New York Trucking Services FAQs

The type of trailer that we use to transport your freight depends entirely on the type of freight. Flatbed trailers are used for freight that will be unloaded at construction sites, or curbside when there is no loading dock. Flatbed trailers will normally be unloaded from the sides of a truck by a forklift or overhead crane. Dry van trailers are used when there is a loading dock at the destination, so that the equipment can be unloaded from the rear of the trailer. Some flatbed trailers also have liftgates, which we use to lower freight to the ground so that it can be rolled or transported with a pallet jack to the final location.

Flatbed trailers can vary in size from 22 feet to 48 feet. The deck height can vary as well, ranging from 18 inches to 48 inches. Dry van trailers can range from 28 feet to 53 feet. Depending on the size of your freight, a standard trailer may not suffice. In order to properly transport your freight, we’ll use one of our specially sized trailers.

Union trucking companies offer higher quality services than standard trucking companies in many ways. Union trucking companies are accepted before non-union companies because they work in the new construction industry. Other companies with union members prefer to accept their freight from union companies who deliver to them. The appointments and security on job sites are normally controlled by on-site stewards, who are also part of the same union as our trucking company.

Final mile delivery is the process of transporting freight handed off by an over the road driver from a cross dock to the final shipping destination. The final mile delivery process has rapidly grown in importance, primarily because the NYCDOT is deterring over the road trucking companies from entering the metro area. These 53 foot long trailers do not comply with the legal limits of the NYC area. With final mile delivery, we use day cab tractors, which are shorter in length. We specialize in final mile delivery for NYC construction sites.

Yes, our truck drivers have over 20 years of experience in the trucking industry. Because we are dedicated to trucking in NYC, our drivers are familiar with the risks imposed during this journey. They have acquired the driving skills and proper judgement necessary to facilitate safe freight transport. Our drivers are qualified, alert, cognizant of the area they are driving in, and have clean driving records.

Yes, our trucking company is adept in providing over-dimensional transport for freight that cannot fit on a standard-sized trailer. Regardless of the size of the freight, we can accommodate it. Our approach revolves around safety, as well as efficiency. Before beginning the process, we’ll conduct a route survey, which will help us to determine the best possible route for transportation. If the situation calls for it, then we’ll send along a pilot (escort) car. We’ll also secure any necessary permits. Items that frequently require over-dimensional transport include cooling towers, generators, and rooftop HVAC units.

No, our drivers take care to ensure that your freight arrives unscathed. Our dry van trailers are fully enclosed, keeping your freight out of the elements. Our flatbed trucks keep freight fully secure. All of our trucks are equipped with air ride suspension. We also perform routine maintenance work on our entire fleet, preventing any incidental damage. Our trucking company is fully insured, meaning that your freight will be covered if there is an incident beyond our control.

As a New York trucking company, we’re dedicated to delivering to NYC union job sites. So, we generally find ourselves delivering construction materials, machinery, glass, facades, steel, rebar, electrical equipment, and mechanical equipment. However, feel free to contact us about delivering items that do not fit this criteria, and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Yes, our trucking company has forklifts available to unload heavy and palletized freight. As a union trucking company, we are authorized by our union contract to unload the material we bring to a jobsite on our trailer. Forklifts can expedite the delivery process, especially when your job site is busy. We can also lower freight and equipment into your workspace. Forklifts range in capacity from 5,000 to 30,000 pounds. Our drivers are fully certified to operate forklifts.

Liftgates streamline the NYC union delivery process by quickly moving freight between the truck and the ground with ease. Shaped like a steel platform, these platforms are raised and lowered using hydraulics technology. Liftgates not only prevent injuries, but also minimize the risk in transporting freight, and do not disrupt workflow. Liftgates have a maximum capacity of 5,500 pounds.

Teamsters are members of a construction-related labor union. So, our drivers are part of the same organization as many of the construction professionals that we serve. The teamsters are a very strong and proud union with over 100 years of history, and are highly respected. This shared bond can also facilitate a faster loading or unloading process.

