The need for pallet delivery and the versatility of small order delivery is on the rise. Landscapers, roofers, builders and contractors, need to be able to deliver materials to job sites on ever increasing narrow streets and within communities. Materials and Supply Stores need the ability to fulfill the growing demand for smaller orders to their customers without the extra operation costs.
A heavy duty pallet delivery trailer allows transport of pallets and materials easily and cost effectively, but what is a pallet trailer and what options are there available on the market today? Below we will take a closer look at what a pallet trailer is, the functionality, uses, costs, pro’s and cons, and what to look for before buying one.
What is a Pallet Delivery Trailer?
A pallet delivery trailer is a trailer that is built for the purposes of transporting and/or delivering pallets or bulk materials. There are two main categories that pallet delivery trailers fall into: Hand Pulled or Power Driven and Vehicle Pulled.
Types of Pallet Delivery Trailers:
Hand Pulled or Power Driven, or Tow Behind Pallet Trailer
A traditional hand pulled or power driven pallet trailer functions like a hand cart or dolly that is hand pulled, pushed or power driven. Uses for a hand pulled or power driven trailer is primarily for on site transport, organization, loading, or to bring the load to the loading site where it will be picked up and delivered to another farther away location. Simple versions would include a frame on castors with a handle. More complex and heavy duty versions combine all terrain wheels, a built in jack, pallet forks, and strong welded steel frames for heavy duty hauling and more controlled maneuvering with power driving options.
Pro’s:
The ability to easily move pallets around on and around location sites
Fits and maneuvers where trucks and big equipment cant
Con’s:
Requires physical labor
Unable to transport or deliver to farther distances and locations
Limited load ability (one pallet at a time)
Vehicle Pulled or Tow Behind Pallet Delivery Utility Trailer
A vehicle pulled pallet delivery trailer is a trailer that is pulled behind an automobile, mainly a pickup truck. Primary uses for a truck pallet delivery trailer is for transport and quick delivery to farther distances and locations, less physical labor, and increased load abilities. Simple versions include a trailer hitch, welded frame, pallet prongs (adjustable or non adjustable) or a roller castor bed and hydraulic lifts. More versatile and heavier duty versions include fully welded frames, double axles, live floor, tilt beds, and hand operated controls. The evolution and quality of these trailers have greatly improved and increased in function over the years. Haulit now even has a 4 pallet gooseneck tilt bed trailer for sale.
Pro’s:
- The ability to transport and deliver pallets or bulk materials farther away.
- Freeway/Highway travel ability
- Heavier load capacity
- Single to Four Pallet Delivery Capacity
- Quick delivery
- Minimal or No hand Labor
- Requires no CDL to operate or deliver
- Versatility
Con’s:
- Limited load capacity
- Load weight capability is determined by size of pickup
- Niche Load Abilities
For the purpose of learning more about how vehicle pulled pallet delivery trailers work, let’s look a little closer at these trailers, their uses, and function.
With the growing demand for smaller order delivery within communities rises, it is no wonder that vehicle pulled pallet trailers are making a stronger presence. Independent Contractor Jobs for Pickup Truck delivery has seen an increase as solutions for CDL driver shortage continues.
Watch how one IFA Store in Utah uses their Haulit trailer for making pallet deliveries
In 2013, Green Valley of Utah set out to find a way to deliver sod faster, more efficiently, and cost effective within their community and across the state. A collaboration of sod farm owners and employees of Green Valley pioneered the engineering and invented their first truck pulled single pallet delivery trailer. In 2014, a double pallet -single axle trailer with tilt deck and cable push off was created and now in 2019 a 4 pallet option, fully loaded, is available making options for pallet delivery versatile, trusted, proven, and available. Haulit trailers are the only pallet trailers on the current market that offer up to 4 pallets for delivery. It is common to see one to two pallet load capacity but Haulit trailers are leading the way with innovation, research and development and putting out a durable, high quality, versatile trailer for smaller load abilities.
What is a Vehicle Pulled Pallet Delivery Utility Trailer Used For?
The ability to deliver pallets with a vehicle is a niche field of work and opportunity. It is a solution for cost effective delivery done quickly and efficiently within communities and across cities. Pallet Delivery Jobs provide commercial and residential delivery options. The versatility and function of the delivery trailer determine the delivery options they can provide, not to mention providing a major Solution For Truck Driver Shortage. Before purchasing a trailer, you will want to consider which one best fits your needs. Traditional pallet delivery trailers have the ability to only deliver pallets and specific bulk materials. Heavy duty, versatile, pallet delivery trailers will have the capacity to deliver not only palletized goods, but and bulk materials as well. Having a trailer that is versatile will provide you more options for delivery services and increase the value of your services. A common list of materials delivered by heavy duty pallet trailers include:
- Bricks and Pavers
- Sod
- Tree’s
- Super Sacks
- Plants
- Cut Logs
- Bulk Lumber
- Debri
- Pavers
- Natural Stone
- Mulch
- Sand
- Hay and Straw
- Landscape Supplies
- Roofing Materials
- Flooring
- Wood Stove Pellet
Here is a video that shows the versatility of what a quality heavy duty pallet delivery trailer can deliver:
How much does Hand Pulled or Power Driven Pallet Delivery Trailer Cost?
The cost of a pallet delivery trailer is going to vary greatly depending on what type you buy, what materials it is made of, weight capacity, and any extra functions or features included.
