the diesel engine, standardization of trailer sizes, power brakes and steering, and fifth wheel coupling systems boosted heavy haul use in the 1930s. The government began regulating the industry.

After the end of World War II in 1945, construction of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s and 1960s spurred increased usage of heavy haul vehicles. The desire for more economical ways of transporting products and goods across the nation further increased use.

The 1960s and 1970s saw numerous songs written and films made that romanticized the trucking lifestyle and culture. As greater demands for goods and products increased, so did the need for heavy haulers.

There were over 26 million trucks in use by 2006. The number of accidents climbed as motorists didn’t understand the special requirements and blind spots of heavy haulers. Greater government regulation and safety standards were instituted. Heavy haulers have had a significant effect on the agricultural industry to green energy efforts. Heavy haulers continue to exert an enormous impact on the economy within the U.S. and in international trade.

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Almost every state has its own set of chain laws for when tire chains can be used, should be used, or must be used, along with when they’re prohibited. In certain areas of the country, the rattle and clank of tire chains on vehicles was a familiar sound and considered essential in snowy states. Some states require heavy haulers to carry tire chains at all times, while others don’t. There are also laws governing how many chains should be utilized and their placement.

Weather Conditions

Tire chains are typically utilized in higher elevations where snow and icy conditions can occur at any time, especially during winter months, or if a snow emergency has been declared. Requirements vary widely and fines may be issued for inappropriate usage, depending on the state chain laws. For instance, CA doesn’t require drivers to carry chains, while CO requires chains, and allows pneumatically driven chains and wheel sanders.

Chains

To comply with regulations, some states require at least eight chains, and some only mandate tire chains on the tractor’s tires. Some states mandate tire chains on all four tires of the main drive axle, chains on the outside tires of the second drive axle, and the option to place the remaining chains anywhere the driver designates. In some instances, tire chains are only required when driving upon specific routes.

Chain Laws

Further complicating when tire chains should or shouldn’t be used is state law. Heavy Haul truckers need to be aware of the chain laws in the state in which they find themselves. Some states reserve the right to issue snow emergencies for all of the state or in limited areas, which will directly affect whether heavy haulers employ the chains. Even with chains, state police have the authority to order truckers off the road during a snow emergency.

It’s a good idea for any heavy haul trucker to carry tire chains if they’re transporting cargo within states where winter snows are common or in higher elevations. They’re an essential tool for obtaining traction on snow and ice, and enhance safety.

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The simple answer is yes, heavy haul loads damage local roads. Heavy hauler traffic has increased significantly over the decades and the loads are heavier. Cargo was typically shipped by rail when the majority of local and even the interstate highway system was created. The infrastructure of local roads and bridges that heavy haulers travel on weren’t designed to accommodate the heavy weights of current cargo being transported.

Infrastructure

Once a shining example of what a nation could accomplish, the road and bridge systems in the U.S. are nearing their end of life. That’s been amply demonstrated by bridge and road collapses across the nation. The type of materials with which local roads are constructed also play a role in how much damage a heavy hauler may inflict. New roads and repairs are being performed in the cheapest way possible.

Roadways and Heavy Haul Loads

Pavement is typically designed to last for 20 years. An influx of heavier farm equipment, heavy haulers, and even local passenger vehicles has narrowed that lifespan to an estimated 7 years. The financial resources for maintaining those roadways haven’t kept pace with the damage done to local roads and funds are often used ineffectively or inefficiently.

Much of the degradation to roads is due to neglect. Legislators have failed to plan for the expense associated with increased traffic and material costs, preferring to place roads low on their list of priorities. Damaged roads and bridges increase maintenance costs for vehicles, constitute a safety issue, and contribute to high insurance rates.

Weather

Extremes in weather also play a part in damage to local roads. Potholes, cracked pavement and washouts exacerbate the demise of roads and it’s compounded by heavy haulers and others that use the roadways. Climate change will intensify the problem and should act as an incentive for all legislative bodies to act on the situation.

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Many people have heard the term “5^th wheeler,” but few know what it means. Essentially, it’s a way for semi tractors to connect to the trailers they’re hauling. Some travel trailers and recreational vehicles are also called 5^th wheel trailers. In the trucking industry, the “5^th wheel” refers to the U-shaped coupling plate that’s mounted on the tractor that will pull a specialized trailer. The plate enables the trailer to rotate for an additional level of maneuverability in tight spaces.

Origins of 5th Wheel

The term 5^th wheel is a play on words that originated during the use of horse-drawn carriages and wagons in days long past. In the event that a wheel was broken, a fifth wheel was traditionally attached to the back of the carriage or wagon.

