Equipment guide
Open Deck vs Conestoga vs Curtain Side
Choose the right trailer for weather protection, loading access, and speed. Share the details below so we can price accurately on the first reply.
Quick comparison
What to know
Open Deck
Conestoga
Curtain Side
Best for
Steel, machinery, construction materials, oversize that needs top/side loading.
Machinery or crated freight needing weather protection with crane/top access.
Palletized freight needing weather protection and quick side loading.
Weather protection
Manual tarps if required.
Built-in rolling tarp keeps freight covered.
Curtains provide full side coverage, rear doors seal the back.
Loading access
Top and side open; rear ramps if specified.
Side and top with curtain rolled back; limited rear when closed.
Fast side loading; overhead limited; rear via doors.
Common lengths
48'–53' flatbed or step deck.
48'–53' (slightly reduced clear width/height).
48'–53'.
Pros
Maximum flexibility for odd shapes, oversize friendly, simplest to source.
Weather protection without tarping labor, keeps crane/top access, cleaner deliveries.
Fast side load/unload, keeps freight covered, less manual tarping.
Cons
Requires tarping labor if protection needed; exposure risk without tarps.
Slightly reduced interior space/weight; fewer units than standard flatbeds.
Limited overhead access; not ideal for tall/oversize loads.
What we need to quote fast
- Origin and destination ZIPs and target dates
- Exact length/width/height and total weight
- Loading method: forklift, crane, drive-on/roll-off
- Weather protection needed (covered vs open)
- Side load, rear load, or top pick requirements
- Any site constraints: appointments, docks, low wires, or permits
Pros, cons, and use cases
Open deck
Best for crane or side loads, odd shapes, and freight that can be tarped when needed. Ideal when overhead access matters or dimensions are near legal limits.
Conestoga
Great when freight must stay covered yet still allow crane/top or side access. Expect slightly reduced width/height and added weight versus a plain flatbed.
Curtain side
Works well for palletized freight that needs weather protection and fast side or rear loading. Overhead crane use is limited compared to open deck or Conestoga.
Ready to move?
Tell us what you need
Share loading method and coverage needs so we can match equipment fast.