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

Moving the Extra-Big and Unusual Loads with Expertise

At Great Western Transportation, we are the expert trucking service providers, delivering the most economical and safe solutions for moving freight within the United States and Canada. One of the areas of our expertise is in flatbed trucking. There are specific types of flatbed trailers to transport freight loads that are oversized in width, length, or weight. Some of which may be all three. Whether construction equipment, oversize product parts such as turbines, or homes, we can help you move it. (See a list of all the heavy hauls we can help you move.)

The Flatbeds for Hauling Oversized Loads

There are four flatbed trailer types for oversized hauls, and we make it our business to know what trailer is the best for your load.

– Extendable flatbed trailers are for hauling extra-long materials such as construction pipes or building lumber.

Lowboy trailers are necessary for hauling unusual tall loads that would otherwise not pass the legal height limit.

– Removable gooseneck trailers make it easy for large equipment to be driven onto the trailer and off without backing up.

Drop deck trailers are another type of trailer used for tall freight loads over the height limitations.

 

Route Planning is Key to Safely Moving Oversized Loads

Part of moving oversized loads is mapping out the most efficient route. Not all roadway paths, especially bridges, are safe for these unusual loads. At Great Western, we are the experts in oversized freight route planning.

Part of Route Planning is Permitting

When it comes to oversized loads, rules vary between the states. Transporting oversized freight across multiple states will most likely require state-specific permits. Once we determine the most efficient route, we handle all the permitting.

We’re Connected and Delivering the Best in Oversized Hauling Solutions

When you are our customer, you have a network of the most efficient trucking solutions for big hauls that will expedite your loads with the best in pricing, with safety always in mind. We are proud of our structured network, and the team at Great Western Transportation is here to take care of all your oversized trucking needs.

December 15, 2023 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

5 Ways Flatbed Trucking Is Used in Construction and Manufacturing Industries

Flatbed trucks are the unsung heroes of the construction and manufacturing industries. These versatile open-bed trucks transport everything from raw materials to heavy machinery to oversized finished products. With their ability to handle bulky, irregularly shaped items, flatbeds provide capabilities beyond what enclosed box trailers can accommodate. They are an important link in the supply chain for assuring cargo is safely transported from point A to point B. Below are five common uses for flatbed trucking across the construction and manufacturing industries.

1. Transporting Construction Materials

In construction, flatbeds transport large, heavy components used to build infrastructure and buildings. One of the biggest contributors to efficient construction projects is the ability to transport heavy structural components. Flatbeds are perfectly suited for this job. With their open decks, they can easily accommodate massive steel beams, pre-cast concrete sections, wall panels, and other oversized building materials. Constructing modern infrastructure would be incredibly difficult without the use of flatbed trucking.

2. Moving Heavy Construction Equipment

In addition to structural materials, flatbeds can also be used to transport the heavy equipment used to manipulate and assemble those components. We know you are aware that excavators, backhoes, cranes, bulldozers, and other machinery can be difficult to load into enclosed trailers. But they can be easily wheeled up loading ramps onto flatbeds and strapped securely in place. This allows construction crews to reposition gear quickly between different locations.

3. Delivering Manufacturing Materials

On the manufacturing side, flatbeds are key for keeping factories stocked with raw materials. From lumber to steel coils to spools of cable, these industrial inputs often come in cumbersome sizes and shapes. Flatbeds provide an ideal transportation method for these irregular raw goods. Safely delivering high volumes of raw stock is what keeps manufacturing production flowing as smoothly as possible.

4. Shipping Oversized Finished Goods

Once goods have been produced, flatbeds make way for oversized finished products to be shipped from factories to their destinations. Farm machinery, generators, turbines, and other oversized equipment also fit nicely on the spacious decks of flatbeds. For manufacturers, having this shipping capacity is key to getting finished products into the hands of customers.

5. Moving Support Vehicles

Flatbeds are also useful for transporting the support vehicles used on construction sites. Forklifts, mobile cranes, and concrete mixers are all regularly hauled on flatbeds between locations and job sites. Having the ability to efficiently move these utility vehicles allows smoother construction operations.

