The right flatbed trailer allows for greater load capacity and less loading and unloading, effectively increasing transport efficiency. It can flexibly load all kinds of goods without limiting the size of the goods, such as construction materials, steel plates, large machinery and equipment, and so on. Thanks to the flatbed trailer body design and high ground clearance, it can effectively prevent wear and tear and collision in the process of cargo transport, and improve the safety of transport. So choosing the right flatbed semi-trailer is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods. In this guide, we’ll look at how to choose the most suitable flatbed semi-trailer for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
What Is a Flatbed Trailer?
Flatbed semi-trailer has the characteristics of simple structure and strong adaptability. It is mainly used for transporting various goods whose length, width, and height are not restricted, such as construction materials, steel products, and heavy machinery. In recent years, the load capacity of flatbed semi-trailers has been substantially increased with the application of lightweight and strength-enhancing materials. The flatbed semi-trailer has no railing in the on-board area, a design that allows it to flexibly transport all types of cargo, whether standard-sized or extra-long and extra-wide. Because of its simple structure and relatively low maintenance cost, it is widely used in medium and long-distance freight transport. Flatbed semi-trailers are very versatile and can be used not only for transporting regular cargo cargo such as construction materials and steel products but also for transporting heavy machinery, construction machinery, and, other cargoes that require special transport.
Main Type Of Flatbed Trailer
The flatbed trailer type includes the lowbed, normal flatbed, and extendable flatbed trailer. Here is a detailed description of these three semi trailers.
Normal Flatbed Trailer
It is a kind of towing vehicle used for transporting containers in factories, logistics, and ports. The traction frame makes it possible to reduce the impact of the vehicle when starting and stopping, effectively protecting the vehicle safety, the height of the traction frame can be adjusted according to the height of different manufacturers of different models of tractortractors. Front suspension steering, rear suspension orientation, rear suspension is double suspension, high strength buffer spring, and in the transport process, the road surface is not flat and can still be as flat. Simple structure, easy to apply, easy maintenance, large carrying capacity, long service life, and other advantages.
Lowbed Trailer
It is usually used to transport heavy equipment such as excavators, road rollers, and other heavy loads. It has a low center of gravity, good stability and safety, strong chassis, and upper passing capacity, and is very suitable for transporting ultra-high loads. There are several differences between low-bed trailers and regular flatbed trailers in terms of use and design, and knowing these differences beforehand can help you choose the type of trailer that is best suited to your specific transport needs.
Extendable Flatbed Trailer
First of all, the biggest feature of the extendable flatbed trailer is its adjustable length pull-out function. It has an adjustable body length, which can be adjusted according to the size of different goods, thus achieving more flexible transport. Secondly, the extendable flatbed trailer adopts a low-flatbed structure, which makes the loading and unloading of goods more convenient and quick.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Flatbed Semi-Trailer
Carrying capacity: Carrying capacity determines the weight of the cargo that a flatbed trailer can carry, and the customer needs to choose a semi trailer with the corresponding carrying capacity according to the weight and size of the type of cargo, etc. At the same time, it should be noted that the carrying capacity is not only the total weight but also the number of axles and tires should be considered to influence the carrying capacity.
Vehicle size: Consideration of vehicle size mainly includes vehicle length, vehicle height, cargo box width, and other factors. The size and shape of the goods need to be considered, especially for wide cargo pay attention to the choice of the width of the car is appropriate. The consideration of the length of the car is also very important, needs to take into account the loading requirements of the owner road conditions, and other restrictions.
Transport distance: In addition to the above factors, it is also necessary to consider the distance of cargo transport, route, and mode of transport. For long-distance cargo transport, the durability and comfort of flatbed trailers are also a factor that should not be ignored. For mountain roads, remote areas, and other relatively poor road conditions, the choice of an adaptable flatbed trailer becomes crucial.
Once you know these factors, you can also refer to the factors that affect the price of flatbed semi-trailers to make a more informed choice.
Features And Functions Of Flatbed Semi Trailers
Semi trailer material and durability: High-strength steel generally refers to the yield strength of 700MPa above the steel. Compared with the traditional Q235, and Q345 steel, high-strength steel yield strength is higher, and the material’s tensile strength, Brinell hardness, and other performance indicators are also significantly improved. High-strength steel is mainly the use of its higher yield strength characteristics to achieve the goal of vehicle weight reduction. Aluminum alloys are a common lightweight profile. The density of this type of profile is much less than steel, while the yield strength, tensile strength, and other physical properties are not weaker than steel. In addition, aluminum alloy materials have excellent corrosion resistance and elongation properties. As the price of aluminum alloy material is much higher than steel, aluminum alloy system is used in some models and some parts in practical applications. However, it is also used for the whole upper part of special-purpose vehicles, such as the tank body of liquid tank trucks. Currently, CIMC’s fuel tanker trailer tanker body is made of aluminum alloy.
Additional function: The flatbed trailer has some additional parts that can help fix cargo, such as a container strapping tightener is a tool used to fix and tighten containers, it is a simple but effective device that can help people use it easily when loading and storing containers, avoiding the goods from moving or being damaged in the process of transport. Rope tighteners are generally used for cargo bundling and reinforcement, most of the rope tighteners are installed on the side beams on both sides of the flatbed trucks, usually 30-60 pieces are installed on one flatbed trailer. Easy to operate, labor-saving, and safe to use.
Summary
When choosing a flatbed semi-trailer, extra attention should be paid to the characteristics of the goods to be transported, transport needs, transport routes, purchasing budget, and local laws and regulations requirements. By considering these factors, you can choose the right flatbed trailer to ensure the safe and efficient transport of your cargo.
Truckman Automobile As a professional semi-trailer manufacturer, we can also advise you on the best flatbed semi-trailer options for your specific problem.
FAQ
The choice is based on the type of cargo and transport needs.
Regularly check tires, braking system, and frame structure to ensure safe use.
Understand local transport regulations and standards, and make sure the flatbed semi-trailer is equipped with the necessary safety equipment.