What is Drop Deck Trailer ?

A drop deck trailer, also known as a step deck trailer or lowboy trailer, is a type of commercial trailer that is designed to transport tall and heavy cargo that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed trailer.

Drop deck trailers have a lower deck than standard flatbed trailers, which allows for taller cargo to be transported without exceeding height restrictions. The lower deck is also closer to the ground, which makes it easier to load and unload heavy cargo.

Drop deck trailers are typically equipped with hydraulic suspension, which helps to distribute the weight of the load evenly and reduce wear and tear on the trailer. They are also typically equipped with ramps or a loading dock to facilitate loading and unloading.

Drop deck trailers are used in a variety of industries to transport tall and heavy cargo, such as:

1. Construction
2. Oil and gas
3. Power generation
4. Manufacturing
5. Agriculture

Here are some of the benefits of using drop deck trailers:

1. Can transport taller cargo than standard flatbed trailers
2. Lower deck is closer to the ground, making it easier to load and unload heavy cargo
3. Hydraulic suspension helps to distribute the weight of the load evenly
4. Available with a variety of features to facilitate loading and unloading

If you need to transport tall or heavy cargo, a drop deck trailer is a good option to consider. Drop deck trailers can safely and efficiently transport a wide variety of cargo, regardless of size or weight.

Other Names of Drop Deck Trailers

Drop deck trailers are also known as:

Step deck trailers

Lowboy trailers

Low loader trailers

Removable Gooseneck trailers (RGN trailers)

Double drop trailers

The term “drop deck trailer” is the most general term, and it can be used to refer to any type of trailer with a lower deck. The other terms are more specific, and they refer to different types of drop deck trailers with different features.

For example, step deck trailers have a stepped deck that descends from the front of the trailer to the back. This type of trailer is often used to transport tall machinery and equipment.

Lowboy trailers have a very low deck, which makes them ideal for transporting heavy machinery and equipment.

RGN trailers have a removable gooseneck, which makes them easier to load and unload heavy cargo.

Double drop trailers have two drop decks, which allows them to transport extremely tall cargo.

Drop deck trailers are an essential tool for many industries, and they play a vital role in the transportation of heavy and oversized loads.

Why Required Drop Deck Trailer ?

Drop deck trailers are required for a number of reasons, including:

1. To transport taller cargo: Drop deck trailers have a lower deck than standard flatbed trailers, which allows for taller cargo to be transported without exceeding height restrictions. This is important for transporting cargo such as construction equipment, heavy machinery, and agricultural equipment.
2. To transport heavier cargo: Drop deck trailers are typically equipped with heavier-duty axles and suspension systems than standard flatbed trailers. This allows them to safely transport heavier loads without exceeding weight restrictions.
3. To make loading and unloading easier: The lower deck of a drop deck trailer is closer to the ground than the deck of a standard flatbed trailer. This makes it easier to load and unload heavy cargo, especially cargo that is difficult to lift.
4. To protect the cargo: Drop deck trailers are often equipped with features such as tie-down points and strapping systems that help to secure the cargo in place. This protects the cargo from damage during transportation.

Here are some specific examples of situations where drop deck trailers are required:

To transport a bridge girder to a construction site

To transport a drilling rig to an oil and gas well site

To transport a turbine to a power plant

To transport a heavy machine to a manufacturing plant

To transport a large agricultural vehicle to a farm

Drop deck trailers are an essential tool for transporting heavy and oversized loads. They provide a safe, efficient, and versatile way to move these loads over long distances and through challenging road conditions.

In addition to the above, drop deck trailers are also required for the following reasons:

To comply with regulations: In many jurisdictions, there are regulations governing the height and weight of cargo that can be transported on public roads. Drop deck trailers help to ensure that cargo is transported in compliance with these regulations.

To minimize disruptions to traffic: Drop deck trailers can help to minimize disruptions to traffic by transporting tall and wide loads on a lower deck. This is especially important in congested areas.

