Gooseneck Trailer:

a Freight & Logistics Guide 

Written by: Sam Boyd

Updated on: 9/28/2024



Have questions about gooseneck trailers? Get them answered.

image-of-a-gooseneck-trailer

What is an Gooseneck Trailer?

A gooseneck trailer is distinguished by its long, arching neck that connects over the deck of the trailer, rather than down at the floor level like a standard bumper pull trailer. This design allows for better load balancing and a tighter turning radius, making it ideal for urban environments. 

What is a Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGT)

A removable gooseneck trailer is virtually identical to a standard gooseneck, with the same tell-tale arching connection high over the deck floor between the trailer and truck. Both variants of gooseneck offer better handling and maneuverability on roadways, with the RGT version having the added benefit of being detachable for easier loading and unloading.


Types of Trailers with Gooseneck Connections

More often than not, when someone refers to a ‘gooseneck trailer’, they’re talking about a flatbed trailer with a gooseneck connection. But there are many other types of trailers used in freight that come with the option of a gooseneck connection, so let’s explore them next. 

Flatbed Trailers: used for transporting large and heavy items like machinery, construction materials, and vehicles. They have a flatbed trailer platform without sides or a roof.

Dry Van Trailers: these trailers have a fully enclosed cargo area and are used for transporting goods that need protection from the elements, like automobiles, livestock, or sensitive equipment.

Dump Trailers: equipped with a hydraulic lift system, these trailers are used for hauling and dumping large loads of materials like sand, gravel, or demolition waste.

Livestock Trailers: designed for transporting animals, these trailers are enclosed but ventilated and structured to safely and comfortably carry livestock.

Car Hauler Trailers: Specifically designed for transporting vehicles, they often come with ramps and special tie-downs to secure the vehicles during transit.

Deck-Over Trailers: These have a deck over the wheels, which provides a wider platform for carrying large, wide loads.

Tilt Deck Trailers: These trailers have a tilting deck that allows for easier loading and unloading of equipment without the need for ramps.

Different Types of Gooseneck Trailers


Unique Features of Gooseneck Trailers

Load Balancing: The gooseneck design enhances load balancing by distributing weight more evenly over the towing vehicle's rear axle. This results in better stability during transit, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads.

Tight Turning Radius: The arched neck of a gooseneck trailer allows for sharper turns, making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces or congested areas, such as construction sites or city streets.

Versatile Deck: Like traditional flatbeds, gooseneck trailers feature an open and flat platform, making them suitable for various cargo types, including oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads. This open design enables easy loading and unloading from the top, sides, or rear of the trailer.

Enhanced Safety: The stability and improved weight distribution of gooseneck trailers reduce the strain on the towing vehicle, leading to safer towing experiences, especially under heavy loads.

Higher Towing Capacity: Gooseneck trailers generally have a higher towing capacity than other types of trailers due to their robust construction and the efficient distribution of weight across the towing setup.

Structural Strength: Gooseneck trailers are built with a strong structural design, often incorporating sturdy materials and reinforcements that enable them to handle heavy loads without compromising their integrity.


Applications and Common Cargo of Gooseneck and RGT Trailers

Thanks to their unique design and features, gooseneck trailers find applications across a wide range of industries:

Construction and Building Materials: Gooseneck trailers are commonly used to transport construction materials, heavy machinery, steel, concrete forms, and other essential items to construction sites.

Agriculture: These trailers are a popular choice for hauling farm equipment, large bales of hay, and other agricultural products.

Automotive: Gooseneck trailers excel at transporting vehicles, including cars, trucks, and heavy machinery, making them similar to car carrier trailers.

Specialized Cargo: Their superior load-balancing capabilities make gooseneck trailers suitable for hauling oversized or overweight cargo, such as construction machinery or industrial equipment.


Specifications of Gooseneck and RGT Trailers

While gooseneck trailers share similarities with flatbeds, they have distinct specifications that cater to their unique design:

Cargo Carried: Gooseneck trailers can transport various goods, including heavy machinery, construction materials, vehicles, and more.

Trailer Length Options: These trailers come in various lengths to accommodate different cargo sizes and weights, the most common being 48-53’.

Dimensions: Gooseneck trailers adhere to standard semi-trailer specifications, ensuring compatibility with transportation infrastructure.

Axles: Typically equipped with 2 to 3 axles, gooseneck trailers vary in load capacity based on their design and local regulations.

Trailer Weight: The weight of a gooseneck trailer can vary depending on its construction materials and size but generally falls within the range of 10,000 to 30,000 lbs.

Maximum Load: Maximum load capacities vary based on the trailer's design and the number of axles but must comply with regulations to ensure safe and legal transportation, typically not exceeding 80,000 lbs on US roadways.


