Choosing the right type of trailer is crucial in the logistics and transportation industry. So how do you choose the right type of trailer? Make an informed choice between a flatbed semi-trailer and a flatbed lowbed trailer. Both types of trailers have their unique uses and advantages. Flatbed semi-trailers are typically used to transport general cargo such as containers and construction materials. lowbed trailers, on the other hand, are designed for transporting heavy machinery and oversized equipment. Genron International Trade will explore the differences between these two types of trailers. This information will help you make an informed decision on which trailer best suits your business needs.
Table of Contents
What is a flatbed semi-trailer?
Flatbed semi-trailer is a versatile trailer that is widely used to transport all types of cargo. It has a flat, open platform with no side panels or roof for easy loading and unloading. This design adapts well to cargoes of different shapes and sizes. It is usually carried to transport containers, construction materials, machinery and other bulky items. Due to its high flexibility and loading capacity, it has become an integral part of logistics transportation.
The standard height of the platform is usually around 1,500 MM. This height is suitable for a wide range of goods and ensures stability during transportation. In addition, its open plan design allows it to handle different terrains, providing adaptability for a variety of transportation scenarios.
Flatbed trailers come in a variety of sizes, usually 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet.The width is 2500mm.with payload capacities usually ranging from 40 to 45 tons. Depending on the specific design and application, the load capacity may vary.
And according to different customization needs. It also varies in price depending on several factors.
What is a lowboy trailer?
Lowboy trailer is designed for transporting heavy machinery and large equipment. It has a much lower platform than a flatbed trailer, allowing it to maintain a lower center of gravity for increased stability. Ideal for loading large, bulky equipment.
Its platform height is usually between 100 and 1200 millimeters. This height design allows it to minimize the problem of height restrictions between equipment and bridges or tunnels when transporting large equipment. In addition, the lowbed trailer has a high load capacity and can usually accommodate the transportation of large equipment weights.
Lowboy trailers are typically available in sizes of 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft. They have a wide range of payloads, from 50 to 200 tons. This depends on the number of axles and the type of design of the trailer.
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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.
Types of Flatbed Trailers
There are several types of flatbed trailers, each designed for a unique purpose. Here are a few of the 5 common types and their features:
Flatbed Semi-Trailer
Flatbed semi-trailers are the most common type of flatbed trailer. It has an open design that allows it to accommodate a wide range of large, regular cargo, such as containers and construction materials. This type of trailer has no side panels or roof, allowing for quick loading and unloading of cargo. In addition, they are easy to maneuver in different road conditions.
Side Wall Trailers
The side wall trailer is a flatbed semi-trailer with an extra sidewall design. It allows for better securing of cargo, especially when transporting items that need to be supported and protected. The height of the sidewalls is usually adjustable to accommodate different types and sizes of cargo.
Fence semi-trailer
The fence semi-trailer has an added fence structure, which is designed to be suitable for the transportation of livestock or other goods that require some protection. The fence not only protects the cargo, but also prevents the cargo from moving during transportation, improving the safety of transportation.
Double flatbed trailer
The double flatbed trailer consists of two flatbed units that can be used to transport cargo side by side or in tandem. This design is suitable for long-distance transportation and for transporting extra long cargo such as steel or pipes. The double flatbed trailer offers more loading space and flexibility for specific transportation needs.
Flatbed trailer with headboard
Flatbed trailers with top plates have a fixed top plate at the front to support and protect the cargo. The top plate design is suitable for the transportation of cargo that requires additional support. This design ensures that the cargo does not slide back and forth during transportation, effectively improving stability and safety.
Types of Lowbed Trailers
There are 5 common types of lowboy trailers: regular lowboy trailers, retractable lowboy trailers, dual lane lowboy trailers, retractable lowboy trailers, and modular trailers.
Ordinary Lowbed Trailer
Regular lowbed trailers are the most basic lowbed design. The standard low platform height makes it suitable for transporting medium weight cargo and equipment. It is often used to transport construction machinery and other irregularly shaped cargo, making it a versatile solution.
Telescopic low bed trailer
The telescopic lowboy trailer is designed to be flexible. The platform length of this trailer can be adjusted to suit the transportation needs. It offers a high degree of flexibility in loading. It is particularly suitable for the transportation of very long or irregular equipment such as wind turbines or large pipes.
Dual-lane low-bed trailer
Dual access low-bed trailers are designed to allow two loads to be placed side-by-side. This design is often used to transport wider equipment or combined loads. Commonly, large construction machinery and building materials are transported.