To reduce costs: Drop deck trailers can help to reduce the costs associated with transporting heavy and oversized loads. This is because they can transport larger loads than standard flatbed trailers, and they can help to reduce the risk of damage to the cargo.

Overall, drop deck trailers are required because they provide a safe, efficient, and versatile way to transport heavy and oversized loads. They are essential for many industries, and they play a vital role in the global economy.

Drop Deck Trailer uses

Drop deck trailers are used to transport a wide variety of tall and heavy cargo, including:

Construction equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes

Oil and gas equipment, such as drilling rigs and fracking equipment

Power generation equipment, such as turbines and generators

Manufacturing equipment, such as machine tools and presses

Agricultural equipment, such as harvesters and tractors

Other heavy and oversized loads, such as bridge girders, wind turbine blades, and industrial machinery

Drop deck trailers are particularly useful for transporting cargo that is too tall or too heavy to be transported on a standard flatbed trailer. The lower deck of a drop deck trailer allows taller cargo to be transported without exceeding height restrictions, and the heavier-duty axles and suspension systems allow heavier loads to be transported without exceeding weight restrictions.

Drop deck trailers are also used to transport cargo that is difficult to load and unload. The lower deck of a drop deck trailer makes it easier to load and unload cargo, especially cargo that is too heavy or too large to be lifted by a forklift.

Drop deck trailers are an essential tool for many industries, and they play a vital role in the transportation of heavy and oversized loads.

Here are some specific examples of how drop deck trailers are used in different industries:

Construction: Drop deck trailers are used to transport construction equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, to and from construction sites.

Oil and gas: Drop deck trailers are used to transport oil and gas equipment, such as drilling rigs and fracking equipment, to and from oil and gas fields.

Power generation: Drop deck trailers are used to transport power generation equipment, such as turbines and generators, to and from power plants.

Manufacturing: Drop deck trailers are used to transport manufacturing equipment, such as machine tools and presses, to and from manufacturing plants.

Agriculture: Drop deck trailers are used to transport agricultural equipment, such as harvesters and tractors, to and from farms.

Drop deck trailers are also used to transport other heavy and oversized loads, such as bridge girders, wind turbine blades, and industrial machinery.

Drop deck trailers are an essential tool for transporting heavy and oversized loads safely and efficiently. They play a vital role in many industries, and they help to keep the global economy running smoothly.

Who Invented Drop Deck Trailer

The exact inventor of the drop deck trailer is unknown, but it is believed that the first drop deck trailers were developed in the early 1900s to transport tall and heavy loads, such as construction equipment and agricultural machinery.

One of the earliest known drop deck trailers was built in 1912 by the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation in the United States. Fruehauf Trailer Corporation was a pioneer in the development of commercial trailers, and it is credited with developing a number of innovative features for drop deck trailers, such as hydraulic suspension and hydraulic bolsters.

Another early pioneer in the development of drop deck trailers was the Talbert Manufacturing Company, also in the United States. Talbert Manufacturing Company was founded in 1918, and it quickly became a leading manufacturer of drop deck trailers. Talbert is credited with developing a number of innovative features for drop deck trailers, such as the removable gooseneck trailer (RGN trailer).

Today, drop deck trailers are manufactured by a number of companies around the world. These trailers are used in a wide variety of industries to transport tall and heavy loads. Drop deck trailers play a vital role in the transportation of heavy and oversized loads, and they help to keep the global economy running smoothly.

Drop deck trailers have come a long way since the early 1900s. Thanks to the innovative work of early pioneers like Fruehauf Trailer Corporation and Talbert Manufacturing Company, drop deck trailers are now safer, more efficient, and more versatile than ever before.

