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Transportation is an industry full of equipment types. So many equipment types, in fact, that it can sometimes be difficult to understand the use-case of each.
Matching the right trailer to your load is important for facilitating your supply chain.
Yet doing so only gets more challenging with so many options in the mix.
Curtainside trailers are an example of this. This class of semi-trailers is designed for a specific purpose. And, when used correctly, curtainside trailers can become a sound transportation solution.
But what is a curtainside trailer? What are they used most commonly for? And what, if anything, are the limitations of this specialized trailer type?
If you&#;re looking to add additional trailer options to your logistics procedures, curtainsides may fit the bill. However, it&#;s important to have all of the right information before making any decisions.
So, let&#;s go over many of the key details you need to understand about curtainside trailers so you can decide, definitively, whether they will meet your company&#;s needs.
What is a Curtainside Trailer?
A curtainside trailer is a specialized semi-trailer that has a rigid framework mounted onto a flatbed or flat-deck trailer.
Curtainside trailers are comprised of a firmly bolstered front, which features an entry door, horizontal roof supports running the trailer&#;s length, a metal constructed roof (similar to a dry van&#;s), two swing-open rear doors and a sliding tarp system &#; typically made from an 18-ounce (or similar) material.
The tarps on either side of the curtainside trailer can be retracted for loading, sliding in a similar fashion as the tarps on a Conestoga trailer.
Not to be confused with a Conesoga (though they commonly are), curtainside trailers are different in a number of ways. Most notably, curtainsides only feature tarps on two sides (the left and right). Conestogas have a larger curtain system which creates its roof and rear as well.
Additionally, curtainside trailers feature a far more rigid framework than Conestogas do. The roof of a curtainside trailer is immobile and not retractable &#; the same cannot be said of Conestogas.
Curtainside trailers come in both 48 and 53-foot variations. Here is a list of the maximum cargo dimensions for this trailer type.
Maximum Cargo Dimensions For Curtainside Trailers
Maximum Cargo Width
8 feet, 4 inches (100")
Maximum Cargo Height
8 feet (96")
Maximum Cargo Length
48 and 53 feet
Maximum Cargo Weight
40,000-43,000 pounds
Note: Maximum cargo dimensions will change based on the make and model of the trailer on your load. Always consult a trusted transportation provider for your exact trailer's dimensions.
How are Curtainside Trailers Commonly Used?
Curtainside trailers can be used for any freight that requires protection from the elements during transport &#; provided it can be loaded from the side or back.
Products that fit this mold include, but are not limited to, many palletized commodities, raw materials (such as lumber, steel and iron) and moisture-sensitive machinery.
Additionally, since these trailers provide such great protection, traditional dry van commodities like food and beverage freight, general retail goods and hospitality-industry items (to name a few) are also hauled in them.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Curtainside Trailer?
Like any other trailer type, curtainside trailers have a unique list of pros and cons users should be aware of. Compared to its closest alternative, the Conestoga trailer, curtainsides boast the following list of pros and cons:
For more curtain side van trailerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Advantages of using a curtainside trailer over a Conestoga:
- Better protection from the elements thanks to its tight seams and hard top.
- The durability of an aluminum roof.
Disadvantages of using a curtainside trailer over a Conestoga:
- Curtainsides are heavier, which makes it more challenging to move high-weight, full truckload volumes.
- Due to their rigid framework, curtainside trailers can only be loaded from the sides via forklift or from the back. Loading using an overhead crane won&#;t be possible.
Looking For Protection From The Elements? Here&#;s Another Alternative!
Like Conestoga trailers, curtainsides are a relatively unique trailer type, making them difficult to find in some markets and driving up the cost of using one. Sure, curtainside trailers provide excellent protection from the elements and reduce instances of cargo damage during transit, but, in many situations, you simply don&#;t need one.
Tarping your open-deck freight will leave you with far more solutions to source from, cutting down the rates you pay in many instances.
That said, using tarps instead of one of these more specialized trailers will be a decision that is, once again, based on research.
Read this article which provides all of the information needed for deciding whether tarping your freight makes the most sense for your company.
And, after completing it, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We&#;re always happy to help you in any way you need.
Conestoga VS Tautliner - Curtain side flatbeds protection
28 February
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In the trucking and logistics industry, it can be hard to decide what trailer will suit your shipping needs best. Especially when some of the terms for trailers can get a bit blurry. However, keeping your goods protected during transit is a no brainer.
Of course, you want to keep your cargo protected from the elements and weather. We will focus on understanding curtain side trailers, comparing the 2 basic types. When exploring curtain side trailers for your shipment, you will be choosing from the Conestoga flatbed or the Tautliner that more resembles a dry van trailer. Both prove useful, and both will keep your cargo dry and protected from harsh elements and weather. But what's the difference? Both trailers classify as flatbeds, and both utilize the use of sliding tarp-systems. Let&#;s look at the difference.
The Conestoga
The Conestoga flatbed is one of the most sought after trailers on the road today, due to the versatility and flexibility this flatbed brags. A Conestoga uses a tarp system, much like an accordion to keep your goods protected. The sliding tarp-system allows complete access to all sides of the flatbed, offering loading and unloading just as easy as a flatbed. One thing to consider when utilizing a Conestoga flatbed is the size of your load. Much like a dry van, you will be limited to the maximum size of the tarp-system sides. But, many prefer the effortless loading and unloading the Conestoga offers.
The curtain side Tautliner
The curtain side Tautliner though classified as a flatbed, might more closely resemble a dry van. The tautliner is a flatbed with a ceiling, front wall, and rear-doors, but has open side walls that allow side access for forklifts and such. The curtains then slide along these open sides to provide an enclosed trailer. This differs from the Conestoga in that its frame does not move, limiting access for top-loading, and making loading and unloading a little more complicated, but still very versatile.
It's easy to see why curtain side flatbeds serve their purpose on today&#;s roads and are a great addition to any fleet for those loads that require more unique handling. They are a life-saver at a busy dock or even a destination that does not have a dock, allowing for loading and unloading just about anywhere. Sometimes a load is just more efficiently loaded and unloaded from the side. The Conestoga or the Tautliner both give easy side access, and would definitely benefit a shipment that might have multiple stops to make, offering more security for your part of the shipment.
Finding the best trailer to meet your freights demands can be tricky, but here at American Manufacturing Solutions, we do our best to offer just that...Solutions. Solutions to your logistic needs in all its forms. We work hard to provide dependable options for your shipping needs. Our team would love to help answer any remaining questions you might have, and look forward to serving you in whatever way we can.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Gooseneck Semi Trailer.
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