Hot Shot Lowboy Trailers
Low deck height for hauling heavy machinery and tall equipment that exceeds standard trailer height limits.
Overview
Lowboy trailers feature a very low deck height — typically 18 to 24 inches from the ground — which makes them ideal for hauling tall, heavy equipment that would exceed legal height limits on standard flatbed trailers. In Texas hot shot trucking, lowboy trailers are commonly used for transporting construction equipment, small excavators, skid steers, and other machinery to jobsites and equipment yards.
Typical Specifications
Note: Specifications below represent common industry ranges. Actual specs vary by manufacturer, model, and configuration.
Best For
When to Use a Lowboy Trailer
Lowboy trailers are the right choice when your freight is too tall to ride legally on a standard flatbed trailer, or when you need to transport tracked or wheeled equipment that can be driven onto the trailer via ramps. The low deck height provides additional vertical clearance for tall loads while keeping the overall combination within legal height limits (typically 13'6" to 14' in Texas).
Common Lowboy Freight in Texas
Texas hot shot carriers with lowboy trailers commonly haul mini excavators and compact track loaders, skid steers and attachments, small dozers and compactors, compressors and generators, and other equipment that benefits from the low deck height. Construction companies and equipment rental businesses are frequent users of lowboy hot shot services.
Loading and Unloading
Lowboy trailers are loaded either by driving equipment up rear ramps or by removing the gooseneck section to load from the front (on detachable gooseneck models). The loading method affects how quickly the trailer can be loaded and unloaded, which is a consideration for time-sensitive deliveries. Carriers experienced with lowboy operations can complete load/unload efficiently.
Lowboy vs. Standard Flatbed
The key difference is deck height: lowboy trailers sit approximately 18 to 24 inches off the ground versus approximately 60 inches for standard flatbeds. This lower deck means taller loads can be transported without exceeding height restrictions, and the lower center of gravity improves stability when hauling heavy equipment. However, the lower deck can be a disadvantage on rough terrain where ground clearance matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deck height of a lowboy trailer?
Lowboy trailer decks typically sit approximately 18 to 24 inches from the ground, compared to about 60 inches for standard flatbed trailers. This lower height provides additional clearance for hauling tall equipment under bridges and overpasses.
What equipment is typically hauled on a lowboy?
Common lowboy loads include mini excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, small dozers, compactors, generators, and other tall or heavy equipment that benefits from the low deck height.
Can lowboy trailers handle heavy equipment?
Yes — many lowboy trailers are designed for heavy loads and can carry up to approximately 20,000 pounds or more depending on the model and configuration. Always verify the specific trailer's rated capacity with the carrier.
What is a detachable gooseneck (RGN) lowboy?
A detachable gooseneck lowboy allows the front (gooseneck) section to be removed so equipment can be driven onto the trailer from the front. This eliminates the need for rear ramps and makes loading large equipment easier and safer. RGN trailers are covered separately in our equipment guide.
Related Equipment
RGN Trailers
Removable gooseneck design allows heavy equipment to be driven directly onto the trailer for safe, efficient loading.
Step Deck Trailers
A two-level deck design that accommodates taller freight while staying within legal height limits.
Flatbed Trailers
The most versatile trailer type in hot shot trucking — ideal for a wide range of freight across Texas.
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