Open deck trucking uses trailers that like the name suggests are open and accessible from all sides and are often referred to as flatbed, step deck, double drop or RGN trailers. Unlike enclosed trucks, these open deck trailers have no walls or a roof, which allows them to move cargo that is oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped. This type of trucking is frequently used across different industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture, or in any scenario where large and heavy items must be hauled.

In this blog, we will outline and highlight the key aspects of open deck trucking, including trailer types, the benefits, and the challenges of open deck. If you’re a shipper understanding these shipping practices is essential for optimizing your shipments.

Types of Open Deck Trailers 🚚

There is more than one type of trailer used in open deck trucking. Each one is designed for different and specific hauling needs, here are the frequently used trailer types:

Flatbed 

Flatbed trailers are the most common option in open deck trucking. They feature a level platform with four open sides, perfect for easy loading and unloading of oversized cargo.

Step Deck

These trailers have a lower deck and an upper deck, which allows them to carry taller cargo such as machinery and equipment needing extra height clearance without the need for any extra oversize permits. Step decks themselves have multiple trailer types with different features, which can become confusing if you’re not 100% clued up on them. But don’t worry, this is where our expert team comes in to direct you to use the most appropriate equipment for your freight needs.

Double Drop

Double drop trailers have an extremely low middle section that is significantly lower than the front and rear areas of the deck. Making double drop the perfect option for extra tall cargo that would not fit on a regular step deck trailer.

RGN (Removable Gooseneck) 

RGN trailers allow heavy equipment to be driven directly onto the trailer through the use of the removable gooseneck feature. Making them an ideal option for transporting large and heavy construction machinery like bulldozers and cranes, etc. with ease.

Benefits of Open Deck Trucking 👍

Let’s take a look at the benefits of open deck trucking that make it an appealing choice for many industries.

Easy Loading & Unloading

Cargo can be loaded and unloaded with ease, using cranes and forklifts from any angle and side because there are no walls or roof.

Transport Solution for Oversized Freight

Due to the nature of an open deck trailer, the open sides eliminate freight dimension constraints of an enclosed trailer. This is what makes open deck a great solution to accommodate large, bulky and irregular shaped items.

Cost Effective for Large Loads

While open deck trucking is a specialized solution, meaning it comes with a higher price tag. In many scenarios it can work out as a cost-effective option. If you have a large load and use an open deck trailer then you can minimize the amount of trips needed if using an enclosed truck.

Challenges of Open Deck Trucking 👎

But, let’s not forget the challenges that open deck trucking comes with because despite its’ benefits, there are challenges that shippers should be aware of.

Exposure to Extreme Weather Conditions

One huge drawback, is that the cargo being shipped on an open deck, must be weather resistant. In the scenarios where weather conditions cannot be avoided and the freight is sensitive to rain, wind, snow or sun then tarping or another form of protection would be required to keep the freight sheltered from the elements.

Securing the Load

Straps, chains and edge protectors are all security measures to ensure the integrity of your shipments and ensure there is no movement during transit that could cause damage or lead to your freight falling off the trailer bed.

Training

Handling open deck freight requires extra training, to ensure staff know how to properly secure the load, distribute the freight weight and the handling and maneuvering of oversized cargo.

Limited Security

Open deck trucking offers limited security against damage and theft. Extra security measure and enhanced insurances might need putting in place for high-value or sensitive items.

Regulations & Permits 📑

Regulatory Compliance

Although open deck trailers have the capacity to ship freight that is much larger and heavier than enclosed trailers, they still must comply to strict height, weight and securement regulations. These vary by state, so for long haul journeys, prior checking of the regulations for each state that your freight is passing through is super important, to ensure you’re staying compliant.

Permits & Route Restrictions

Oversized loads sometimes require special permits before travel, so checking online prior to travel and applying for these in advance is super important. Also, in depth pre-routing for oversized shipments is just as important, routes with low clearance bridges or weight restricted roads can then be planned for and avoided if necessary.

*Your shipping partner should handle all of this for you, but it’s good to be aware of the steps taken to move this sort of freight.

How Can PEI Help? 🤝

Open deck trucking in short plays a crucial role in transporting oversized, heavy and irregular cargo. How else would we move wind turbines or large machinery?

At PEI, we understand the complexities of these kinds of shipments. We’ve moved a ton of really precious, oversized, irregular cargo over the years ourselves using open deck solutions, including a whale shark! and without these specialized trailers, these jobs would have been extremely difficult, almost impossible. In fact, many industries would face significant challenges in moving large scale equipment and materials, including construction, energy and manufacturing businesses without open deck trailer types. Although they come with some challenges themselves, open deck trailers have proven themselves to be a reliable solution for specialized freight needs.

So, if you have any large, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo that you’re struggling to transport and want them to reach their destination as safely and efficiently as possible, then reach out to us on ⬇️

Phone: 888-SHIP-911 or use the link below. We’d love to help 😊