Worldwide famous manufacturer Drop Deck Trailer

Here are some worldwide famous manufacturers of drop deck trailers:

1. Goldhofer (Germany)
2. Nooteboom (Netherlands)
3. Faymonville (Luxembourg)
4. Kamag (Germany)
5. Scheuerle (Germany)
6. Trail King (USA)
7. TII Group (USA)
8. TAL Manufacturing (USA)
9. MAX Trailer (USA)
10. Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea)
11. Sany Heavy Industry (China)
12. XCMG (China)

These companies manufacture a wide range of drop deck trailers, from small trailers that can transport loads of up to 100 tons to large trailers that can transport loads of over 1000 tons. Drop deck trailers from these companies are used in a variety of industries around the world, including construction, oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing.

Drop deck trailers from these companies are known for their high quality, durability, and reliability. They are also known for their innovative features, such as hydraulic suspension, hydraulic bolsters, and removable goosenecks. These features make it possible to transport taller and heavier loads more safely and efficiently.

Drop deck trailers from these companies are an essential tool for many industries, and they play a vital role in the transportation of heavy and oversized loads around the world.

Drop Deck Trailer specifications

Drop deck trailers come in a variety of specifications, depending on the intended use and the load capacity required. However, there are some general specifications that are common to all drop deck trailers.

1. Load capacity: Drop deck trailers can transport loads of up to 1000 tons or more.
2. Axles: Drop deck trailers typically have multiple axles, ranging from 4 to 12 axles or more. The number of axles depends on the load capacity of the trailer.
3. Suspension: Drop deck trailers typically have hydraulic suspension, which provides a smooth ride for the load and reduces wear and tear on the trailer.
4. Steering: Drop deck trailers typically have multi-axle steering, which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
5. Brakes: Drop deck trailers typically have air brakes, which provide powerful and reliable braking performance.

In addition to these general specifications, drop deck trailers can also have a variety of other features, such as:

1. Hydraulic bolsters: Hydraulic bolsters are used to support the load and distribute its weight evenly across the trailer axles.
2. Removable goosenecks: Removable goosenecks make it easier to load and unload heavy cargo.
3. Load monitoring systems: Load monitoring systems can be used to track the weight and distribution of the load in real time.
4. Self-propelled trailers: Self-propelled trailers can move under their own power, which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Here are some specific examples of drop deck trailer specifications:

Goldhofer STZ-VP 6: This trailer has a load capacity of 600 tons and 10 axles. It is equipped with hydraulic suspension, multi-axle steering, air brakes, and hydraulic bolsters.

Nooteboom Super Wing Trailer: This trailer has a load capacity of 800 tons and 10 axles. It is equipped with hydraulic suspension, multi-axle steering, air brakes, and remote-controlled winches.

Faymonville VarioMAX Plus 6: This trailer has a load capacity of 600 tons and 12 axles. It is equipped with hydraulic suspension, multi-axle steering, air brakes, and a load monitoring system.

Kamag K24plus: This trailer has a load capacity of 600 tons and 12 axles. It is equipped with hydraulic suspension, multi-axle steering, air brakes, and hydraulic bolsters.

Scheuerle SPMT 740-T: This trailer is self-propelled and has a load capacity of 750 tons. It is equipped with hydraulic suspension, multi-axle steering, air brakes, and a load monitoring system.

These are just a few examples of drop deck trailer specifications. There are many other manufacturers and models of drop deck trailers available, with a wide range of load capacities and features.

Specifications of Drop Deck Trailer vs Other Trailers

Trailer Type	Length	Height	Width	Weight Capacity	Price (USD)	Freight Range (USD/km)	Availability
Drop Deck Trailer	45-60 feet	10-12 feet	8.5 feet	45,000-100,000 pounds	$50,000-$200,000	$10,000-$50,000	Widely available
Flatbed Trailer	45-53 feet	12-14 feet	8.5 feet	40,000-53,000 pounds	$30,000-$100,000	$5,000-$20,000	Most widely available
Step Deck Trailer	45-60 feet	10-12 feet	8.5 feet	46,000-100,000 pounds	$40,000-$150,000	$6,000-$30,000	Widely available
Lowboy Trailer	45-60 feet	10-12 feet	8.5 feet	48,000-100,000 pounds	$50,000-$200,000	$7,000-$35,000	Widely available
Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN Trailer)	45-60 feet	10-12 feet	8.5 feet	48,000-100,000 pounds	$60,000-$250,000	$8,000-$40,000	Widely available

