Conestoga

When you hear the word ‘Conestoga’, what is the first thing you think of? Some may think of the origin of that word Conestoga, which historically included covered wagons. Before modern transportation, these covered wagons transported cargo across the United States. Today, a Conestoga has a modern meaning. Conestoga refers to a special type of flatbed trailer used in freight shipping which maintains a rolling tarp system to protect from the elements of Mother Nature. Flatbed remains one of the most popular choices in truckload shipping.

A Conestoga is special type of flatbed. It continues to provide the flexibility used for a traditional flatbed truck. But the rolling tarp system is used if you would like to protect against inclement weather. Essentially, the tarp system on a Conestoga is often compared to an accordion in its movement. The reason for the tarp being pushed from side to side, like an accordion, is to allow for easy loading and unloading of cargo on the truck. When transported correctly, the tarp won’t even touch or damage the cargo on the inside of the truck. And a Conestoga truck is good for all types of dry freight and any length of trip across the United States.

Sometimes shippers confuse a Conestoga with a Tautliner, which is a different type of truck with a tarp. The difference is that the tarp on the Tautliner is more like a curtain. If you need to book a Conestoga, they are rare. Consult your trusted freight forwarder so that they can locate one for your shipment.