Flatbed Vs Conestoga: What’s The Better Option For You?

Do you own a business and need the best trailer to move your commercial belongings? Are you worried about shifting your valuable items in a safe way? If so, read on.

It doesn’t matter what kind of shipment you’re moving; understanding the basics will help you. Purchasing a Conestoga or Flatbed trailer involves considerable money and time. 

When you know and understand the significant differences between Flatbed Vs Conestoga, you can make the right decision about which is best for you. Thus, don’t wait any longer to discover.

Flatbed Vs Conestoga: Quick Comparison Table

Flatbed Vs Conestoga: Whats The Difference Between Them

Features

In general, flatbed trailers are famous for transporting materials when the load height is not essential. In most cases, cranes or forklifts are used to load goods overhead or from the side.

Flatbeds generally have 102′′ wide and 48′ long decks, which provide continuous deck space. A flatbed trailer usually stands 60 to 62 inches high.

There is a maximum height of 8’4″ for freight that might be loaded. The maximum weight of some trailers is 48000 pounds.

The Conestoga trailer is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Typically, these trailers are covered with tarps, which are rolled out for transit & retracted for loading/unloading.

Depending on the Conestoga trailer version, it provides different services & can be used for different purposes. Conestogas offers a complete line of specialized trailers that are neatly bundled and versatile. They include the following types of trailers:

• Flatbed trailers from Conestoga
• Step-deck trailers from Conestogas
• Double drop trailers from Conestogas  

In this segment, Conestoga is the winner. Rolling tarps on Conestoga trailers allow the trailer to be covered and uncovered quickly. Using this system, you can keep valuable belongings safe from damage.

Usefulness

The Flatbed trailer is designed specifically to transport bulk commodities and containers between terminals and shipping facilities.

Essentially, it is a special transport trailer constructed mainly of steel. Additionally to steel, it is equipped with brakes, tires, and lighting systems.

Also, the term refers to a long platform, flat of either 20 feet, 40 feet, 48 feet, or 53 feet in length, used to carry shipping containers. These trailers do not have a roof or side walls.

Container locks are used to secure different-sized containers, ready for transportation, on a bare platform. Generally, bulk cargo is secured with container locks.

The Conestoga trailer is a unique brand of trailer designed for security, versatility, and weather protection. There is a retractable tarping structure on Conestogas, which allows them to carry a maximum weight of 44,000 pounds with ease. 

Conestoga Wagons are the inspiration behind this tarping system. When side loads and unloads are required, Conestoga curtains are fully retractable to satisfy these criteria. In times of secrecy, Conestoga’s tarp can help to conceal the nature of shipments. 

The Conestoga trailer also won the game here. Keeping cargo secret and protected from damage is essential. Whether you are shipping cargo or loading, unloading, or securing it, a Conestoga trailer has it covered.

Load Capacity

Depending on your needs, your trailer can be chosen based on its load capacity. The weight capacity of flatbed trailers ranges from 10 tons to 80 tons. In this case, again, there are specific requirements that must be met according to local laws & regulations.

Flatbed trailers can hold plenty of cargo of various sizes and weights. Nonetheless, each is not designed to bear the same load.

When weight considerations have to be taken into consideration, a container chassis trailer with 2 or 2 axles can be very helpful. These chassis made of high-quality materials are designed to carry heavy cargo comfortably and securely. 

The Conestoga trailer has a unique flatbed frame that allows it to be loaded and unloaded in many different ways.

Conestoga trailers are also convenient for securing loads, including palletized loads, large equipment, and oversized vehicles.

A unique aspect of this trailer is its system of rolling tarps over frames. This container is designed to protect specialized and oversized loads, ensuring their safety without affecting delicate machinery, paints, and finishes.

In the load capacity segment, Conestoga also won because it’s capable than Flatbed. Given Conestoga’s unique features and specialized nature, it requires a higher investment.

Wheels/ Tires

Based on the transportation requirements and needs, different wheel capacities are available. Axle configurations should also be considered in light of local transportation regulations and laws.

The wheel configuration of flatbed trailers allows them to carry 9 tons per axle to 13 tons each axle. According to the laws and regulations in your state, choose a type that is permissible.

For you to select the right flatbed trailer for your application, you must understand how tires work and their basic specifications. 

The Conestoga trailer is sometimes referred to as a “Curtainside” trailer. A stainless steel track system is mounted on a durable and smooth steel wheel system of the Conestoga Trailers.

A flatbed trailer combined with a dry van trailer offers both flexibility and safety.  All three sides of the trailer can access the cargo when the tarp is retracted backward.

Transporting oversized and specific cargo with specialized wheels is possible without risking cargo damage from the weather. It is both time-efficient and cost-effective.

The flatbed has won the crown in the category of wheel configuration. In the shipping industry, there is no doubt flatbed trailers are handy platforms.

Flatbed Vs Conestoga: Cost

Prices for Flatbeds trailers are usually in the range of $6,750-$69,900.

The Conestoga trailer price range starts from $13,500 – $102,300.

Additionally, it is important to note that the price can vary and go up or down based on trailer size, release year, capability, and the region as well.

Flatbed Or Conestoga: Which One Is Better?

You are trying to decide what’s better between Flatbed Vs Conestoga? Flatbed vehicles are designed to haul enormous loads. Heavy loads can be handled that trailers and other vehicles may not be able to.

It has plenty of space, so you won’t have to travel as much back & forth. Additionally, oddly shaped large loads will be easier to handle.

Why do Conestoga trucks have an advantage over flatbeds? Conestoga trailer truck combines the benefits of two different types of trucks: flatbed and dry van.

Since they can be loaded and unloaded from each side or the top, they facilitate a fast loading and unloading process. 

Yes, Conestoga is capable of transporting oversized loads, as well as protecting them from the weather. With this information, you can finally make the right decision which to take.

FAQs

What is the most common flatbed trailer?

Although they are available in various sizes (including 53, 48, 45, 40, and 24 feet)

One of the most frequently used flatbed trailers is the 48-foot model.

How does a flatbed hotshot work?

A hotshot load trucking operation transports smaller, urgent loads within a specified timeframe & usually to one customer or destination. In most cases, hotshot shipments are delivered by trucks pulling flatbed trailers.

What is a Conestoga tarp?

The rolling tarp cover from Industries provides security and protection to loads best transported on flatbed trailers. This vehicle converts a flatbed to a fully enclosed, waterproof van in just a few seconds.

What are Conestoga trailers used for?

Despite Conestoga trailers being specialized for large and heavy loads, they aren’t restricted to such loads and are capable of hauling a wide range of materials.

Conestoga trailers are usually loaded with specialized loads and odd-shaped loads.

Conclusion

When it comes to shipping, you can easily decide between Flatbed Vs Conestoga, as well as which trailer is most suitable for your needs.

But protecting your products during transit should not be overlooked. This is because we’ve already identified all the potential problems. It’s time for you to make your choice.

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