Flatbed Trucking Provides Options for Construction Companies and Manufacturers

Flatbed trucking offers loading and transporting advantages for those working at construction sites and manufacturing locations. Great Western Transportation knows this because their transport services are catered to these industries.

Hauling

The ability to haul loads promptly is important to those in the industry of construction and manufacturing. Great Western Transportation is familiar with the need to meet deadlines and get in and out of a customer’s location efficiently. Capable drivers, on staff, know how to navigate a flatbed around clearances and obstacles that can be common at a construction site or manufacturer’s headquarters.  Safe hauling of goods and equipment is always a priority and can be done efficiently by those who have experience in maneuvering a flatbed.

Forklift Access

Flatbed trucking is also a good way to move large-sized items and mass quantities.  A flatbed works efficiently for construction and manufacturing customers who utilize forklifts, because a forklift can maneuver parallel to all sides of a flatbed for easier loading and off-loading options. There are no ceilings or wall perimeters to limit loading access. No roofs, no sides and no doors make for increased options for stacking and organizing.

Loading Space

The open concept of a flatbed and the expertise from Great Western Transportation offers the ability to load numerous items and equipment easier. Customers can pack, stack and secure all sides of a flatbed, and even tarp for safekeeping, during the transit process of moving and hauling. Wide loads or oversized loads are not an issue for the trained drivers at Great Western Transportation.

Drop Deck Flatbeds

No matter if it is tools, supplies, large motorized equipment or raw materials, there are many different types of flatbeds that can be used for hauling. A regular flatbed or an extendible (stretch) flatbed can be utilized for oversized jobs. Great Western Transportation is also familiar with drop deck flatbeds which offer two deck levels and have extra axles. This can be useful for flatbed trucking of heavier or taller cargo loads.

Contact Great Western Transportation for more information on flatbed trucking for those in construction and/or manufacturing.

July 26, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed

Heavy Haul Trucking: Understanding It’s Value

The transportation industry wouldn’t be able to function the way that it needs to if it weren’t for the coordinated efforts of everyone in the industry pulling in the same direction. This is why heavy haul trucking plays such an important role in the industry.

What is Heavy Haul Trucking?

Just as the name implies, heavy haul trucking involves taking oversized or heavy loads where they need to go. There are certain loads that exceed the physical or regulatory limits imposed on a standard truck. Therefore, it may be necessary to use a heavy haul truck to get certain material moved to where it needs to go.

What Can Heavy Haul Trucking Do?

Think about a time when you needed to order a particularly large item. If it were not for the hard work of dedicated heavy haul truckers, it simply wouldn’t be possible for you to get the material that you wanted. Luckily, those who participate in heavy haul trucking are able to get that material where it needs to go. These heavy haul truckers are happy to take those loads and get them across town or across the country.

Common Types of Heavy Haul Loads

There are certain types of loads that are more likely to fall under the heavy haul category. In fact, there are even certain types of vehicles that are considered “heavy haul” vehicles. For example, bulldozers are considered to be a heavy haul vehicle because they so often are carrying significantly large loads to wherever they need to go.

It is also common for military vehicles to be heavy haul vehicles. The same is true of many construction and industrial vehicles. All of these types of vehicles can fairly and accurately be described as heavy haul vehicles. Now that you know this, you will know what to be on the lookout for the next time you see one of these out on the road.

July 17, 2024 | | Category: Heavy Haul

The Versatility and Tarp Protection of Flatbed Trucking

With the different types of flatbed trailers, there is a transport solution for almost every heavy or unusual haul you may need. At Great Western Transportation, we have the logistic experts to help you get your oversized construction equipment and variable-sized materials moved with care. Safety is one of our top concerns. While we source with the best trucking operators, our team stays up-to-date on all the rules and regulations of the industry.

Secure Moves are Top Priority

Securing loads is a priority in the trucking industry. As of the beginning of this year, new “Cargo Securement Rules” took effect, as laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “The intent of the new requirements is to reduce the number of accidents caused by cargo shifting on or within, or falling from, commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce, and to harmonize to the greatest extent practicable U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cargo securement regulations.”

Securing Flatbed Hauls with the Addition of Tarps

No matter the transportation method, avoiding cargo shifts is the ultimate goal. While chains and tie-downs hold equipment and materials in place, another layer of protection is through heavy-duty tarps. As there are different types of flatbed trailers, there are also different types of flatbed tarps, as explained in detail at U.S. Cargo Control. In addition to assisting in cargo securement, flatbed tarps offer protection from environmental influences, such as high winds and inclement weather.