The versatility of flatbed trucking makes it an integral tool for industries like construction and manufacturing. For moving inputs and outputs, flatbeds keep these industries running efficiently. At Great Western Transportation, we understand the role flatbeds play in construction and manufacturing, and that is why our experienced team provides reliable flatbed trucking services to keep your oversized loads moving.

Call us toll-free at 1-800-972-8484 to learn more.

October 17, 2023 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

Efficient Heavy Haul Trucking Solutions by Great Western Transportation

When it comes to transporting heavyweight and oversized shipments, Great Western Transportation stands as a reliable partner in ensuring safe and timely deliveries. Our expertise lies in facilitating the movement of construction materials and large cargoes, catering to industries that demand precision, reliability, and adherence to regulations. Here’s why you should consider us for your heavy haul trucking needs:

Expertise in Overweight and Over Dimensional Shipments

  • Specialized Handling: Our team is well-versed in handling shipments that exceed standard dimensions and weights. From intricate planning to meticulous execution, we ensure that your cargo arrives intact.
  • Industry-Specific Solutions: Whether it’s construction materials, industrial equipment, or large machinery, our tailored solutions cater to the specific needs of diverse industries.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges

  • Compliance is Key: We understand the complex web of regulations that govern the transportation of oversized and overweight loads. Our experts navigate these regulations seamlessly, ensuring a smooth journey for your cargo.
  • Permit Expertise: From obtaining the necessary permits to coordinating with authorities, we take care of the legal aspects so that you can focus on your core business.

Safety First Approach

  • Risk Mitigation: Transporting heavy and oversized loads requires a comprehensive approach to safety. We implement stringent safety measures to mitigate risks and safeguard your cargo throughout its journey.
  • Experienced Drivers: Our skilled drivers have extensive experience in handling specialized loads, ensuring that your shipment is in capable hands.

Efficiency and Timeliness

  • Time-Sensitive Deliveries: We understand the importance of timely deliveries in industries such as construction and manufacturing. Our logistics solutions are designed to ensure that your cargo reaches its destination on schedule.
  • Route Optimization: Our experts meticulously plan routes that are optimized for the size and weight of your cargo, reducing transit times and minimizing disruptions.

You Can Count on Great Western Transportation

At Great Western Transportation, we’re committed to providing efficient heavy haul trucking solutions without compromising on safety or quality. Our focus on industry expertise, regulatory compliance, safety, and efficiency sets us apart as a dependable partner for your oversized and overweight transportation needs. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that is dedicated to getting your cargo where it needs to go, safely and reliably.

Whether you’re transporting construction materials, machinery, or other large cargoes, Great Western Transportation is ready to be your trusted heavy haul trucking partner. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our expertise can streamline your transportation needs. Your cargo’s journey is our priority, and we’re here to make it a successful one.

August 28, 2023 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Zero Emission Big Rig Trucks Are Round the Corner

nikola truck

As part of our Great Western Transportation philosophy and best-practices we keep a close eye on all the trends in the big rig trucking industry. One of the major trends is moving big rig trucks to zero emission, to being climate friendly deliverers of millions of tons of vital goods across the U.S. These trucks range from battery powered to hydrogen-fuel-cell powered. There will be a time in the future where most trucks on the road will be zero emission.

This past March, 2023, in Stockton, CA, the truck manufacturer and energy company Nikola Motor presented its new one-hundred percent zero emission semi-trucks to truck fleet company representatives.  The sleek, futuristic black-and-white class-8 trucks wowed the audience of truck buyers. One of the trucks was powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that could haul for 500 miles. The other was battery powered with nine battery packs punching through 733 kilowatt hours of electricity for a range of 330 miles. Both trucks had the same electric motor.

Damon Owens, head of truck marketing at Nikola Motors, said, “Our battery electric truck as I mentioned is in production and ready for delivery now. Our fuel cell truck will be available for delivery at a later part of this year … it goes into production in the later part of this year.”

The trucks also have regenerative braking to recycle electric power back to the battery as the truck brakes.

Show attendee Dave Dein, co-founder of Next Generation in Trucking Association, said after driving the truck: “It’s very comfortable, it’s very quiet … love it. It’s really designed for the driver. Excellent turning radius and visibility.”

April 12, 2023 | | Category: General