[vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="3/4" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
<h1>Specialized Heavy Haul Jobs: A Truck Driver's Guide</h1>
Specialized heavy haul jobs let truckers pull the largest loads with jaw-dropping equipment. Specialty trailers handle cargo that pushes beyond the dimensions of the legal load.

Step deck and drop deck trailers provide a few more feet of clearance for the tall load. Stretch trailers offer the option turning that load on its side to remain legal. These trailers also carry oversized cargo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/4" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][toggles style="default"][toggle color="Accent-Color" title="1. STEP DECKS - OR SINGLE DROP DECKS"][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]The best-known specialized flatbed trailer is the step deck. It’s also called the single drop deck.

The step deck trailer has two levels. Unlike a standard flatbed, the step deck’s bed drops down after clearing the tractor. The top deck is 60” off the ground. The lower main deck is about 2’ lower than the front deck.

Step deck trucking is used for tall loads. Step deck trailers can carry legal loads with cargo up to 10’ high. They commonly haul construction vehicles, machinery and heavy freight that’s over 9’ tall.

Because step deck trailers are so low, forklifts can load them from ground level. When equipped with removable goosenecks, their cargo can roll to the ground.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone wp-image-4026 size-full" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/stepdeck.jpg" alt="flatbed trucking jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][toggle color="Accent-Color" title="2. REMOVABLE GOOSENECKS (RGN) – OR DETACHABLES"][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]Some specialty flatbed trailers are equipped with removable necks. When detached and moved away from a trailer’s bed, the front end of the trailer lowers to the ground. It creates a ramp for self-powered cargo, like heavy vehicles and equipment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4024" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/gooseneck.jpg" alt="flatbed trucking jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][toggle color="Accent-Color" title="3. DOUBLE DROPS - OR LOWBOYS"][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]A double drop deck trailer carries the tallest loads. It looks like a step deck or RGN in the front. It has another short deck over the trailer’s rear tires. Between these two short decks runs a long, very low main deck. Dropping below the trailer’s axles, this center deck is called the “well.”

The double drop trailer’s deep well and low-profile wheels permit it to carry legal loads with cargo up to 11’6” high. Most double drops have a “flip axle” to handle the weight of these large loads. The flip axle is attached to the trailer’s rear frame by hinge plates and pins. It folds down for heavy loads, then back up onto the back deck for storage.

RGN double drops carry vehicles that drive on for easy loading. That includes construction equipment, forklifts, trucks and tanks.

Conventional double drop trailers (those without RGNs) more often are loaded by crane.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4022" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/double.jpg" alt="flatbed trucking jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][toggle color="Accent-Color" title="4. STRETCH AND EXTENDABLE (TELESCOPIC) TRAILERS "][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]A stretch trailer features a sliding mechanism that grows or shrinks the size of the cargo bed. It adjusts to optimum size for the load.

Stretch trailers come in flatbed, step deck, double drop and RGN configurations. You can find them in lengths of up to 80’ and widths of 96” to 102”.

Generally of steel construction for maximum support, stretch trailers are heavy. So are their loads: lumber, rebar, steel beams, train tracks, windmills. Total weight often limits the size of these loads.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone wp-image-4027 size-full" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/stretch.jpg" alt="flatbed trucking jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][toggle color="Accent-Color" title="5. OTHER LONE STAR TRAILERS"][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4253" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/9-axle-tractor-combo.jpg" alt="flatbed driver jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone wp-image-4257 size-full" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Schnabel.jpg" alt="flatbed driver jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone wp-image-4254 size-full" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/13-Axle-Tractor-Trailer-Combination.jpg" alt="flatbed driver jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
<h2>Spread Axle Trailer – or Split Tandems</h2>
Spread axles provide flexibility when placing heavy loads on a trailer. A spread axle trailer is bound by the same gross weight limits, but it can carry more weight per axle.

Standard tandem axles are 5’ apart; together they may carry 34,000 lbs. “Split” tandems are at least 10’ feet apart. Each counts as a separate axle when calculating per axle weight limits. Under federal law, spread axles may carry 40,000 lbs. on the two axles. (State laws vary.)

Spread axle trailers are more stable when loading and unloading. Cargo weight between axles is better distributed. Spread axles provide a smooth ride that’s less damaging to road surfaces.

However, the spread axle's wider turning radius can be difficult to maneuver. Tires, wheels, suspension parts and pavement all suffer if the driver takes too tight a turn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4171" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/spread.jpg" alt="flatbed driver jobs" width="700" height="309" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="2/3" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
<h2>Heavy Loads</h2>
Truck weights have been regulated since the early 20th century. The first laws attempted to prevent damage by early iron and solid rubber wheels to dirt or gravel roads. Current law protects bridges and pavement from the weight of ever-larger loads.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/3" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
<h2>Axles &amp; Weight Limits</h2>
Federal law limits the gross truck weight of routine permitted loads to 80,000 pounds. Each state has its own weight limits, typically 46,000 pounds for legal loads and 80,000 pounds with a routine permit. (See “Super Loads” below.)

In some cases, the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula further reduces that limit. (Many states have their own bridge formulas, most notably California.) The Formula calculates weight limits based on the number and spacing of truck axles. It prevents the concentrating weight in short trucks or on short spans of long trailers.

Federal law also limits total weight carried on any axle to the following:

• Steer axle: 12,000 lbs.
• Single axle: 20,000 lbs.
• Drive axle: 34,000 lbs.
• Tandem axles: 34,000 lbs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]<img class="wp-image-4029 aligncenter" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Screen-Shot-2018-07-24-at-9.36.58-PM.png" alt="Heavy Load Trucking" width="550" height="296" />[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
<h2>Super Loads</h2>
Some shippers need to move cargo that far exceeds “routine permit limits.” The definition of a super load varies from state to state. A loaded truck that’s over 16’ wide, 16’ tall, 160’ long and/or 200,000 lbs. would qualify in most.

These “super loads” require special, often custom, versions of flatbed and specialty trailers. They present potential disruptions and risks to fellow motorists and physical surroundings. That’s why the states and cities they travel through require extensive permitting processes.

A state or city’s permitting process for super loads may require any or all of the following:
<ul>
 	<li>Engineering survey of the load</li>
 	<li>Route survey to see that overhead signals, lines, bridges, etc. don’t pose a contact hazard</li>
 	<li>Bridge analysis, determining the weight limit of the load</li>
 	<li>Analysis of traffic patterns and railroad crossing schedules</li>
 	<li>Plan for special ramps to cross railroad tracks</li>
 	<li>Analysis of effect on emergency vehicle navigation</li>
 	<li>Drawing or sketch of shipment</li>
 	<li>Shipper’s letter</li>
 	<li>Explanation of why alternative transportation isn’t available, e.g., barge or rail</li>
 	<li>Practice run of the route</li>
 	<li>Assignment of state-vetted escort support</li>
 	<li>Schedule accommodating day and/or time restrictions in different states. (In some states, super loads travel only during daylight hours</li>
 	<li>on weekdays. In others, they travel only at night or on a Sunday. In some jurisdictions, super loads may not travel during spring thaw.)</li>
 	<li>Surety bond</li>
</ul>
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/2" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][divider line_type="No Line"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][divider line_type="No Line"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]<img class="aligncenter wp-image-3419" src="http://lonestar-llc.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Picture31.jpg" alt="over the road flatbed trucking" width="550" height="368" />[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin="default" text_align="left"][vc_column_inner column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][divider line_type="No Line"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" bg_image="2926" bg_position="left top" bg_repeat="no-repeat" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="center" top_padding="10%" bottom_padding="10%" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom" shape_type=""][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]
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