Let Great Western Maneuver Every Flatbed Haul

There are multiple factors to consider when transporting heavy and usual loads.  When you partner with our team, we take the burden off you by offering the best transportation solution. Our extensive network of shippers allows us to give our customers a faster turnaround time. Let Great Western maneuver the busy roads and highways for you. It’s what we do best.

June 17, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, General

Unique Things to Know About Heavy Haul Trucking

Moving items from point A to point B may seem easy enough to do, but that isn’t always the case when that material is oversized. For example, the following types of items may require special hauling methods to get them where they need to go:

  • Farming equipment
  • Military equipment
  • Construction materials

These are all vital pieces of infrastructure, and it is necessary to use heavy haul trucks to move them where they need to go.

What is a Heavy Haul Truck?

A heavy haul truck is specifically designed to move the oversized materials described above. It is a four-axle semi-truck that contains 1 steer, 1 pusher, and 2 drives. This design allows the truck to take on those particularly heavy loads that other trucks simply cannot. As such, this truck is uniquely designed to take on the workloads that other types of trucks simply could not.

What Makes a Heavy Haul Truck Special?

Aside from the design specifications mentioned above, there are also other reasons why a heavy haul truck is considered unique and special. For example, it is necessary for special permits to be obtained in many cases. Those permits are required simply because of the size and dimensions of the materials in question. In addition, drivers of heavy haul trucks may be required to obtain special licensing before they can operate a heavy haul truck.

These trucks are a unique asset that help keep the economy moving forward. Without the unique services and benefits offered by heavy haul truckers, it would be impossible to move certain pieces of freight where they need to go.

Given the fact that the entire economy relies on the ability to move goods where they need to go, it is imperative that heavy haul trucks continue to do what they need to do. The next time you see what out on the road, just recognize that it is a truck built specifically to handle the large load that it is carrying.

May 15, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

Confidently Move Construction Equipment with Great Western Transportation

When dealing with heavy hauls, such as construction equipment and heavy-duty building supplies, big rigs and flatbed trailers are the safest way to move whatever you need to transport. At Great Western Transportation, we are the experts with the best transportation solutions for these heavy hauls, whether you’re transporting oversized equipment or bulky and large building materials.

Save Money and Time with Our Extensive Network of Vetted Haulers

You have enough equipment, insurance, and maintenance to budget. You don’t have to worry about purchasing heavy haul equipment, insuring it, and maintaining it when you partner with us at Great Western Transportation. Even more important, we take care of vetting our network of haulers. We make sure that our haulers have all the proper credentials, adequate insurance, and are safety compliant.

Safety, Logistics, and Permitting are Always a Priority

With the roads and highways as busy as they are today, safety is a priority for every customer. With our dedicated and knowledgeable staff, you can rest assured your construction equipment and supplies are secure for transport. Not only do we match you with a hauler who can handle your loads, but we also make sure the route is well-planned out for cost efficiency and permits are all in place.

Partner with Great Western Transportation for Efficient Expertise

Before you partner with us, we invite you to see what we have moved across the Continental United States and Canada. We can handle your construction equipment and supplies of all types. With our extensive network of trusted transportation services, we not only expedite every shipment, but we also offer competitive pricing.

Call us at 800-972-8484 or fill out our short form to learn how easy we make it for you once you become our partner. When you need to move construction equipment and supplies between job sites, we’re ready to get it there with the efficiency and expertise you want.

May 2, 2024 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Safely Transport Oversized/Overweight Shipments With Heavy Haul Trucking

Sometimes, the shipments that you want to transport are bigger or heavier than usual. They might include industrial machinery, boats, farming equipment, construction equipment, turbines, mining equipment etc. In order to transport these effectively, you’ll need heavy haul trucking. You might need to use a lowboy trailer, a flatbed trailer, an extendable trailer, a multi-axle trailer, a perimeter trailer etc. The exact type of truck you use will depend on the dimensions and the weight of the thing that you are trying to move.

Requirements of Heavy Haul Trucking

If an item is oversized or if its weight goes over certain defined limits, you may only be able to move it on certain highways which have been especially built to handle these kinds of shipments. You may also need to get special permits to move this type of equipment through certain states. A P/EVO (a pilot/escort vehicle operator) will also be needed, depending on which states the equipment will be passing through. About twelve states currently require that oversized loads be transported by a trained, certified P/EVO.

Smooth Transportation of Heavy Loads

If your shipment is larger or heavier than usual, then it’s going to require special equipment to transport it. It will also require special permits and a special operator. So it’s important to have your shipment transported by professionals who are aware of the special requirements of heavy haul trucking. These professionals will make all the arrangements needed to transport your shipment before it leaves from its starting point, and they’ll make sure that it reaches its destination without any issues along the way.

