Key considerations for general haulage are efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness, so choosing the right trailer is extremely important. Two of the most common styles of trailers used in everyday haulage are flatbed and curtainsider trailers, both of which offer their own unique advantages tailored to specific types of cargo and transport needs.

In this post, we will break down the key considerations to make to help you determine whether a flatbed or curtainsider trailer will provide the best choice for your transportation needs, from loading flexibility, to weather protection and load security. Making an informed choice helps streamline your logistics as well as making sure your cargo arrives safely every time.

When it comes to general haulage, the choice of trailer style depends on factors including the type of cargo that is to be transported, loading requirements, and weather considerations. So, which option is best for you?

Here are some of the key considerations for choosing a flatbed trailer for your cargo:

Oversized or irregularly shaped loads

Flatbeds are usually the ideal choice for very large or unusually shaped items, for example, machinery and plant equipment, construction equipment and materials, and any other goods that do not fit within the confines of a standard trailer. For very heavy cargo, low loader flatbed trailers are an ideal choice, as they can drop their deck height to a lower level than other styles of trailer. This allows for oversized cargo to be loaded onto the trailer platform without the need for a fixed ramp.

Ease of loading and unloading

Flatbeds allow for loading from any side. This makes life easier for forklift drivers to load the trailer as efficiently as possible, but also allows for cargo to be loaded by cranes from above, which is especially important for heavy, oversized loads that are not suitable for a forklift truck.

Weather conditions aren’t an issue

Whilst flatbed trailers can be covered with tarpaulins, they are much more open than curtainsiders, so they are much better suited to loads that will not be adversely affected by rain, wind or snow. Flatbed transport is ideal for carrying metal beams, concrete, and other construction materials, as well as durable equipment and machinery.

There are a few important reasons to select curtainsider transport to move cargo, for example:

Weather sensitive cargo

When cargo is weather sensitive, curtainsiders are the ideal choice as they provide protection from the elements above and all sides. As a result, a curtainsider trailer is the smart choice for general haulage cargo that needs to be shielded from rain or snow, wind, or direct sunlight. For goods such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, paper products, electronics, certain machinery and automotive components, textiles and some construction materials, the protection a curtainsider trailer provides is important.

Efficient side loading

One of the benefits of curtainsider trailers is that the curtain sides can be drawn back to allow for side loading and unloading. This means that they can be loaded and unloaded faster than enclosed trailers, and are well suited for transporting palletised goods. 

Better security

When security is a key consideration, curtainsiders offer more security than flatbeds. As they provide enclosed protection, goods are kept hidden from prying eyes, and cargo is harder to access for burglary or tampering. If you are transporting consignments of smaller goods that are easier to steal, curtainsiders help prevent opportunistic thieves from accessing your cargo.

Simply put, a flatbed trailer is usually the best solution for oversized cargo that is suitable for open air transport, and requires overhead or side-on loading. Curtainsiders work extremely well for palletised cargo that is weather sensitive, whilst also providing extra security.

If you are in need of a general haulage partner, or need advice on selecting the best transport solution, then look no further than ‘The People’s Haulier’. At Hayward’s, whatever your transportation problem, we are here to find the right solution.

With bases in the Midlands, North West, and North East, we are well placed to provide the highest quality of haulage services across the UK, including container haulage and storage.

Get in touch with us today.