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20 or 25 tons?

Jan 04, 2023 at 09:30 AM CST
+ 3

We are looking to move to a different carrier in a 38ft Gondola trailer vs. a 35' End Dump trailer because the carrier with the Gondola trailer can haul 25 tons, vs the other carrier only hauling 20 tons. We normally move loads in Dry Vans. Is it possible to move 25 ton loads with a 38 ft. Gondola trailer without going over 80,000 lbs.?

Replied on Wed, Jan 04, 2023 at 09:08 PM CST
If you can’t make weight with your product in a 35 foot endump then it must be pretty light material I.e, shredder residue or non ferrous? How would the unloading site unload it? The next issue would be available backhaul’s ( that hated word) for a gondola are pretty much non existent, meaning the carrier would probably need to charge you for the empty miles as well as the loaded ones, so would you really be saving any money? Going from a 35 foot trailer (possibly made from aluminum) to a 38 foot steel trailer you probably aren’t going to save any weight, but you would likely gain cubic yards, that may benefit you for maximizing payload, assuming the landfill or unloading site is willing to accommodate such equipment.
Replied on Thu, Jan 05, 2023 at 07:40 AM CST
I wouldn't be able to bridge 80k with a 38' without a pusher or tag axle. The composition of the trailers matter as well to the total tonnage you can haul. Light trailers can haul more, but have a bigger payment as well.
Replied on Thu, Jan 05, 2023 at 09:30 AM CST

The product is dough waste in bags. The shipper loads it over the top with a forklift. At the receiver, the driver dumps the trailer.

Replied on Thu, Jan 05, 2023 at 04:50 PM CST
Quote: "The product is dough waste in bags. The shipper loads it over the top with a forklift. At the receiver, the driver dumps the trailer."

So if you can use dry vans to move these loads then why bother with endumps? Surely you can make weight with Van trailers? What would the advantage be with a gondola?
Replied on Fri, Jan 06, 2023 at 08:18 AM CST

Why can't use Dry Vans. The material is bulk in bags. When I mentioned Dry Vans, I meant that 85% of our overall business is moved in Dry Vans, Reefers, Flatbed, and the rest is bulk lanes.

Replied on Fri, Jan 06, 2023 at 04:20 PM CST
Are you sure that there is an easy way to unload the gondola, otherwise it could bring on other issues. If you turn down the end dumps and this other carrier has trouble getting unloaded, they might decide that it's not worth it or turn around and want more money because of it.
Replied on Sat, Jan 07, 2023 at 12:57 PM CST

What is the maximum safe operating hight of the forklift with one of those bags? End dumps are usually shorter sides and would probably be easier and safer to load for the forklift operator. Can the receiver unload the gondola trailer? Have you looked into finding a belt trailer carrier?

Replied on Sun, Jan 08, 2023 at 08:39 AM CST

What about a walking floor? Bump a dock, load it like a van, then walk it off. 23-24 ton.