Shipping heavy equipment anywhere is not an easy feat, but with the right tools and a professional driver, the process can be straightforward. One primary concern for shippers is finding a reliable heavy hauler to transport the load. Large machines such as agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and machinery for the extraction and forestry sectors are valuable and require proper handling. You want a driver with experience and professionalism to ensure your shipment arrives securely.
What Is a “Lowboy” Trailer?
A Lowboy is an equipment trailer that is very low to the pavement and can haul tall, heavy loads. This design makes it ideal for shipping large machines such as bulldozers, front loaders, articulated rock trucks, screeners, and dump trucks.
Lowboy trailers make it possible to transport overheight equipment legally on the road networks across the United States and Canada. Remember that drivers have to follow all rules and regulations. So that’s why you must always check how your carrier or driver will be hauling your heavy equipment because using incorrect equipment can have severe consequences for all parties involved. With Trusted Dispatch, our drivers are experienced professionals who will ensure they have the right gear to match your heavy haul.
What Is the Difference Between Lowboys and RGNs?
Both lowboys and RGN trailers are able to transport heavy hauls that are oversized in height or weight. The main difference is that an RGN trailer can detach from the Semi Truck allowing the machinery or equipment to load at the front of the trailer as opposed to the back end. This means the trailer can act as a ramp as well. These trailers use hydraulics or mechanics to detach and reattach to the truck and are most often ground-bearing. Watching an RGN trailer loading up a haul is rather impressive.
Ground Bearing RGN Trailer
Ground-bearing RGN trailers are ideal for sturdy, even terrain. Their hydraulic systems push into the ground to lift the trailer, making it possible to reattach to the Semi Truck. The semi-soft ground can work if a solid brace is available to support the lift, such as wood or cement blocks. If a location is muddy or sandy, the trailer will have difficulty operating.
Non-Ground Bearing RGN Trailer
Non-ground bearing trailers have cylinders in the trailer neck that push down on the truck, lifting the trailer and allowing the two pieces to attach. This system spreads the load weight more effectively, which means the driver doesn’t need to keep blocks with them.
Lowboy Trailer
The lowboy trailer does not detach from the semi-truck the way an RGN trailer does. While lowboys are lower than flatbeds, allowing for easier transport of oversized equipment, a lowboy’s weight capacity is less than an RGN trailer. While both trailer types are suitable for similar pieces of machinery, the exact specs of your shipment will determine the trailer your driver uses.
Double-Drop
With double-drop trailers, there are two decks, one at the rear and one at the front, with a lower portion called the “well” in the middle. This allows tall equipment or machinery to be loaded into the well while tires or attachments are secured on the decks.
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The image below shows a Trusted Dispatch driver with a customer CASE IH Combine utilizing the equipment wheel and the top deck having another tire on.
Extendable Double-Drop
The extendable double-drop is a trailer that can increase in length. These trailers are useful when you need to transport an extra-long load. If using an RGN trailer, additional axels can be added to accommodate heavy loads and match road regulations.
If you’re a customer interested in learning more about the different trailer types our drivers use for equipment loads, take a look at our Trailer Types page.
How to Use a Lowboy Load Board to Find a Heavy Haul Driver
We’ve covered the different types of RGN and lowboy trailers and how each one is designed to transport different types of equipment. Let’s look at how customers can find drivers and drivers can find loads to haul with Trusted Dispatch, the best load board in Canada for heavy hauls.
The Trusted Dispatch Digital Loadboard
At Trusted Dispatch, our digital loadboard connects shipments to available drivers. We have a growing community of expert heavy haul drivers that frequently have available capacity. When you post your load to our board, drivers that are in the area or will be passing through can claim your shipment and make arrangements for pick-up and drop-offs. Including drivers with low boy trailers for those extra tall shipments, you may have. To get started, use our online system to enter your pick-up location, drop-off location, and the specs for your shipment, and you’ll receive your free quote instantly.