Key Differences between Drop Deck Trailers and Other Trailers

Drop deck trailers differ from other trailers in the following ways:

Lower deck: Drop deck trailers have a lower deck than other types of trailers, which allows them to transport taller cargo without exceeding height restrictions.

Higher load capacity: Drop deck trailers have a higher load capacity than other types of trailers, which allows them to transport heavier cargo.

More versatile: Drop deck trailers are more versatile than other types of trailers, as they can transport a wider range of cargo, including tall, heavy, and oversized loads.

Applications of Drop Deck Trailers

Drop deck trailers are used to transport a wide variety of cargo, including:

Construction equipment

Heavy machinery

Agricultural equipment

Oil and gas equipment

Power generation equipment

Other heavy and oversized loads

Freight Range for Drop Deck Trailers

The freight range for drop deck trailers varies depending on a number of factors, including the distance to be traveled, the weight and dimensions of the load, and the complexity of the route. However, as a general guide, the freight price for drop deck trailers in the United States ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per kilometer.

Availability of Drop Deck Trailers

Drop deck trailers are widely available in the United States. There are a number of companies that manufacture and rent drop deck trailers.

Conclusion

Drop deck trailers are a versatile and efficient way to transport tall, heavy, and oversized loads. They are widely available and have a relatively high load capacity. However, drop deck trailers can be more expensive than other types of trailers.

Drop Deck Trailer price in india

The price of drop deck trailers in India varies depending on the following factors:

Manufacturer

Model

Load capacity

Features

However, as a general guide, drop deck trailers in India range in price from ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores or more.

Here are some specific examples of drop deck trailer prices in India:

BPW Trailer Systems India Private Limited: ₹60 lakhs to ₹1.2 crores

TRANZTAR: ₹70 lakhs to ₹1.4 crores

Seamless Autotech: ₹80 lakhs to ₹1.6 crores

ALKO INDIA: ₹90 lakhs to ₹1.8 crores

Ashok Leyland: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crores

It is important to note that these prices are just estimates and may vary depending on the specific dealer and the options and features that are selected.

Drop Deck Trailer freight price in india

The freight price of drop deck trailers in India varies depending on the following factors:

Distance to be traveled

Weight and dimensions of the load

Complexity of the route

However, as a general guide, the freight price for drop deck trailers in India ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per kilometer.

Here are some specific examples of drop deck trailer freight prices in India:

1. Mumbai to Delhi: ₹20 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
2. Chennai to Kolkata: ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs
3. Ahmedabad to Hyderabad: ₹12 lakhs to ₹22 lakhs
4. Bangalore to Pune: ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
5. Surat to Jaipur: ₹8 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs

It is important to note that these prices are just estimates and may vary depending on the specific freight company and the options and services that are selected.

Here are some tips for getting the best freight price for drop deck trailers in India:

1. Get quotes from multiple freight companies
2. Compare the services that are offered by each freight company
3. Negotiate the price with the freight company
4. Book the freight in advance

Drop Deck Trailer transportation advantage

Drop deck trailers offer a number of advantages over other types of trailers for the transportation of heavy and oversized loads, including:

Height clearance: The lowered deck of a drop deck trailer provides additional vertical clearance, allowing for the transportation of taller cargo. This is especially important for transporting construction equipment, heavy machinery, and other tall loads.

Accessibility: Drop deck trailers are equipped with ramps or hydraulic systems that facilitate easy loading and unloading of cargo. This makes drop deck trailers more efficient and versatile than other types of trailers.

