What is a Conestoga Trailer?
Over the years, the trucking industry has evolved faster than you can say “cargo!” With every shipment boasting its quirks, from size to shape to its need for protective covering, the industry has pulled out all the stops with various trucks and trailers. Along with these came the Conestoga truck, a major player in the transportation world!
Wondering what a Conestoga truck is, and which type of Conestoga trailer is right for your cargo? Finding the right mode of transportation for manufactured goods is crucial for delivering them to their destination safely and efficiently. Tyger is here to assist you in tracking down the best option to fit your specific shipment’s transportation needs.
Conestoga Trailer Definition
What is a Conestoga? Conestoga trailers, also known as “Curtainside” trailers flaunt a retractable tarping system around the entirety of the trailer. They offer protection and durability unlike any other trailer available. Additionally, Conestoga trailers do not require a loading dock. With the capacity to carry up to 44,000 lbs, these trailers are the heavyweight champions of the shipping industry.
Explore key features of conestoga trailers
- It is one of the only protective shipping methods that allow for side and top-loading. The tarping can retract fully for these loading and unloading requirements.
- Unlike traditional flatbed trailers, the curtain on a Conestoga protects the goods from potential damage from the elements or road debris during transit.
- The tarping system can hide what is being shipped if necessary for security reasons.
- No loading dock is needed with a Conestoga trailer.
The Different Types of Conestoga Trailers
All Conestoga trailers have one thing in common: their flair for safety and damage control thanks to their tarping system. Let’s take a peek at the stars of the Conestoga show:
Conestoga Flatbed Trailers
- Conestogas allow for side and top-loading. The tarping can retract fully for these loading and unloading requirements.
- The curtain on a Conestoga protects the goods from potential damage from the elements or road debris during transit, unlike an uncovered flatbed.
- The tarping of Conestoga shipments allows for added security as the contents of the load cannot be seen.
The Flatbed Conestoga is the most popular type of Conestoga. They are used to ship open-deck commodities and cargo that are similar to the traditional flatbed trailer but larger. It’s like your regular flatbed trailer but with a serious upgrade. Picture a superhero with a cape, except this cape retracts and can carry up to 44,000 lbs of freight! A Conestoga flatbed comes in two length options: 48 ft and 53 ft.
Standard Sizing – Flatbed Conestoga Trailers:
- Flatbed Conestoga Length Options: 48 ft and 53 ft
- Flatbed Conestoga Height: 8 ft (96”)
- Flatbed Conestoga Width: 8 ft 6 in (102”)
- Flatbed Conestoga Weight Capacity: 44,000 lbs
Step-Deck Conestoga
Need to transport something tall, dark, and heavy? Step-deck Conestogas are a valuable asset when shipping large items. They have a greater height capacity than the usual flatbed Conestoga, step-deck Conestogas are much needed for many lengthy cargo shipments. With the capacity to handle tall freight like CNC machinery, helicopters, and other large freight that requires protection from the elements and road debris during transit these trailers make a big impact on the transportation world.
Standard Sizing – Step-Deck Conestoga Trailers:
48-Foot Conestoga Step-Deck Standard Dimensions & Capacities -
- Upper Deck Height: 8 ft (96”)
- Upper Deck Length: 10 ft
- Lower Deck Maximum Height: 9 ft, 8 in (110”)
- Lower Deck Length: 38 ft
- Overall Width Capacity: 8 ft, 4 in (100”)
- Weight Capacity: 41,000 LB
- Upper Deck Dimensions: 10’0″L x 8’4″W x 8’H
- Lower Deck Dimensions: 38’0″L x 8’4″W x 9’8″H
53-Foot Step-Deck Conestoga Standard Dimensions & Capacities -
- Upper Deck Height Capacity: 8 ft (96”)
- Upper Deck Length: 10 ft
- Lower Deck Height Capacity: 9 ft, 8 in (116”)
- Lower Deck Length: 43 ft
- Overall Width Capacity: 8 ft, 4 in (100”)
- Weight Capacity: 41,000 LB
- Upper Deck Dimensions: 10’0″L x 8’4″W x 8’H
- Lower Deck Dimensions: 43’0″L x 8’4″W x 9’8″H
Double Drop Conestoga
Imagine a trailer that’s as versatile as your favorite multitool. That’s the double drop Conestoga! Perfect for freight under 36,000 lbs and over 9 feet tall, these trailers are like the Swiss Army knives of shipping
Though not as common as step-deck or flatbed Conestogas, double drops are essential for freight that meets these dimensions and requires both the ease of loading and unloading with the tarping system.
Standard dimensions for 48-foot double drop Conestoga trailers:
48- Foot Double Drop Conestoga Standard Dimensions and Capacities -
- Front Deck Length: 9 ft
- Front Deck Maximum Height: 8 ft (96″)
- Lower Deck Length: 26-30 feet
- Lower Deck Maximum Height: 11 feet, 7 inches (139”)
- Rear Deck Length: 9 ft,
- Rear Deck Maximum Height: 11 ft, 7 in (139″)
- Lower Deck Dimensions: 38’0″L x 8’4″W x 9’89
- Weight Capacity: 35,000 LB
- Front Deck: 9’0″L x 8’4″W x 8’H
- Well Space: 30’0″L x 8’4″W x 11’7″H
- Rear Deck: 9’0”L x 8’4”W x 9’6″H
Benefits of Conestoga Trucks
Trucking is all about finding smarter ways to get the job done, and Conestoga trailers are the epitome of efficiency! Here’s why:
Efficient loading and unloading from the side and top
Conestoga trailers allow for ease of access and flexible loading and unloading from all angles, saving you time and hassle.
Lower risk of damage from road debris and the elements
Conclusion
Conestoga trailers are a versatile and protective solution for shipping a variety of freight. With their unique tarping system, they offer efficient loading and unloading options, protection from the elements, and versatility in transporting goods of various sizes and shapes.
Whether you’re shipping standard cargo or oversized items, a Conestoga trailer could be the ideal choice for your transportation needs. Consider the benefits of Conestoga trailers over traditional dry van trailers and make an informed decision to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of your goods.