In the early 1900s, the term fell out of general usage when passenger vehicles came equipped with a fifth wheel that became known as the spare tire. The full-size tires eventually gave way to “donut” spares in the 1980s, an attempt to save manufacturers money and increase fuel efficiency.

Trucking Industry

In the trucking industry, the 5^th wheel coupling has been utilized for almost 100 years. The assembly provides an enhanced level of safety when transporting heavy loads and it’s especially effective for heavy haulers. A 5^th wheel assembly offers enhanced stability and handling for both tractor and trailer in adverse weather conditions or damaged roads. The coupling method provides ease of use for connecting and disconnecting trailers from tractors.

A 5^th wheel assembly provides a more stable and secure coupling between the tractor and trailer than a gooseneck hitch and it’s also quieter and smoother. The use of the 5^th wheel coupling is an essential component for heavy haulers. User-friendly, technology-assisted 5^th wheel connections and disconnects are becoming more common as new drivers enter the industry, many of whom have no previous connection to the trucking industry.

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Inspections help ensure safety for heavy haul truckers and they take great pains to ensure that tractors and trailers are maintained in optimal condition. Heavy haul trucks aren’t like other vehicles. The tractors and trailers used by heavy haulers are subject to stress forces that ordinary vehicles never encounter. If something goes wrong with a heavy hauler, the resultant accident will typically be far more serious than two ordinary passenger vehicles.

Every commercial carrier is required to inspect the tractor and trailer before and after every haul. Each trucking company has its own internal preventative maintenance and safety inspection schedule that can range from every 4 to 12 weeks. Much will depend on the mileage, type of work that’s being performed, and the terrain over which the vehicle travels.

Inspections

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires yearly inspections encompassing a variety of systems from brakes, steering and lighting to tires, windshield wipers and the engine. Emergency systems, the battery, exhaust and suspension are inspected and the operator’s CDL and other driver requirements are examined. There are six levels of DOT inspections:

• North American Standard Inspection
• Walk-Around Driver and Vehicle Inspection
• Driver Only Inspection
• Special Inspection
• Vehicle Only Inspection
• Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments

Reputable heavy haul companies adhere to a regular regimen of preventative maintenance for tractors and trailers. Many employ a multi-point checklist that can include over 100 items. In addition to ensuring safety for others on the road, it’s a cost-savings measure for the tracking company. It extends the life of the equipment and reduces the potential for expensive emergency repairs. Regular mechanical inspections also ensure more uptime for trucks and trailers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that maintenance schedules for the vehicle be maintained for at least one year while the vehicle is being used and for 6 months after being decommissioned. Regular inspections save time, money, and prevents the company from running afoul of the DOT.

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Successful hauling requires some planning. Individuals that have engaged heavy haulers have probably learned that working with a reputable heavy hauler company is much easier than trying to perform the relocation themselves. It doesn’t matter whether a load is being transported down the street or cross country, there are some essentials when it comes to getting a load from point A to point B without difficulty.

Those needing the services of a heavy hauler should never wait until the last minute to schedule transportation. Due to their high level of expertise, heavy haulers are in great demand and the type of trailer required may not be available. Cost fluctuations also occur. New heavy haulers will need to keep the following tips in mind.

Successful Haul Tips

1. Know the Details

Drivers need to know every detail of the haul to ensure safety and ascertain the type of trailer that will best suit the customer’s needs. Precise details about the item to be transported and its weight, width and height are critical. The haul may require an escort vehicle or for the cargo to be partially dismantled.

2. Trailers

There are different types of trailers and not all types are appropriate for every job. Each type of trailer has its own function and choosing the right trailer for the job mitigates the potential for accidents and unforeseen circumstances.

3. Picking Up or Dropping Off

Some heavy hauls require cranes, forklifts or rigging equipment that may only be available at certain times. Even the drop off or pickup site may only be operational at certain times.

4. The Route

Sometimes the most convenient route from the pickup point to the drop off isn’t a straight line. Traffic may be lighter on some routes, while construction on another route will cause delays. Low overpasses and lightweight bridges are always to be considered. Depending on the cargo, an escort vehicle may be required for a successful haul.

5. Permits

The number of required permits can be overwhelming, depending on the destination. Each state has its own rules and regulations and drivers will need to comply with all the prevailing laws of the states through which the cargo will pass through.

6. Load Security

It’s the responsibility of the heavy hauler to ensure that loads are secured and in the proper manner. Doors and compartments on equipment should be securely fastened and tarps may be required.

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