The world of product transport has grown tremendously as manufacturing has become a global business. Making sure that you can get your products, whether raw goods or finished items, to the next step is crucial to keeping your business up and running. If your production rates are rising, it may be time to invest in your own transport vehicles.
Flexibility: Flatbeds
A flatbed trailer can be used for multiple products, from large or long items to palletized loads. Flatbeds come in multiple configurations:
- step deck: include a step down from the hookup point to keep tall items safe
- double step: feature a step-down and a step back up at the tail end of the trailer
- extendable: can be expanded for very long items
You can cover your flatbed with a custom tarp or Conestoga if weather is a concern. The primary focus when choosing a flatbed to hire or purchase is height, closely followed by weight. A standard flatbed has a high weight tolerance, but tall items may max the height requirement and put the load, rig and driver at risk of hitting a bridge or other hazard.
Refrigerated Trucks: When You Need Temperature Control
A reefer is an enclosed truck that includes insulation and a chiller. Depending on what you’re hauling, a reefer can be a luxury or a necessity. Of course, there are many foods that require refrigeration. However, reefer trucks also carry
- photography supplies
- medical equipment
- biological products and biohazards
Any inspecting tool that requires calibration and detailed measuring can be rendered inaccurate by extreme heat or excessive cold, so a reefer truck may also be a good investment for those who design and construct inspection equipment.
Theft Prevention: Enclosed Trailers
Both dry vans and refrigerated trucks offer protection from theft. Products are encased inside the trailer and easily locked up. Experts with Hale Trailer remind anyone who needs to ship products that dry van semi trailers for sale can also protect your product from weather and other damage risks.
Dry van trailers offer security and protection from the weather, but they can’t offer temperature control. However, if what you’re shipping won’t be damaged by extreme heat or cold, a dry van trailer specifically to be used by your business can make delivery delays a thing of the past and turn you into a go-to business with high dependability.
Smaller Rigs
In addition to flatbeds and large dry van trailers, you can also invest in a straight truck or a cargo van. However, these investments can limit your long-term growth. If you’re having trouble finding a shipper you can rely on, others in your area may be as well. If you own a dry van that makes regular runs from your area to another region, you may be able to rent out space in your trailer to others who need to ship products.
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