The worldwide pandemic has put a damper on the shipping business. However, that will soon change as the economy resumes chugging along and the need to supply consumer demand returns in full force.
Before the arrival of COVID-19, manufacturers were already pushing the boundaries of what owner-operators can move across the world’s highways. It seems like the goods that clients need to transport keep getting larger and larger.
For now, however, owner-operators are feeling the brunt of the global shipping slowdown. Despite this circumstance, shipping insiders are optimistic that businesses can make up losses before the year ends.
This outlook is excellent news if you’ve been considering heavy equipment hauling. Keep reading to learn important facts about the different types of semi-trailers to consider for hauling machines.
There’s Promise in Heavy Hauling
If you’re prepared to invest more into your shipping business, you can earn more. You’ll need to sacrifice your time and invest in specialized equipment. You’ll also need to commit to additional planning; for example, obtaining the right permits to haul oversized loads.
Nevertheless, drivers who specialize in heavy and oversized loads make more than a typical owner-operator. Many make over six figures each year.
It’s a complex field. However, if you’re prepared to take the risk, it’s well worth the rewards.
For now, a significant segment of the population is struggling with the dip in the economy. Owner-operators with flat bed trailers, however, have been significantly impacted by the current state of affairs.
For a while, officials deemed construction activity nonessential. This decision has greatly affected the jobs available for heavy machine haulers.
Some owner-operators have supplemented their income by moving local heavy equipment. Heavy equipment haulers are a special breed.
They work smarter and harder and stay on the lookout for opportunities. Even when the oversized market is at its peak, these drivers are among a select few.
Of Course, There’s a Catch
Oversized hauling comes with the added cost of paying for permits. You may also have to pay for specialized escorts.
Every state is different. Because of these differences, figuring out hauling costs for an oversized load is complex and time-consuming.
The process becomes more complicated if you must add on additional services to transport loads safely. For instance, you may need to check on charges for:
- Insurance
- Lift gates
- Offloading
- Tarps
- Tolls
Fortunately, this process gets easier with experience.
Despite how familiar you get with the process, avoid giving estimates off the top of your head. Nothing’s worse than quoting one price, then having to raise it later. Make sure you research the job first.
Also, communication is key when quoting rates. By being honest with your customers and letting them know that prices can change depending on circumstances, you’ll avoid hardships and retain loyal customers.
Types of Semi Trailers for the Job
Owner-operators choose different trailer types for different jobs. Every situation is unique, but oversized loads share some common characteristics.
Any equipment that’s more than eight and a half feet wide is considered a wide load. If a piece of equipment is more than 13 and a half feet tall, it’s considered an oversized load. Finally, an overweight load typically weighs more than 46,000 pounds.
Depending on the type of equipment you’ll haul regularly, you’ll go for different types of trailers. There are many types of equipment that might qualify as wide, oversized, or overweight loads, including:
- Tractors
- Combines
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Loaders
- Backhoes
- Wind blades
It’s important to understand that you can charge more for oversized and overweight loads not only because of their unique features, but because these jobs are dangerous.
Large equipment hauling is complicated. You must obtain permits, pay fees, and overcome legal hurdles before you even start the job. Accordingly, the additional money that you can earn in the specialized hauling field is well justified.
One of the most critical tasks for launching your specialized hauling business is choosing the right equipment. The right equipment ensures the efficient and safe movement of cargo.
There are pros and cons to different types of trailers. Most often, a lowboy trailer is the best choice for moving heavy equipment.
Lowboy trailers have a lower deck compared to standard trailers. Compared to other types of semi-trailers, manufacturers design them especially for moving massive pieces of equipment.
You can also purchase a trailer with a roll-on/roll-off ramp. This feature makes it easier to load and unload equipment.
Choosing the Right Lowboy Trailer
You may also want to consider investing in a removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer. With an RGN trailer, you can remove the gooseneck and lower the trailer to on- and offload cargo.
You can avoid some of the fees involved with moving heavy equipment with a lowboy trailer. The lower bed can enable you to get around height requirements for moving heavy equipment over the road.
You also want to consider how many axles you want on your trailer. With the addition of each axle, you can haul heavier loads.
You can haul up to 80,000 pounds on a traditional lowboy trailer with additional axles. However, an RGN trailer can support up to 150,000 pounds with extra axles.
Getting Started in the Specialized Hauling Business
If you plan to haul specialized loads, you’ll most likely need a lowboy trailer.
You’ll need to put considerable thought, however, into what type of cargo you’ll haul. Before you buy, consider the weight and height of your typical load, the industry you’ll serve and state and federal laws. Once you consider these facts, you’ll have a better idea of which lowboy trailer you’ll need for your business.
Now that you know about the various types of semi-trailers, you’re on your way. However, your work’s just started.
