Flatbed trailers are commonly used to transport cargo due to their open design and flexibility. Flatbed trailers have no side walls, making it easy to load and unload large items. This makes them ideal for transporting heavy equipment, construction materials, and bulk cargo.
It is important to understand the width of a flatbed trailer. This is because it affects how efficiently goods can be transported and whether or not they comply with regulations. Different laws may restrict the width of a trailer to ensure safe road travel. Choosing the right width can help maximize load space and reduce transportation costs.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at “how wide is a semi flatbed trailer”. Providing you with detailed information about flatbed trailer widths and their associated factors.
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Types of Flatbed Trailers
Genron manufactures different flatbed trailers, each designed for specific transportation needs. Choosing the right trailer can increase efficiency and ensure safe delivery of your cargo. Here are some common types:
Step Trailers
Step trailers have a sloping bed for easy loading and unloading of taller or heavier loads. The cargo can slide down, reducing the need for extra help. They are great for transporting construction equipment and large machinery.
Floor Trailers
Floor trailers are flush with the ground and allow direct loading of cargo without the need for a forklift or crane. This design makes loading easier. It is ideal for heavy loads such as steel and lumber, especially in areas where lifting equipment is not available.
Telescopic Trailer
The telescopic trailer can be adjusted in length. This allows it to accommodate cargo of all sizes, especially long cargo such as pipes and steel beams. This flexibility optimizes space and improves transport efficiency as well as safety.
Low Chassis Trailers
Low chassis trailers have a low height that contributes to stability. They are ideal for transporting tall items such as wind turbine blades or large machinery. This is because it minimizes cargo swaying during transport.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)
RGN trailers have a removable gooseneck that allows for taller loads. This makes them ideal for heavy or oversized equipment such as construction machinery and generators. Their design facilitates loading and unloading of cargo in complex transportation environments.
Begin with a bespoke semi-trailer designed for your exact needs. Whether it’s heavy-duty hauling or specialized cargo, we’ve got the perfect solution to keep you moving forward.
Flat Panel Size Guide
Standard Flatbed Dimensions
Standard flatbed trailers typically have a length of 48 feet (about 14.6 meters) or 53 feet (about 16.2 meters) and a width of typically 8.5 feet (about 2.6 meters). Trailers of this size are suitable for most common cargo shipments.
Step Trailer Dimensions
Step trailers are similar in length to standard flatbed trailers, usually 48 or 53 feet long. Their bed height may vary slightly, usually between 3-4 inches (approximately 7.6-10 cm). The angled portion of this design facilitates loading and unloading taller loads.
Drop Trailer Dimensions
Floor trailers are typically 48 feet or 53 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. They are flush with the ground and can be loaded and unloaded directly. These trailers can carry large, heavy loads, usually no more than 4 inches (about 10 centimeters) off the ground.
Retractable Trailer Dimensions
The length of the retractable trailer can be adjusted as needed, typically extending from 48 feet to 65 feet (approximately 19.8 meters). Its width is also 8.5 feet. The retractable design allows for flexibility in accommodating different sized loads.
Lowboy Trailer Dimensions
Lowboy trailers are typically 48 feet or 53 feet in length and remain 8.5 feet wide. They have a lower height, usually no more than 4 inches, making them ideal for transporting taller items and enhancing stability.
How much weight can a flatbed trailer carry?
The weight capacity of a flatbed trailer varies depending on its type and design. Below is a breakdown of the weight capacity of different types of trailers:
Standard Flatbed Trailers Capacity
Typically between 40,000 and 48,000 pounds (approximately 18,143 to 21,772 kilograms). These trailers are suitable for medium-weight cargo, like construction materials and heavy equipment.
Step Trailers Capacity
Typically carry 40,000 to 50,000 lbs (approximately 18,143 to 22,680 kg). Their angled design makes it easier to load heavy items, but actual capacity depends on the specific design.
Floor Trailers Capacity
Typically 45,000 to 50,000 lbs (20,412 to 22,680 kg). These trailers are made for direct loading of heavy loads, making them effective for high-load situations.
Retractable Trailers Capacity
Up to 60,000 lbs (approximately 27,216 kg), depending on trailer configuration. Ideal for transporting extra long and heavy loads such as pipes and steel beams.
Low Chassis Trailers Capacity
Typically 40,000 to 50,000 lbs (~18,143 to 22,680 kg). Designed to help transport tall cargo while maintaining legal height restrictions.
Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN) Capacity
Can carry over 100,000 pounds (about 45,359 kilograms). These trailers are perfect for oversized and heavy equipment, like construction machinery. Their flexible design allows for efficient loading and unloading.
Begin with a bespoke semi-trailer designed for your exact needs. Whether it’s heavy-duty hauling or specialized cargo, we’ve got the perfect solution to keep you moving forward.
What items can be transported on a flatbed trailer?
Flatbed trailers have an open design that is very convenient when it comes to transporting a variety of goods. They are popular because they can be loaded with many different items. Let’s take a look at some of the items commonly found on these trailers:
Heavy Machinery: Flatbed trailers are great for loading and transporting large machinery. Examples include excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. They are designed for easy access and safe transportation.
Construction Materials: These trailers are perfect for transporting important materials such as steel beams, lumber, and precast concrete between construction sites to ensure projects stay on schedule.
Vehicles: If you need to transport cars, trucks or motorcycles over long distances, flatbed trailers make it easy and safe to do so. They provide a reliable way to transport vehicles without worry.
Industrial Equipment: Many factories use flatbed trailers to transport heavy equipment such as generators and pumps. Their open design makes loading and unloading a breeze.
Containers: Large containers and tanks are easy to manage with flatbed trailers. The open space allows for fast and efficient loading, which is critical in logistics.
Oversized cargo: Flatbed trailers can carry large items such as wind turbine blades, long pipes, and even huge sculptures. The flexibility of flatbed trailers makes them ideal for oversized cargo.
Agricultural Equipment: For agriculture, flatbed trailers are often used to transport tractors, planters and harvesters. They help ensure that agricultural operations run smoothly.
Benefits of Flatbed Transportation
Versatility: Flatbed trailers are very versatile and can transport many different items. They are perfect for transporting heavy machinery, construction materials, and large equipment. This flexibility makes flatbed trailers popular in many industries, from construction to agriculture.
Higher capacity:The open design of flatbed trailers means that there is plenty of room for large loads. This extra capacity helps make transportation more efficient, allowing you to carry more in one trip, which can lower costs.
Rugged and Reliable: These trailers can carry a variety of cargo, including oversized and overweight items. Their sturdy construction ensures that cargo is safe and stable during transportation. Additionally, flatbed trailers are designed for quick loading and unloading, helping to reduce wait times and increase overall efficiency.
Conclusion
At Genron, we understand the importance of flatbed trailers in transportation. Our trailers come in a standard width of 8.5 feet (approximately 2.6 meters), which is compliant with regulations and is suitable for a wide range of roads. In addition, We offer different trailer types to fit various cargo needs, ensuring a safe and efficient transport experience. When choosing a flatbed trailer, be sure to consider the size and weight of your cargo and comply with relevant laws and regulations for smooth transportation. Regular inspection and maintenance of the trailer is also key to getting the most out of it.
If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact us. We will provide you with expert advice to help you choose the right flatbed trailer for your transportation needs!
