The Benefits of Using flatbed trailer with side wall

Purchasing the right flatbed trailer for your business can enhance productivity, reduce lengthy pickup and delivery times, increase safety, and make it easier for your drivers to handle their loads.  

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Follow along in this trailer buying guide as we explain what a flatbed trailer is used for and why you should buy one (or a bunch) for your fleet.

What Are Flatbed Trailers Used For?

To determine if you should buy a flatbed trailer, you need to know what it&#;s used for.  

Flatbed trailers are the workhorses of the trucking industry. They are designed to haul cargo that cannot be loaded onto a standard trailer like a semi-trailer. 

They&#;re used to haul a wide range of cargo and come in handy for many situations, like shipping heavy machinery or transporting irregular equipment. They can often handle oversized loads too.

Flatbed trailers don&#;t have side walls or a roof and are often lower to the ground. This makes loading items onto the trailer easier for an efficient delivery. 

What Are Curtain Side Trailers Used For?

A curtain side trailer combines a dry van and a flatbed trailer. It is loaded like a flatbed but is protected by an enclosed frame like a dry van. 

A curtain side trailer can tow anything from pipes to steel and iron. When enclosed, the trailer allows you to move things like fruits and vegetables as well.  
If you&#;re deciding between a dry van and a flatbed trailer, consider whether you need covered protection for the cargo. If so, buying a trailer with a curtain side is a reasonable option.

Types of Flatbed Trailers 

Flatbed trailers are one of the most popular vehicles in the trucking industry, and there are many different types to choose from. The common types of flatbeds include: 

Aluminum Flatbeds

Aluminum flatbed trailers are often the lightest option, as they are lighter than steel or composite trailers. They are made entirely of aluminum, from the beam and side rails to the flooring. 

These trailers are more expensive than composite and steel trailers but have a higher market value. Aluminum flatbed trailers are designed with an arch (camber) that allows the beam to level as weight is added since they bend more easily than steel. 

Composite Flatbeds 

Composite flatbeds cost less than aluminum trailers and slightly more than steel trailers due to the materials used for their structure: a steel beam, an aluminum floor, and aluminum side rails.   

This combination of aluminum&#;s weight makes the trailer lighter, but the strength of the steel beam is a strong foundation. 

Steel Flatbeds

Steel flatbeds are made entirely of steel, from the beam and side rails to the suspension hangers, which makes them heavier than aluminum trailers. 

They are a lower upfront cost investment, but their resale value is also lower. It&#;s a trailer made for the long haul and makes an excellent work trailer. 

Tips for Buying a Flatbed Trailer

Create a Budget

Flatbed models are available at different price points. Before you buy a flatbed trailer, you should examine your budget. Look at what you want to spend and how much you can afford. You can find a flatbed that fits your budget and your needs. 

Consider the Tow Vehicle

Your tow vehicle significantly impacts the flatbed trailers you can select.  

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Start with reviewing the towing vehicle&#;s towing capacity. Remember that this covers both the weight of the flatbed trailer and any contents.  

Avoid purchasing a flatbed trailer that is oversized for your needs. A heavy trailer will limit the cargo capacity that a tow vehicle can move per haul.

Evaluate Cargo Weight & Size  

The average weight allowance for most flatbed trailers is around 48,000 lbs for trucks with trailer lengths ranging from 48 to 53 feet. This might vary depending on the flatbed trailer dimensions, like the number of axles in the truck.  

The type of cargo you can carry also depends on the flatbed configuration. For example, spread axle flatbed trailers (like the one pictured below) can carry more concentrated weight. Their closed tandem axle counterparts typically need to have the weight more evenly distributed to haul well. 

Knowing this information before buying a flatbed trailer will help determine how much you can haul in a single trip. You&#;ll also see what you need to secure your load to ensure maximum cargo protection. 

Benefits of Buying a Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are available in various sizes and hauling capacities, allowing you to transport materials of all sizes and weights.  

We&#;ve highlighted three reasons why buying a flatbed trailer might benefit your fleet:

• Simplified loading process: Use a flatbed trailer to speed up the loading and unloading process. Since flatbed trailers aren&#;t enclosed, having the option to load and unload from all sides makes delivery simple. Heavy items can be loaded or lifted with a forklift or crane, avoiding injuries caused by physical lifting. Having a moving floor trailer can also alleviate this problem while keeping the load sheltered from the elements.  

• Low shipping costs: Flatbed trailers can transport large loads without enclosed containers. For some materials, like forklifts or wind turbines, this is the only way they can be moved to their destination. Some trailers can even extend their flatbed in length, providing more space for items and allowing fewer trips.  

• Cargo protection: The best part about purchasing a flatbed trailer is that it can be used for more than just transport. If you need over-ground storage, you can do so with the trailer as well. You won&#;t have to bother about unloading and reloading the cargo onto another truck. Just keep the items secure and away from the elements. 

Renting vs. Buying a Flatbed Trailer

Renting a flatbed trailer has its benefits &#; for starters, it&#;s cheaper than buying a trailer.  

You won&#;t have to worry about maintenance costs or a decrease in value. The flatbed&#;s owner will take care of those things. Renting is the perfect way to ease into ownership if you just want to try out a flatbed before buying a trailer. 

Just make sure that when you&#;re renting, you have a plan for scheduling your deliveries ahead of time. If you want to use the same trailer repeatedly, you&#;ll have to pay each time because it belongs to someone else. Sometimes, rental companies only allow short-term rentals (e.g., six months), limiting your ability to plan and get precisely what you need.  

If renting sounds like the right option for your company, check out our tips for renting a trailer. 

Why Are Flatbed Trailers Bowed?

If you&#;ve ever noticed bowing in a flatbed trailer, especially one that&#;s empty or lightly loaded, you are looking at an aluminum trailer. They are lighter and less rigid in steel, resulting in much more flex. Aluminum trailers are intentionally built with a camber (convex arch), allowing flexing. They flatten out as load is added. 

How Much Does a Flatbed Trailer Cost?

To get into flatbed shipping, you&#;ll need to know how much of an investment to make when buying a trailer. Several factors determine the cost of a flatbed trailer. 
The first thing to consider is whether you want to buy a new or used flatbed trailer. Buying used equipment may be a more budget-friendly option. Buying a used flatbed trailer can save on upfront costs when you&#;re first getting into flatbed shipping.

Find the Perfect Flatbed with Hale

Hale Trailer can help you find the perfect flatbed to transport your products, ensuring everything arrives on time. Our experts are the answer if you need a reliable partner to transfer heavy or oversized items. 
Our trailers are ready for the long haul, whether you&#;re looking to rent or buy one of our used flatbed trailers. Browse our line-up online or at one of the&#;trailer rental locations&#;to learn more about how we can work for you.

Enhanced Cargo Protection: Side wall trailers offer protection similar to enclosed trucks while retaining the flexible loading capabilities of flatbed trailers. Their sturdy side walls resist adverse weather conditions, protecting cargo from wind and rain. Additionally, the side wall design prevents cargo from sliding or tipping during transport, reducing the risk of damage. This is crucial for fragile or high-value cargo, such as electronics and precision instruments.

Reduced Risk of Cargo Damage: The additional support and protection provided by side walls make cargo less prone to damage during transport. This helps maintain the integrity of the cargo and reduces economic losses due to damage. For example, when transporting furniture and household appliances, side wall trailers offer extra protection, ensuring the cargo arrives intact.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Semi dump truck. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.