How to Choose the Right Specialized Shipping Equipment for the Job

No two shipments are ever the same. Freight comes in all shapes, sizes, and sensitivities. The equipment that moves it can make the difference between a smooth delivery and one that turns into a headache. 

Whether you’re managing daily outbound loads or coordinating time-critical deliveries for a customer, the right equipment isn’t just a detail—it’s the foundation of a successful shipment.

That’s where specialized shipping comes in. 

Standard trailers and dry vans handle most freight, but some loads call for something more tailored: a liftgate for dock-less deliveries, a curtainside for flexible loading, or a double drop for oversized freight that can’t fit in a standard trailer. 

Choosing correctly means your freight arrives safely, securely, and on schedule.

What Specialized Shipping Means—and Why It Matters

Specialized shipping covers any freight move that requires nonstandard equipment, handling, or planning. 

It’s designed for the shipments that can’t simply offload onto a dock with a forklift or load neatly into a standard trailer. That might mean oversized machinery that needs an open trailer to offload, or floor loaded shipments that need hand offload, or high-value equipment that demands extra protection.

The key is precision: 

• When the wrong equipment is used, even a straightforward shipment can turn costly fast
• Damaged freight, missed delivery windows, rescheduling fees, and frustrated customers are all common results. 

Specialized equipment, on the other hand, ensures that your freight receives the attention it deserves from pickup to the final mile.

The best carriers and logistics partners don’t just quote a rate and assign a truck—they ask questions. 

They consider many elements before recommending equipment: 

• Freight type
• Delivery access
• Weather conditions
• Driver expertise 

That’s the difference between a vendor that moves freight and a partner that moves your business forward.

4 Common Specialized Equipment Types (and When to Use Them)

Choosing the right equipment starts with understanding what’s available—and what each option is designed to do. 

Here’s a look at some of the most common specialized trailers and when they make the most sense.

1. Liftgate

A liftgate is a hydraulic platform mounted to the back of a truck that raises and lowers freight between ground level and the trailer bed.

When to use it: When the pickup or delivery location doesn’t have a loading dock or forklift.

What is a liftgate ideal for: Palletized goods, retail locations, trade show materials, or any shipment going to a commercial or residential site without dock access.

Why it matters: Liftgates reduce manual handling, minimize risk of damage or injury, and keep deliveries moving smoothly.

2. Curtainside Trailer

A curtainside trailer combines the accessibility of a flatbed with the protection of an enclosed van. It features retractable side curtains that enable fast and flexible side loading and unloading.

When to use it: When freight needs weather protection but must be loaded from the side.

What is a curtainside trailer ideal for: Building materials, machinery, or mixed freight with different dimensions.

Why it matters: Curtainsides protect freight from the elements while speeding up loading—especially valuable at crowded docks or construction sites.

3. Double Drop Trailer

A double drop trailer features two deck “drops,” creating a low center section (called the well) that can accommodate taller loads.

When to use it: When freight height exceeds standard trailer limits but must stay within DOT regulations.

What is a double drop trailer ideal for: Industrial machinery, large tanks, or structural components.

Why it matters: Double drops keep over-height freight secure and compliant, often eliminating the need for special escorts or permits.

4. RGN Trailer (Removable Gooseneck)

An RGN, or Removable Gooseneck Trailer, detaches at the front, allowing freight to be driven or rolled directly onto the deck.

When to use it: When moving heavy, self-propelled, or wheeled equipment.

What is a RGN trailer ideal for: Construction vehicles, cranes, agricultural machines, or mining equipment.

Why it matters: RGNs simplify loading, improve safety, and support extremely heavy or awkward freight with ease.

How S-2 Helps You Choose the Right Equipment

Of course, there are many other types of specialized delivery needs and equipment and with numerous options and unique needs, it can be challenging to determine which equipment best suits the job. That’s where experience matters.

At S-2, our team looks beyond the basics of weight and dimensions. We consider your full shipping picture to pair your freight with the equipment that makes sense:

• Pickup conditions
• Delivery access
• Weather
• Handling requirements

Before a load ever leaves the dock, we’ve already thought through how to protect it.

That attention to detail is part of what sets us apart. We don’t hand off a shipment and hope for the best; we stay connected, communicating clearly from start to finish. 

You’ll always know where your freight is, what’s next, and who to call if anything changes.

For customers managing multiple locations or handling unique freight, that kind of reliability saves more than time—it builds confidence. Whether you’re coordinating a single expedited shipment or evaluating long-term transportation partners, our goal is to ensure your freight moves safely, efficiently, and with integrity.

The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Equipment

The wrong equipment or handling protocol can turn a routine delivery into an expensive problem. Freight that doesn’t fit, isn’t properly secured, or can’t be unloaded at its destination can create a chain reaction of delays, rework, and additional costs.

• For example: Loading an oversized item into a standard dry van might seem like a shortcut—until the carrier realizes it can’t get it off the truck at its destination. Using a flatbed (untarped) for weather-sensitive freight can lead to water damage and rejected deliveries. Even something as simple as skipping a liftgate can result in missed appointments or damaged goods at dockless sites.

Each misstep adds up and can result in:

• Rescheduling fees
• Claims
• Lost production time
• Frustrated customers

And those costs extend beyond the shipment—they can impact your reputation and relationships.

Partner with S-2 for Specialized Freight

Specialized freight demands more than access to equipment—it requires expertise, foresight, and consistent communication. That’s exactly what you get with S-2.

Our network includes every major trailer and equipment type—dry vans, flatbeds, liftgates, curtainsides, conestogas, double drops, RGNs, and more—so no matter how complex your shipment, we can arrange a reliable solution. 

We carefully vet every carrier to ensure compliance, safety, and performance, giving you confidence that your freight is in capable hands.

But the real difference is our approach: 

• We take the time to understand your shipment, not just provide a quote. 
• We listen, ask the right questions, and recommend solutions that strike a balance between efficiency and protection. 
• From dock to destination, our team offers transparent updates and real-time support, so you’re never left guessing.

When you partner with S-2, you gain more than a transportation provider—you gain a team that treats your freight like their own. 

Ready to Find the Right Equipment for Your Next Shipment?

Do you have freight that doesn’t fit the standard mold? Let’s find the right equipment for the job.