A route survey is an important logistical step that is necessary for transporting more complicated freight. The purpose of a route survey is to plan the precise route the driver will take when transporting freight. When properly performed, a route survey will help truckers to avoid overpasses, underpasses, small roads, and tight turns. We are sometimes forced to deviate from truck routes when delivering to new construction areas. Performing a route survey properly will also helps us to secure travel permits. Route surveys can go a long way in ensuring a safe, uneventful journey.

Yes, we go to great lengths to maintain our trucks. As required by the Department of Transportation, each driver does a pre- and post-trip inspection to the tractor as well as the trailer. We regularly inflate our tires to the appropriate psi level, replace batteries when necessary, perform cooling and electrical system maintenance when necessary, and replace hoses and belts that might cause potential issues. We also pay close attention to the condition of the wheels. Our licensed on-site mechanic inspects all of our vehicles, and has been working with us since we opened. This not only helps us to keep our trucks around for the long haul, but also minimizes the risk to your valuable freight.

Even if your freight will not fit on a standard sized trailer, we can take care of the delivery. Depending on the size of the freight, we may choose to use a step deck or stretch trailer. Step deck trailers accommodate freight that is taller, and requires additional height clearance. Stretch trailers can accommodate longer freight that will not fit on a trailer of a standard length. If the problem is more complex, we may have to practice over dimensional transport procedures.

When unloading freight, safety comes first, and is our top priority. That being said, we’re committed to completing this process in the shortest possible amount of time. The time that it takes to unload your freight will depend on the size of the freight, the equipment available, and a few other variables. We understand that to make progress in your job site, you need ample working space and prompt deliveries. So, all of our trucks are equipped with liftgates, which make unloading freestanding materials, machinery, and more a breeze. When possible, we also utilize forklifts, which are the ideal tool for unloading palletized materials and large quantities of building materials.

Yes. While most construction teams generally utilize our delivery services, we also rent out our trailers on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This is the perfect option for construction sites that need to store materials for long periods of time, or to transport materials on their own. Renting trailers for longer periods of time tends to be more economical.

In most cases, only over-dimensional transport journeys require a route survey. When engaged in over-dimensional transport, truckers must pay attention to external variables that may cause issues, as well as other laws. If your delivery requires a route survey, then we’ll be sure to contact you and coordinate it. We are adept at pre-planning for these occasions, and minimizing the risk of an incident occurring.

Yes, all of our trucks are fully equipped with air ride suspension technology. This special suspension system holds the dry van and the cab above the tires, with air that functions as a cushion between the two. This precaution minimizes the risk for damage.

Yes, Iron Horse Transport is fully licensed and insured, allowing us to provide the best possible services to our clients. We carry a $5,000,000 policy, which goes beyond the norm for trucking companies in the area. Most buildings in NYC require this coverage to make deliveries to their buildings and/or major job sites. In the event of an accident, our insurance will protect us, as well as your freight.

We pride ourselves on taking every measure possible to deliver your freight on time. However, as we mentioned before, safety is our top priority. If we determine that the driving conditions are unsafe due to rain or snow, then we will contact you to reschedule the delivery. If not, then our drivers will exercise great caution while driving in the inclement weather.

Yes. We have a secure facility with loading docks, forklifts and cranes to offload material from over-the-road carriers. Our facility also has indoor and outdoor storage options for your freight.

Our warehouse facility is conveniently located 2 miles outside of New York City on the border of Queens and Brooklyn. The neighborhood is truck-friendly, and easy to access for over-the-road carriers looking to use our cross-docking facility. Most carriers are located on Long Island, which increases windshield time and results in increased costs for your bottom line.

All of our drivers have a two-way radio, so communication with dispatch is fluid. All of our trucks are equipped with EZ passes, which enables us to track and record bridge crossings with great accuracy. Our trucks are also equipped with a GPS navigation system, so we can locate your freight at any moment.