The Difference Between Double Deck, Mega and Tyre Trailers


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We discuss the three most common types of trailer in more detail, including the cargo they are best suited to carrying

The majority of transport specialists and companies will have a sizeable fleet of trailers to meet the varying needs of their clients.

The most common trailers are double deck, mega and tyre but there are differences between them with each suited to a different type of cargo.

Below, we look at each trailer type in more detail.

Double deck trailers explained:

Double deck trailers have two levels which almost doubles the number of crates that can be carried, increasing from 66 for a standard trailer to 86.

The increased capacity makes double deck trailers highly efficient, lowering CO2 emissions by up to 50% by reducing the number of trucks required to move cargo which in turn uses less fuel.

Double deck trailers are also ideal for groupage, allowing several businesses to group together cargo heading to the same destination.

This ensures the trailer is completely full and reduces the cost of transportation for businesses as they only pay for the space used.

Groupage helps to further reduce emissions and save costs for fuel, ferry fees, etc. In fact, double deck trailers can help reduce transport costs by up to 30%.

Non-stackable cargo is best suited to double deck trailers.

Mega trailers explained:

As the name suggests, mega trailers are large in size and height, and can accommodate a much greater volume of cargo than standard trailers.

Mega trailers offer 100m3 of internal space and come fitted with a hydraulic-raising roof which can be raised to accommodate tall cargo.

The hydraulic-raising roof also means that the internal space can be changed to meet the needs of your shipping requirements.

Mega trailers are ideally suited to businesses that wish to transport large volumes of cargo as the increased capacity provides significant cost savings.

They are favoured by businesses that supply the automotive trade but can be used across a huge range of markets and sectors.

The increased payload of mega trailers helps to streamline transport costs and also reduces emissions simply because less trucks are required to move the cargo. 

Tyre trailers explained:

Tyre trailers are used solely for the safe and secure transportation of tyres. They come with a certified safe load securing system that does not require cross-tensioning in the load compartment.

This provides faster, more efficient handling. 

They also have a bespoke double-walled side curtain with five integrated, vertical, light alloy profiles in each of the four side pillar loading sections.

Two high-strength cables are mounted on each side of the whole trailer length to provide additional security during transportation.

The tyre trailers that we use at Middlegate Europe have been specially designed and developed by Krone and comply with European loading requirements.

Choosing the right trailer for your needs:

When deciding which trailer best meets your transportation needs, consider the following factors:

1, The size and volume of the cargo you wish to transport

You may have a large volume of cargo in which case a double deck or mega trailer is best. If you are shipping tyres, then it is a tyre trailer.

For non-stackable cargo, double deck trailers are recommended and for coils, the extra space provided by a mega trailer makes them the most suitable.

2, Will you require groupage

If you are not going to fill a trailer with cargo, consider groupage. In which case, a double deck trailer is most likely the best option. If the cargo you are shipping is tall, then a mega trailer is best.

3, Other things to think about

You should also consider whether you will require warehousing and also where your cargo will be transported from and to.

If you would like to know more about the different types of trailer used by transport companies, contact a member of the Middlegate Europe team here.

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