TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N | Troy Geisler
Load concentration — or the length of the deck that can handle the weight — varies from one manufacturer to the next. Understanding concentrated load ratings for a particular trailer ensures operators are not overloading the trailer — decreasing safety and efficiency and racking up unnecessary maintenance costs.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH to Trailer Total Cost of Ownership Thinking of cost only in terms of purchase price can leave you with a trailer that costs you far more over its lifetime.
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ith a cost on par with the average U.S. home mortgage, heavy-haul trailers represent a significant investment for businesses. The right trailer can provide fast ROI, greater productivity and increased profits. The wrong decision, however, can leave companies with the financial burden of a unit that will cost far more in the long run than the business is prepared to take on. Unfortunately, the second scenario is all too common due to an incomplete understanding of total cost of ownership. Purchase price is sometimes the only factor buyers consider when evaluating the cost of a heavy-haul trailer. The initial cost, however, can be misleading when considered alone. A comprehensive approach to calculating total cost
of ownership requires an understanding of multiple factors, many of which cannot be found on the price tag. To the seasoned equipment buyer, price is evaluated based on what the equipment needs to do and the value it adds to the business. Minimizing upfront costs isn’t as important to total cost of ownership as purchasing a trailer that efficiently handles the hauls ahead of it. That said, there are a few things fleet owners can look at to help determine the best trailer for their needs and minimize long-term expenses.
UNDERSTAND CAPACITY RATINGS Fleet owners must be sure the heavy-haul trailer they invest in can stand up to expected load capacities. And as experienced fleet managers know, weight
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capacity ratings only tell part of the story. The overall weight a trailer can handle is just that, whether it’s a 35-ton or a 50-ton lowbed. However, there is a bit more to consider. Load concentration — or the length of the deck that can handle the weight — varies from one manufacturer to the next. For example, three manufacturers each offer a 26-ft. lowbed that can haul 50 tons, but one may need the entire deck length to safely carry the weight, while another is rated for 50 tons in a 16-ft. span, and another the same weight at half the deck length. Be sure to understand the difference in ratings. Loads are rarely evenly distributed across the entire deck, so understanding concentrated load ratings for a particular trailer ensures
operators are not overloading it — decreasing safety and efficiency and racking up unnecessary maintenance costs.
AXLE CONFIGURATIONS Laws and regulations vary from state to state, so it’s important to choose a trailer that maximizes the load in each state to minimize permit costs. Work with a manufacturer that understands this and will provide the best possible weight distribution over the axles. This can include adding a fourth flip axle or spreading two or three additional axles apart to evenly accept the load. Choosing axle configurations that offers more flexibility to handle different types of loads increases earning potential over the lifetime of the trailer. Furthermore, manufacturers often interpret Gross
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Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) differently. Misunderstandings could lead to limited ratings and configurations, which could affect all that is needed to get the job done.
ENGINEERING AND SAFETY RATING Well thought out features and designs are a good indication of experienced engineering at work. This goes beyond steel, welding and bolts. Good engineering is about understanding each customer’s needs and building a trailer optimized for durability, longevity and minimal maintenance. Working with a manufacturer that can provide custom-built solutions is ideal. They can design a trailer that can handle the load, which minimizes maintenance and ensures owners get the greatest longevity.
