The height of a low bed semi-trailer ranges from 850 mm (33.5 inches) to 1,200 mm (47.2 inches) depending on its load. When transporting tall equipment like excavators, ensure total height stays under 4,000 mm (13.1 feet) to meet road clearance regulations and avoid additional permit costs.

Platform Height (Loaded)

This is usually the most important specification of a low-bed semi-trailer when carrying a load. Its height from the ground may vary from 850 mm or 33.5 inches up to 1,000 mm or 39.4 inches. With that in mind, you need to transport large construction machines and equipment such as a bulldozer weighing 50 tons, and at the same time provide stability so that it would not easily fall down when in motion. This also allows for the loading of higher loads as the overall height remains within legal limits. A regular flatbed trailer typically would have a loaded platform height of about 1,200 mm (47.2 inches) high, which would be too low to be able to carry oversized cargo comfortably.

Unloaded Platform Height

In its unloaded position, a low bed semi-trailer has its platform a little higher because of the suspension system. The unloaded heights range from 900 mm to 1,200 mm, or from 35.4 in. to 47.2 in. For instance, a logistics company will employ such a trailer to move prefabricated modules of buildings. A slightly increased unloaded height allows better ground clearance, especially on uneven ground when driving around building areas. By comparison, other trailer types, like step decks, have an unloaded height of about 1,300 mm - 51.2 inches -, hence making a low bed trailer a superior option for several on and off-road applications.

Overall Height

The other essential aspect to consider when route planning for a low bed semi-trailer is its overall height with cargo. Most countries have strict regulations regarding the maximum height of vehicles: 4,000 mm or 13.1 feet. For example, for an excavator that is 2,800 mm or 9.2 feet high, the low height of the platform will keep it within legal height limits. The key importance of this specification would lie in ensuring that the shipment passes through urban areas that have overpasses and tunnels, avoiding any accidents or fines. As opposed to this, a low bed semi-trailer will help in saving costs of time and detouring than in the case of higher trailers.

This height advantage makes low-bed semi-trailers also suitable for moving tall industrial equipment, such as turbines or transformers that might be beyond the maximum height limit authorized on a standard trailer. In heavy loads, obtaining the height of the trailer according to the exact specifications of the cargo will ensure ease of operation and minimum possibility of damage en route.