Retractable Low Bed Trailer
This version of the telescopic low bed trailer is designed for situations where greater flexibility is required. It not only adjusts the length of the platform,but also the height of the load to ensure safety when crossing bridges or tunnels.
Modular Trailer
A modular trailer is a highly customizable trailer. Such trailers can be combined and expanded to accommodate different cargo sizes and weights. Often used for overweight or oversized cargo transportation, modules can be added to increase carrying capacity and stability.
Key differences between flatbed semi-trailers and low structure trailers
Physical structure
Height difference: flatbed semi-trailers are typically 1,500 mm high, while low-profile trailers are between 100 and 1,200 mm high.
Platform Configuration and Flexibility: Flatbed semi-trailers are moderately high for a wide range of cargo. While the design of low-flatbed trailers pays more attention to low center of gravity and stability to meet the safe transportation of large machinery.
Cargo capacity
The maximum load capacity of a low profile trailer is usually up to 200 tons, while that of a flatbed trailer is between 40 and 45 tons. For projects where extra heavy equipment needs to be moved, low profile trailers are a more suitable choice.
Transportation Costs and Efficiency
Low profile trailers are usually more costly than flatbed trailers due to the higher load capacity and safety required.
In terms of efficiency, flatbed trailers are more suitable for long-distance transportation and daily logistics. Low-bed trailers, on the other hand, are more suitable for transporting large equipment in specific scenarios to ensure stability and safety.
Functional Characteristics
Flatbed semi-trailer
Easy loading and unloading: The open structure facilitates access from all directions, making loading and unloading simple. Cargo can be securely fastened to ensure safe transportation.
Customizable length: Flatbed semi-trailers can be adjusted in size to accommodate various types of cargo such as iron bars.
High carrying capacity: These trailers are ideal for heavy loads and can carry items such as tractors, construction materials, and containers.
Lowboy Trailer
Enhanced stability: The low center of gravity provides greater stability during transportation. This is particularly suitable for the transportation of heavy and irregularly shaped loads.
Increased loading space: The lowboy design provides more loading space for large and heavy equipment, ideal for oversized cargo.
Ideal for height-restricted areas: The low height makes it suitable for areas with strict height restrictions, ensuring safe passage over bridges and tunnels.
Applications
Both flatbed semi-trailers and low-bed trailers have a wide range of applications. Below are their application scenarios and common use cases in different industries.
Flatbed semi-trailers
Container transportation: Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting standard containers. They are commonly used to transport goods between ports and logistics centers.
Construction materials: irregular items such as steel, timber, and concrete slabs can be easily loaded and secured on flatbed trailers for long-distance transportation.
Agricultural machinery: Agricultural equipment such as tractors and planters can be easily transported between farms and fields.
Low Chassis Trailers
Heavy Machinery Transportation: Lowbed trailers are especially suited to transporting oversized and overweight construction machinery and equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and cranes.
Large Industrial Equipment: The manufacturing and mining industries often use low rider trailers to transport large equipment that cannot be dismantled, such as generators, compressors, and mining machinery.
Wind Turbines and Bridge Components: These special extra-long or extra-high cargoes can be transported safely and reliably with the low center of gravity and expandability of the lowboy trailer.
Zambia Customer Cooperation Case
Our company recently helped a customer in Zambia, Africa choose between a flatbed semi-trailer and a lowbed trailer. Their project involved the transportation of large equipment such as containers, construction materials and excavators.
Project Manager Joanna Zhao suggested initially using flatbed semi-trailers to transport standard cargo such as containers. For large equipment such as construction materials and excavators, it was recommended that low-bed trailers be used instead.
In the end, the client decided on a combined solution and purchased two trailers. The client was very satisfied with our proposal and completed the project successfully.
Flatbed Semi Trailer or Lowbed Trailer? Genron International Trade Helps You Make the Right Choice
Genron International Trade delves into the core differences and application advantages of these two types of trailers for logistics and transportation in the article above. Flatbed semi-trailers are suitable for the transportation of regular cargo, such as containers and construction materials. Our low profile trailers, on the other hand, are designed for transporting heavy machinery and large equipment, and their low center of gravity and large load capacity ensure stability and safety.
If you have the same problem as our Zambian customers and need to get specific advice. Then you can contact us directly. We will provide you with professional advice based on your specific needs.
Our business team can help you choose the right flatbed trailer or lowbed trailer.
Genron International Trade is committed to providing high quality trailer solutions. In addition to flatbed semi-trailers and lowbed trailers. We offer tanker trucks, rear dump trucks and front end for sale.
