So explain 'conestoga'...

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by windsmith, Jan 8, 2013.

  1. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    I see many loads posted requiring a 'conestoga' trailer, and with premium rates.

    When I read 'conestoga', I picture 'covered wagon'.

    On the road, I see flatbeds with short stake sides and a domed tarp, and I think 'conestoga'. I also see flatbeds with the 'fast track' or similar tarping systems, and I think the same thing.

    So my questions are: What qualifies as a 'conestoga', and what doesn't? Why would a shipper be looking for a 'conestoga' besides an obvious need for side loading?
     
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  3. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    I see dry vans set up inside for cars tagged as conestoga also. One driver I knew hauled proto type cars for manufactures.
     
  4. bbmyls2go

    bbmyls2go Medium Load Member

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    you would need to verify that with the shipper in question. Conestoga can either be the vague industry term for a covered flatbed, or it can be a specific request for that rolling track system, the largest of which is, literally branded as Conestoga. I dont see that there is a difference to shippers as long as it is flatbed accessible with a ribbed canvas, not tarped, cover.
     
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  5. Clasix1055

    Clasix1055 Even when I'm wrong I'm right

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    Conestoga/Fastrack = same thing = rolling tarp system

    side boards with domed top = covered wagon (looks like old stage coach wagon trains)

    both can be side loaded .... ALTHOUGH unless it is an experienced forklift driver you WILL NOT side load my truck because a lot of forklift drivers will bang the rub rails and Fasttrack has an added aluminum rail that will bend then we are screwed
     
  6. buckeyetrucker

    buckeyetrucker Light Load Member

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    One big advantage for shippers with the connestoga, is that the tarp will not touch their machines. That is what I hear alot when we go and load at a customer.
     
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  7. special k

    special k Light Load Member

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    Where I'm at a "conestoga" is referring to a rolling tarp system. In Ontario they often call it a roll-tite. A rack and tarp is referred to by that name or side kit. Sometimes when a customer wants to load/unload from either side and not want to hear the drivers whine about tearing down both sides of their kits:biggrin_25525:they'll specify a conestoga type trailer.
     
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  8. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    A covered wagon is not.a Conestoga
     
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  9. fireba11

    fireba11 Heavy Load Member

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    Would a curtain side trailer qualify to haul a conestoga load? The only difference would be that it could not be overhead unloaded or loaded.
     
  10. Clasix1055

    Clasix1055 Even when I'm wrong I'm right

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    I dont think so ... Those trailers are weird ... I have only seen them used for hauling cars
     
  11. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    imp retty sure a curtain side is a conestoga isnt it?
     
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