Gooseneck and RGT Trailers and Freight Pricing

Various factors influence the cost of a gooseneck freight shipment, including:

Distance: The primary factor in calculating freight pricing is the distance between the pickup and delivery points. Longer distances will generally result in higher costs.

Weight and Size of the Load: Heavier and larger loads require more fuel and resources to transport, thus increasing the cost. Gooseneck trailers can handle heavy and oversized loads, but these attributes will directly impact the price.

Type of Cargo: Specialized cargo that requires additional care or has unique handling requirements (like hazardous materials, fragile items, or high-value goods) can increase the cost due to the need for specialized equipment or additional insurance.

Route Characteristics: The complexity of the route, including factors like road conditions, urban vs. rural areas, and any required detours or special route planning, can affect the cost. Difficult or remote routes generally result in higher prices.

Fuel Costs: Fluctuations in fuel prices can significantly impact freight pricing. Higher fuel costs will increase the overall cost of transportation.

Urgency and Scheduling: Expedited shipments or tight delivery schedules can increase costs. The flexibility or lack thereof in scheduling can also play a role in determining the price.

Market Demand: Like any service, supply and demand dynamics can influence pricing. During peak times or in high-demand areas, prices may increase.

Additional Services: Any extra services like loading and unloading, special handling, or storage will add to the total cost.

Insurance and Permits: If the load requires additional insurance coverage or special permits (for oversized or overweight loads), these costs will be factored into the pricing.


Permits and Compliance Requirements for Gooseneck and RGT Trailers

Compliance and permit requirements for gooseneck trailers are vital to ensure safe and legal transportation. Specific regulations may vary based on the states your cargo will move through, but key considerations include:

Overdimensional Permits: Depending on cargo size, over-dimensional permits may be required for oversized loads.

Weight Limits: Gooseneck trailers must adhere to federal and state weight limits, including axle and gross weight restrictions.

Route Surveys: Extremely large or heavy loads may necessitate route surveys to ensure safe passage.

Escort Vehicles/Pilot Cars: Oversized loads often require escort vehicles for road safety.

Safety Equipment and Signage: Loads exceeding certain dimensions must be marked for increased visibility.

Load Securement: Proper cargo securement is essential to prevent load shifting during transit, following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

Hazardous Materials: Transporting hazardous materials requires compliance with Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) outlined by the FMCSA. If this applies to your cargo, make sure to work with a reputable hazmat freight supplier.

Driver Qualifications: Specialized loads may require additional training or endorsements on the driver's commercial driver's license (CDL).


Selecting a Gooseneck and RGT Freight Broker

When choosing a gooseneck trailer freight company, consider the following factors:

  • Reputation and Experience: Research the company's reputation and seek reviews from clients with similar shipping needs.
  • Equipment and Technology: Ensure the company's fleet includes well-maintained gooseneck trailers equipped with the latest cargo safety and tracking technology.
  • Compliance and Certification: Verify the company adheres to industry regulations, especially when handling hazardous materials.
  • Security Measures: Assess the company's cargo security protocols, including load securement and tracking capabilities.
  • Insurance Coverage: Understand the extent of insurance coverage for your cargo and the claims process.
  • Operational Support: Evaluate the company's customer support and communication capabilities for timely shipment updates.
  • Route Planning and Efficiency: Inquire about the company's route planning strategies to optimize


Gooseneck and RGT Freight Quotes

If you require the services of a freight company for your gooseneck shipping needs consider getting your gooseneck freight quote from Guided Freight. We are America’s leading freight broker, with the largest inventory of gooseneck trailers available on the market. Customers choose us for our hands-on approach, and our ability to simplify complex logistics. Get a quote now, it’s quick and easy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why are gooseneck trailers more expensive?

Due to their ability to haul oversized loads, it’s no surprise that gooseneck trailers cost more to buy or contract for a freight shipment. As a bonus, they also handle better than flatbed trailers, turning on a tighter radius, and making them ideal for urban environments.

Can a regular truck pull a gooseneck trailer?

Yes, a regular pick-up truck can pull a gooseneck trailer, so long the weight of the trailer and its load don’t exceed your truck’s max hauling capacity. Typically, this means the gooseneck you’ll be using will be small to medium in length.

What size is a gooseneck trailer?

The standard width of a gooseneck trailer is 8 feet and the length typically varies between 20’-40’. Shorter models are ideal for transport through urban environments, whereas longer models are ideal for oversized loads

How much weight can I carry on a gooseneck trailer?

The maximum loading capacity of a gooseneck trailer will vary on its size and how it’s constructed. A 20’ gooseneck can typically haul 15-20,000 lbs, whereas the larger 40’ gooseneck trailers can carry up to 40,000 lbs. Remember, it’s important never to exceed the maximum weight of whatever trailer you are using.