Specialized Equipment

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We have several experienced dispatchers who can assist you in finding capacity for your customers

Robert Hernandez rhernandez@pinnacletruck.com 313-999-3550

Cory Dockendorf frtlogic@pinnacletruck.com 320-980-3148

Al Zellmer dispatchzbr@pinnacletruck.com 618-869-2026

Len Colfer lcolfer@pinnacletruck.com 732-667-5261 e151

1. Origin and Destination.  Is either a job site?  Any specific pickup or delivery dates/times. How will the freight be loaded/unloaded?




2. What commodity are you shipping?  Obtain a photo of the freight if available.




3. Is the commodity new or used?  What is the value of the cargo?  This protects You by allowing the dispatcher to make sure that Pinnacle has the appropriate cargo coverage.




4. Weight and freight dimensions.  Having the correct dimensions and knowing the weight is critical to understanding whether your shipment is legal or whether it requires permits in transit.




5. Are there any accessories (dunnage) required for transport?  Examples are tarps (what size drop), straps, chains & binders, v-boards or chain-protectors.  Will it be supplied by the shipper (free or sold) or is Pinnacle required to bring it/pay for it?




6. Does your shipment require one specific type of equipment or can it be loaded on a similar type of equipment?  For example, a flatbed load might be able to be loaded on a step-deck or hotshot.

Obtain the information above and contact one of our experienced dispatchers.  If they require additional information, they will direct you through the process.

Most Common Trailer Types and their Requirements

Standard Step Deck Trailer/Single Drop Trailer

Step deck trailers have both and upper deck and a lower deck which facilitates carrying of taller cargo without permits.  Manufacturers designed them to fit heavy equipment that would not fit on standard flatbed trailers.  Some have built-in ramps for easy loading/unloading.    

Trailer dimensions:  Length 48’, Width 8.6’, Top deck is typically 11’ long and 5’ high and the lower deck is 37’ long and 3’6” high.

Trailer restrictions: 45,000 to 48,000 #, Total max. height with cargo is 13’6”

Common uses of step deck and single drop trailers:

• Drilling rigs
• Heavy equipment
• Storage tanks
• Building materials

Conestoga Trailer or Side Kit Trailer

Basically, a flatbed with a rolling tarp-on frame system that protects the cargo, as if traveling in a closed truck.  Most commonly used when it is required to load from the sides or top of the truck, is an oversized commodity, or it is necessary to protect the load from weather conditions.  Based on the lack of availability of this type of equipment, it can take 3-4 days to find an available truck.  

Trailer dimensions: 48’ length is standard

Height of freight limited to peak of bow

Trailer restrictions: 42,000 to 48,000# typically

Basic Flatbed Accessories (Dunnage)

Straps and Tiedowns

All flatbed carriers have straps on their trailers, although the number of straps is dependent on the carrier.  It is very important to know the number of straps needed.

Chains

Used much like straps to secure loads.  Usually needed on heavier loads such as coils or machinery.  They are secured and adjusted using binders or ratchet binders.

V boards/Edge protectors

Used to separate a load from the straps or chains used to secure it.  They keep the product safe from possible scratches and also ensure that the product doesn’t damage the straps.

Tarps

Flatbed tarps generally come in 4, 6, or 8 ft lengths.

Blocking, Bracing, and Dunnage

Used to immobilize a load and keep it from shifting to the front, back, or side.  Dunnage or 4×4’s are commonly used.