Dimensions and Weight

Keep in mind that any load which goes over 13 feet 6 inches in height, 8 feet 6 inches in width and a length which varies from state to state is considered oversized. A load which goes over 80,000 lbs in weight is considered overweight. If you suspect that your load may be oversized or overweight, the first step is to determine its exact dimensions and weight. Once you let your trucking company know what these are, they will be able to advise you about the next step. With the right type of truck, the right permits and, possibly a P/EVO, your shipment will be safely transported to its destination.

March 21, 2024 | | Category: Heavy Haul

What Kind of Flatbed Truck Is Right For You?

A flatbed truck is needed to transport large, oversized items which may not fit in a conventional truck. In order to carry items such as these, you need a truck where the bed is flat, with no sides or roof. Flatbeds also come in a variety of sizes and can be used to carry loads of 3 to 30 tons. Flatbeds are usually 8-10 feet wide, but their length can range from 18 feet to 48 feet. An extendable flatbed can even reach a length of 75 feet. Even in terms of design, there are different types of flatbeds.

Step Deck

In a step deck, the flatbed has two decks. The one closer to the cab is higher while the one behind that is lower. To go from the lower deck to the higher deck, it feels like you’re stepping up. This pattern makes it easier to load and unload the flatbed. It’s also great to transport heavy loads of up to 45,000 pounds.

Double Drop Deck

There are two drops in this kind of flatbed which means that it dips in-between the two axles. As a result, these kinds of flatbeds are great for transporting things that are tall and heavy; you won’t need to be concerned about low bridges or restrictions when it comes to headroom when you use a double drop deck. Double drop decks can be used to transport loads of up to 80,000 pounds.

Regular Flatbed

In a regular or standard flatbed, the bed is absolutely flat, without any drops or steps. You can carry a number of things on a regular flatbed, such as machinery, furniture, lumber etc. It has a ramp which can help to load and unload the cargo. It may also have a rack to prevent the load from moving around. It may also have stake pockets on the side where ropes/cords can be attached to secure the cargo.

Extendable Flatbed

An extendable flatbed, as the name suggests, is extendable. If the truck is needed to carry loads which are larger than usual, the extendable flatbed can be pulled out to accommodate it. A normal flatbed is usually 40-50 feet while an extendable is 40-75 feet.

February 6, 2024 | | Category: Flatbed, General

Meet Heavy Haul Demands with Spot Freight

In the transportation industry, spot freight refers to arranging the transportation of goods on an as-needed basis, rather than through long-term agreements. With spot freight, shipments are handled in direct response to immediate shipping requirements.

Understanding Spot Freight

Spot loads mean a customer suddenly needs to transport large, heavy cargo, usually over 80,000 pounds. Spot freight emphasizes flexibility and urgency. It involves finding a carrier able to haul your load on short notice, often by bidding or negotiation. This on-demand model works well for unpredictable or urgent shipping needs.

Examples include rushing a 150-ton crane to a construction site or moving modules ahead of a storm. In these cases, shippers request one-off heavy hauls instead of using contracted regular carriers. Terms get worked out between the person who coordinates logistics and the trucker based on factors like route, timing, permits, and hazards.

Comparing Spot and Contract Freight

Contract freight offers rate and capacity stability through long-term agreements. However, it doesn’t have the flexibility of spot freight to adapt to changing conditions and pricing. Contracting leads to higher reliability in delivery and encourages mutually beneficial investments between shippers and carriers. Spot freight enables dynamic routing around bottlenecks, but provides less visibility into long-term capacity. Many companies use a blended model balancing cost, flexibility, and reliability based on their shipping needs.

Impact of Technology

Digital platforms make way for quicker coordination of urgent spot loads between shippers and truckers. Features like load boards, analytics, automated pricing, and tracking all drive higher productivity. They also minimize delays while optimizing usage and accurate pricing.

Spot Freight in Heavy Haul Trucking

For heavy hauls, spot freight efficiently transports heavy equipment, especially when faster or cheaper than alternatives. Specialized carriers negotiate competitive pricing with trucking firms for heavy cargo.

Get Your Freight Moving With Great Western Transportation

Whether you need heavy haul or any other shipping service, Great Western Transportation has you covered. Contact us today for a quote customized for your freight transportation needs! Fill out our quick online form or call 1-800-972-8484. Our experts are standing by to answer any questions you may have.

January 4, 2024 | | Category: General, Heavy Haul