Stability: The lower center of gravity of a drop deck trailer improves stability and reduces the risk of tipping over. This is especially important when transporting heavy or oversized loads.

Capacity: Drop deck trailers have a high load capacity, allowing them to transport heavy loads without exceeding weight restrictions.

Maneuverability: Drop deck trailers are relatively maneuverable, even in tight spaces. This makes them easier to load and unload, and easier to navigate through congested traffic areas.

In addition to these general advantages, drop deck trailers also offer a number of specific advantages for the transportation of certain types of cargo, such as:

Bridge girders: Drop deck trailers are ideal for transporting bridge girders because they can accommodate the height and weight of these loads. Additionally, the lower deck of a drop deck trailer makes it easier to load and unload bridge girders.

Construction equipment: Drop deck trailers are also well-suited for transporting construction equipment because of their high load capacity and stability. The lower deck of a drop deck trailer also makes it easier to load and unload construction equipment.

Heavy machinery: Drop deck trailers can also be used to transport heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. The high load capacity and stability of drop deck trailers make them ideal for transporting this type of cargo.

Overall, drop deck trailers offer a number of advantages for the transportation of heavy and oversized loads. They are safe, efficient, versatile, and capable of transporting a wide range of cargo.

Drop Deck Trailer transportation Disadvantage

Drop deck trailers also have some disadvantages, including:

1. Cost: Drop deck trailers are typically more expensive than other types of trailers. This is because they are more complex to manufacture and require specialized equipment to operate.
2. Complexity: Drop deck trailers can be more complex to load and unload than other types of trailers. This is because the lower deck can be difficult to access for some types of cargo.
3. Weight: Drop deck trailers are typically heavier than other types of trailers. This can reduce the overall payload capacity of the truck and trailer combination.
4. Height: Even though drop deck trailers have a lower deck, they can still be too tall for some bridges and tunnels. This can require special permits and planning to transport the load.
5. Maneuverability: Drop deck trailers can be more difficult to maneuver than other types of trailers, especially in tight spaces. This is because they are longer and wider than other types of trailers.

Despite these disadvantages, drop deck trailers are an essential tool for the transportation of heavy and oversized loads. They offer a number of advantages over other types of trailers, including safety, efficiency, versatility, and capacity.

Here are some tips for mitigating the disadvantages of drop deck trailer transportation:

1. Budget for the cost: Be prepared for the higher cost of drop deck trailer transportation. Factor the cost of transportation into your overall project budget.
2. Plan ahead: Work with your freight company to plan the route and schedule the transportation of your drop deck trailer in advance. This will help to minimize disruptions to traffic and ensure that the trailer is transported safely and efficiently.
3. Use a reputable freight company: Choose a freight company that has experience in transporting drop deck trailers. This will help to ensure that your trailer is transported safely and without damage.
4. Obtain the necessary permits: If required, obtain the necessary permits for transporting your drop deck trailer. This will help to avoid delays and fines.

By following these tips, you can mitigate the disadvantages of drop deck trailer transportation and ensure that your load is transported safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

ABCC India is a leading provider of project cargo transportation services in India. They have a wide range of Drop Deck Trailers in their fleet, including trailers with different load capacities, axle configurations, and suspension systems. This allows them to provide the right trailer for the job, regardless of the size, weight, or complexity of the load.

ABCC India also has a team of experienced professionals who can help you to plan and execute the transportation of your over dimensional cargo safely and efficiently. They can help you to obtain the necessary permits, identify the best route, and coordinate with all of the stakeholders involved in the transportation process.

If you need to transport over dimensional cargo using a Drop Deck Trailer, ABCC India is a good option to consider. They have a wide range of trailers to choose from, and they have the experience and expertise to help you to get the job done right.

Here are some of the benefits of using ABCC India for your Drop Deck Trailer transportation needs:

1. Wide range of trailers to choose from
2. Experienced team of professionals
3. Ability to plan and execute complex transportation projects
4. Commitment to safety and efficiency