The most common and safest way to move loads that are both heavy and tall, such as excavators, press machines or transformers, is a low-deck trailer. Lowbed heavy haulage carries the cargo as close to the ground as possible, reducing overall height and making bridge and tunnel passages feasible. In construction, mining, energy and manufacturing, almost every major project uses a lowbed at some stage. Özd Global manages lowbed moves on domestic and international routes with its Gebze-based fleet and partner network.
What Is a Lowbed Trailer and Why Choose It?
A lowbed (low loader) trailer has its deck positioned between the axle groups and close to the road surface rather than above the axles. While a standard flatbed deck sits roughly 1.3–1.5 metres off the ground, a lowbed deck drops to 0.5–0.9 metres. That difference can make it possible to move a 3-metre-tall machine within legal height limits.
The main advantages of lowbed heavy haulage are:
- Easier passage under bridges and overhead lines for tall loads.
- Better cornering and braking stability thanks to a low centre of gravity.
- Self-propelled machinery can drive straight on via ramps.
- Additional axles spread the road load for very heavy cargo.
Lowbed Trailer Types and Capacities
Not all lowbeds are the same. Different configurations are used depending on the weight, length and loading method of the cargo:
| Trailer Type | Typical Capacity | Suitable Loads |
|---|---|---|
| 2-axle lowbed | 25–35 t | Compact machinery, forklifts |
| 3-axle lowbed | 35–50 t | Excavators, dozers, generators |
| 4–5-axle lowbed | 50–80 t | Heavy machinery, presses |
| Extendable lowbed | 40–70 t | Long beams, boilers, blades |
| Well (drop-deck) lowbed | 60–120 t | Transformers, reactors, large motors |
| Modular hydraulic trailer | 100 t and above | Nuclear and petrochemical equipment |
Capacities vary by manufacturer and axle spacing; the figures above are indicative only.
Detachable Gooseneck Lowbeds
Models whose front section detaches from the tractor allow tracked machinery to be loaded from the front without ramps. This improves loading safety, especially for tall or unstable machines.
Planning Steps in Lowbed Heavy Haulage
A successful lowbed move is not a matter of calling a truck; it follows a sequence of planning steps:
- Collecting cargo data: Exact dimensions, weight, centre of gravity and lashing points are established.
- Trailer selection: Axle count and deck type are matched to the cargo's height and weight.
- Route survey: Total travelling height is calculated and bridges, tunnels and overpasses are checked.
- Permit application: If limits are exceeded, an oversize permit is obtained.
- Loading and securing: The load is fixed with chains, ratchet straps and chocks to engineering standards.
- Transport and delivery: The move is carried out with escorts where required and live tracking.
Loading and Securing Safety
Most incidents in lowbed heavy haulage stem from inadequate securing. Chains and tensioners with sufficient breaking strength for the load must be used, the movable arms of machinery locked, and wheeled equipment braked and chocked. Where possible the load is placed over the centre of the axle group so that axle weights are evenly distributed. Özd Global prepares a written lashing plan for every move and issues a photographic inspection report after loading.
Tip: Share the lifting and tie-down points specified in your machine's manual with the logistics team beforehand. Securing outside the manufacturer's designated points can damage both the cargo and the trailer.
What Determines the Cost
The price of lowbed heavy haulage depends on distance, trailer type, whether the load is out-of-gauge, permit and escort requirements, crane needs for loading and unloading, and the chance of a return load. Moving a standard-size machine between cities and moving an out-of-gauge transformer can differ substantially in price. A firm figure is therefore only available once cargo data and route are confirmed.
Lowbed Heavy Haulage with Özd Global
Located at the heart of the Kocaeli industrial region, Özd Global offers more than a vehicle: an end-to-end solution. Our road freight team assigns the right trailer, handles permits and escorts where needed, and for port deliveries plans the sea freight connection. We work with needs ranging from one-off moves to recurring machinery shipments for construction sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall a load can a lowbed carry?
With a deck height of around 0.5–0.9 metres, a load of roughly 3–3.4 metres can stay within the standard 4-metre limit. Taller loads are moved under an oversize permit.
Does lowbed heavy haulage require escort vehicles?
Not if the load is within legal dimensions. Once width or height limits are exceeded, the number of escort vehicles stated on the permit becomes mandatory.
How far ahead should I book a lowbed move?
A few days may be enough for standard-size loads. For out-of-gauge cargo, planning at least two to four weeks in advance is recommended because of the permit process.
When the right trailer meets the right plan, lowbed heavy haulage turns even the heaviest loads into a routine operation. To share your cargo details and request a quote, contact Özd Global.