Hand pulled trailers will cost on an average of $400.00 on the low end, and $2,000.00 on the high end. Be sure to look for a manufacturer with a warranty before purchasing.
All terrain, power driven trailers can cost anywhere from $4,000.00 to $12,000.00 and are mainly used within warehouses or stores that require a lot of palletized materials stocked as well as sod farms for loading pallets onto trailers for delivery.
How Much does a Vehicle Pulled Pallet Delivery Trailer Cost?
Just like a hand pulled pallet trailer, the cost of vehicle pulled pallet delivery trailers is going to also vary greatly on the type, functions, quality of materials used, weight capacity, the manufacturing and more. You’re going to need to call into the company or manufacturer to get a quote for an accurate price. Purchasing a vehicle pulled pallet delivery trailer is a big investment and there are many factors to weigh in before a price can be determined. Manufacturers will have a stock price that they sell from, but depending on production, location of delivery and how many are being ordered they will be able to work with you on pricing.
With this new delivery system, method and niche being on the forefront of delivery solutions it is also important to know that you are purchasing a trailer from a manufacturer that has done adequate research and development and quality manufacturing into their trailer and calling in to the manufacturer will help you make a confident choice before you buy. You’re also going to need to know what your exact needs are and possibilities of different trailers available before you buy. Be sure to take a look at our Pallet Delivery Trailer Buyers Guide to help you purchase the right trailer for your needs.
Because pallet delivery trailers are being custom manufactured, most companies or manufacturers will want you to call in to get a bid or a quote on the trailer. The main purpose for this is most likely because of the cost of freight and shipping. If they have more than one trailer heading out to a location that might be closer to your area they will be able to get you a better price on shipping, making the cost of the trailer lower.
Another reason for the importance of calling in for a bid is to get to know the manufacturer, share with them your needs, and see what products they may already have in stock. It’s quite possible they have an old version from last year they can sell you for a discounted price and would need to negotiate terms with you.
Maybe you want to add some extra features or details to your trailer that are specific just for you. All of these things will determine the overall price of trailer which is why you won’t see the price listed on the websites and will need to call in to the company to get a quote. Quality manufacturers will want to work with you to make sure you get the best trailer for the best price.
There’s a reason a higher quality trailer will cost you more. In order to increase load ability the frame, axles, springs, hitch parts, tires, jacks, safety chain and tongue jack must all be increased or strengthened.
If you see high priced trailer with double axles and a small load ability, it’s a good indication of poor manufacturing. A higher priced trailer with a high load capacity it is a good indication of quality manufacturing, quality materials, and product. Let’s take a look at weight capacity.
How Much Weight Can A Vehicle Pulled Pallet Delivery Trailer Carry?
The weight capacity of a pallet delivery trailer is determined by:
- Axle Rating
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- Materials used for Manufacturing
- Unload System & Load Capacity
Axles are rated at various capacities from 1,000 to 10,000lbs. For trailers with more than one axle, the weight is divided between each axle.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle, determined by the manufacturer. It includes the vehicles chassis, body, engine, engine fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers and cargo but excluding that of any trailers. It represents a maximum value of what your vehicle can safely weigh including payload.
Materials used for the trailer will also affect the weight load capacity. The weight of materials are all factored into the GVWR to determine the capacity, but different materials, like type of metal, steel, bolts, and overall build of the trailer are a major factor of weight capacity.
Unload System and load capacity. Different unload systems determine how much your trailer can also carry. Unload systems with forks will differ from a roller system or live floor system. A pallet trailer may have a heavier GVWR, but if its unload system isn’t built for heavy loads, like a floor with a roller system, load capacity and abilities will be limited. Be sure to talk to the manufacturer about research and development, different products tested, loaded and unloaded.
How Long Will A Pallet Delivery Trailer Last?
The life of your trailer is going to depend on how you use it, how much you use it, how often you give it some maintenance, TLC and the overall quality and durability of the trailer. Do you slam on your brakes and come to a quick stop or do you slowly come to a stop? Do you push your luck with load capacity every time you deliver? Do you leave your trailer out in the open when not in use or keep it covered to protect from weather damage?
These are all factors that need to be considered when determining how long your trailer will last. Proper use and regular maintenance will extend the life of any trailer. A heavy duty trailer with sturdy built manufacturing and accessories like what Haulit Trailers are manufactured for can extend the life of your trailer for up to 5-10 years.
Overloading the trailer or loading improperly can cause stress to the axles or unload system. It is important to follow manufacturing instructions and care for extending your trailer life and use. We have a Complete Guide to Heavy Duty Trailer Maintenance for you to take a look at if you’re wanting to get the most miles and usage from your trailer.
Who Buys Heavy Duty Pallet Delivery Utility Trailers?
Versatile, heavy duty, built to last, Haulit Trailers are proud to be leading the way as the best heavy duty pallet delivery utility trailers in America. The growing demand for heavy duty delivery trailers for pallets and small loads are currently being purchased by primarily:
- Landscapers
- Landscape Contractors
- Tree Nurseries
- Sod Farmers
- Independent Contractors with a Pickup Truck
- Rock, Brick and Block Providers
- Farm Supply Stores
So, if you are looking into a Heavy Duty Pallet Delivery Utility Trailer make sure you consider these factors. Since small order pallet deliveries are increasing your delivery services are sure to be in high demand.