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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:
Advantages of using a curtainside trailer over a Conestoga:
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- 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.
Behind the Curtain: The Key Benefits of Curtain Sided Trailers
Behind the Curtain: The Key Benefits of Curtain Sided Trailers
It&#;s no secret that every type of business relies on trucking to deliver goods all over the world. In fact, the trucking industry never slows down. That&#;s why it&#;s so important to make sure that your trucks are outfitted for maximum efficiency.
Many trucking companies have begun to make the switch to curtain sided trailers, making this type of trailer the most common form of transportation in Europe. These are trailers that provide the same protection as a van while offering the loading flexibility of a flatbed.
This article takes a look at the benefits of curtain sided trailers. Keep reading to discover insight into why this is the ideal shipping option for companies of any size.
Greater Flexibility
There&#;s nothing worse than driving home a partially empty trailer following a delivery. After all, this is a highly inefficient way to burn costly fuel. And yet traditional walled trailers make it difficult to shuffle freight or load oddly-shaped freight. This isn&#;t a problem with a soft side trailer, which makes it quite easy to accommodate backhaul during any stage of your delivery route.
Quickly Load & Unload
Curtain side truck body manufacturers understand the importance of making the loading and unloading process as efficient as possible. The curtain can be quickly and easily moved aside so that a forklift can deal with the cargo from any point along the length of the trailer.
This also makes it extremely easy to prioritize placement of cargo without having to load cargo in a particular order, which can slow the loading process.
With this type of trailer, you can get your cargo on or off the truck so that you can rapidly get down the road to your next stop.
Great for Partial Deliveries
A curtain sided truck is also ideal for making deliveries where only a small amount of the overall loaded is to be removed. Rather than having to load the truck in a specific order, the cargo can be loaded at random while still allowing quick and easy access to anything on the trailer.
This feature makes soft side trailers especially great for quick deliveries around town.
Tremendous Versatility
This type of trailer is also incredibly versatile, enabling shipping companies to transport a wide range of goods. This includes longer items that would be nearly to load or unload with a traditional trailer.
No Need for Loading Docks
Lastly, a loading dock isn&#;t an absolute necessity when driving a curtain sided trailer. In fact, you can park the truck anywhere while a forklift unloads the cargo. This saves time and makes it far easier to make deliveries to businesses that don&#;t have loading docks.
The Benefits of Using Curtain Sided Trailers of Transport
Shipping plays a significant roll in a thriving economy. Thus it&#;s important to have easy access to cargo being transported from one place to another. Fortunately, curtain sided trailers help make the shipping process as quick and simple as possible.
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