Conestoga Trailer Dimensions & Shipping Guide

For High-Value Machinery, Learn Conestoga Specs & Dimensions

Conestoga Trailer Specifications & Guide

Looking for detailed Conestoga trailer specs and dimensions? Conestoga trailers provide the protection of an enclosed van with the loading flexibility of an open-deck trailer. Their rolling tarp system allows freight to be loaded from the top, sides, or rear while staying fully protected from weather and road debris, making them ideal for high-value machinery transport.

Flatbed Conestoga

Flatbed Conestoga Trailer Specs dimensions and rolling tarp system for machinery loading
Flatbed Conestoga trailer dimensions with the rolling tarp system open and closed, illustrating maximum usable space for high-value machinery.

Quick Specs:

Trailer Length:

48′ – 53′ L

Inside Width:

102″ W

Inside Height:

~96″-104″ H

Deck Height:

60″ H (dock height)

Weight Capacity:

~47,000lbs 

Use Case:

Commonly used for machinery, palletized goods, fabricated steel, or equipment requiring weather protection and air ride.

Stepdeck Conestoga

Stepdeck conestoga trailer dimensions with rolling tarp height clearance graphic
Stepdeck Conestoga trailer dimensions showing the lower deck height clearance for tall crated machinery and robotics.

Quick Specs:

Trailer Length:

48′ – 53′ L

Inside Width:

102″ W

TD Max Height:

96″ H

LD Max Height:

116″ H

Deck Height:

42″ H

Weight Capacity:

~44,000lbs 

Use Case:

Commonly used for taller crated machinery, robotics, packaging lines, and equipment that needs both height clearance and secure, enclosed coverage.

Double Drop Conestoga

Double drop Conestoga Trailer Specs for machinery height clearance and capacity
Double Drop Conestoga trailer specs detailing the deep well deck height and high freight capacity for specialized machinery transport.

Quick Specs:

Trailer Length:

48′ – 50′ L

Inside Width:

102″ W

TD Max Height:

96″ H

WD Max Height:

142″ H

LD Max Height:

116″ H

Well Deck Height:

18″-24″ H

Weight Capacity:

~35,000lbs 

Use Case:

Commonly used for taller crated machinery, robotics, packaging lines, and equipment that needs both height clearance and secure, enclosed coverage.

💡 Pro Tip: For confirmation of Conestoga tarp system dimensions and clearance details, review the

Aero Conestoga System by Aero Industries
to ensure proper fitment and smooth loading.

Examples of Our Conestoga Shipments

A look at how we’ve moved flatbed, stepdeck and Double drop Conestoga loads recently

Brief History of the Conestoga Trailer

Conestoga trailers were developed as a solution to a common shipping challenge: how to protect freight from weather without giving up the loading flexibility of a flatbed. Traditional tarping was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and carried safety risks. To solve this, manufacturers created a rolling tarp system that could slide open and closed along tracks, similar to the old Conestoga wagon covers of the American West. The design allowed cargo to be loaded from the top, sides, or rear, then fully enclosed for transport. Today, Conestoga trailers are widely used for machinery, precision equipment, and freight that requires both accessibility and protection.

Equipment & Load Securement

Proper securement ensures safety, compliance, and protection for your freight. Carriers follow FMCSA 393.100 cargo securement regulations and we use tools like highway to safe check carriers daily. Common Securement Tools:

Chains & Binders

for machinery, steel, and heavy freight

Straps & Edge Protectors

for finished goods and delicate cargo

Dunnage & Blocking

for balance and elevation

Our team provides guidance on securement requirements based on your freight type and route.

Machinery transport Conestoga trailer loaded secured for long haul team drivers

We maintain clear communication with our carriers before every pickup, ensuring the correct tiedowns, edge protection, and equipment configuration are used based on the freight requirements. Each shipment is reviewed for proper weight distribution and safe routing to prevent delays and protect your equipment. Safety and compliance are prioritized from loading through final delivery.


💡 Pro Tip: For official securement regulations and tiedown requirements, review the FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR 393.100–393.136) . This ensures your shop, riggers, and yard personnel are aligned with the same safety standards used across North America.

Our Conestoga Daily Tranport Process

1

Freight Quote

2

Coordinate

3

Generate BOL

4

Dispatch Driver

5

ATGFR8 Tracking

6

Delivery & POD 

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Past Shipment Spotlight

(2) Injection Molding Machines from Portland, OR to Medford, OR

Freight: (2) Used Injection Molders – 15′ L x 5′ W x 6′ H – 15,000 each

Challenge: Same day delivery, couldn’t waste time tarping

Solution:

Red injection molding machines loaded and secured on a Conestoga flatbed trailer for transport by Abound Transport.

Conestoga FAQs

It protects from weather and damage — no tarp rash, faster load/unload.

Flatbed: 8'8", Step Deck: 9'8", Double Drop: 11'10"

Yes, if within height/width limits. For extra-large freight, we’ll advise an RGN or permit move.

Yes, nationwide — or we’ll work with your existing partners.

Yes — we offer direct and transload options into Canada and Mexico.

Slightly higher than a flatbed, but far less risk and damage cost.

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