What type of equipment do I need for my freight?
This blog post provides detailed descriptions of the most commonly used trailer types in the trucking industry.
Dry van
Dry van trailers are the most common trailers on the road. They are used to move a variety of goods in boxes, crates, pallets or even loose objects. These trailers help protect freight from the elements and are loaded through the rear doors. Typically they make pickups and deliveries using loading docks.
Reefer
Reefer trailers are very similar to dry van trailers with two major differences. Reefer trailers have insulated walls as well as sophisticated temperature controls to be able to safely haul perishable goods for long distances. Since they operate similarly to vans, occasionally dry goods will be loaded into a reefer trailer looking for a backhaul to where more refrigerated freight can be found.
Flat Deck
Flat deck trailers are the second most common trailer on the road and offer a lot of variety in what can be hauled. Often loaded trailers will require straps, chains, or other securement devices to hold the load down to the trailer. In cases where the freight needs to be protected from weather, tarps will be used to cover the load and keep the elements off of it. These trailers can be loaded and unloaded from any direction and this versatility allows them to pick up and deliver almost anywhere.
Step Deck
Step deck trailers are flat decks with an upper and lower tier with a large portion of the deck surface closer to the roadway than a typical flat deck trailer. The lower tier allows for these decks to be able to haul freight that requires additional height or lighter freight that can be stacked higher.
Auto-Hauler/Car-Carrier
Auto hauler/car-carrier are trailers used to transport multiple cars at once over long distances. They feature hydraulic lift systems for quick and safe loading and unloading, and advanced security features to protect the cars during transit. Auto Haulers are commonly used by car dealerships, manufacturers, and rental car companies to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiency.
Bottom/Side Dump
Bottom/side dumps are trailers designed for transporting and unloading loose materials, like gravel, sand, and asphalt from the side or the bottom. They come in different sizes and configurations and are commonly used in construction and mining industries. These trailers have hydraulic systems that enable them to tilt and dump their loads quickly and safely, making them efficient and versatile.
Roll-Tite/Conestoga
Roll-tite trailers also known as conestoga trailers are designed with a rolling tarp system that can quickly cover and uncover flat deck loads. Since the tarps never touch the freight it allows for the system to operate similar to a dry van with the advantage of being able to sideload/unload the way a flat deck allows.
Double Drop
Double drop trailers are specialized equipment meant for moving heavy machinery or other large objects that have concerns for height. They allow for freight to be hauled at a much lower ride height so taller objects can still be hauled legally.
Dry Bulk (Hopper)
Dry bulk (hopper) trailers are specialized vehicles used for transporting dry, granulated materials, such as grain, cement, and fertilizer. These trailers feature a large, hopper-shaped container that is designed to hold and transport bulk materials safely and efficiently. The hopper container has a bottom discharge system that allows for controlled and precise unloading of materials at the destination.
Dry Bulk Super-B (Hopper)
Dry bulk super-b (hopper) trailers are a type of double-trailer combination used for transporting dry, granulated materials in large quantities. These trailers are designed to maximize payload capacity while maintaining safety and compliance with transportation regulations. The Super-B Hopper trailers consist of two hoppers that are attached by a fifth wheel and are commonly used in the agriculture, mining, and construction industries for the transportation of bulk materials.
Dump Body/Transfer Box
Dump body/transfer box trailers are specialized for transporting and unloading loose materials, like sand, gravel, and debris. These trucks feature a dump bed or transfer box that can be tilted and emptied, making them efficient in construction, landscaping, and waste management industries. Dump Bodies have hydraulic lifting mechanisms, while Transfer Boxes are designed for efficient material transfer between locations.
Dump Truck
Dump Trucks are specialized vehicles that are designed for transporting and unloading bulk materials, such as sand, gravel, and dirt. They are commonly used in construction, mining, and waste management industries. These trucks feature a hydraulic lifting mechanism that allows the truck bed to be tilted and emptied for controlled and efficient unloading.
Heavy Haul/Over Dimensional
Heavy Haul/Over Dimensional trailers are specialized for transporting large and heavy cargo that exceed the standard size and weight limits for road transportation. These trucks are designed to handle and transport oversized equipment, machinery, and structures. Heavy Haul trucks typically require special permits and escorts due to their size and weight, and are commonly used in the construction, oil and gas, and wind energy industries.
Hotshot
Hotshot trucks are specialized vehicles used for the transportation of time-sensitive and urgent cargo, typically over short distances. These trucks are smaller than traditional semi-trucks, allowing for faster and more efficient delivery of smaller loads. Hotshot trucks are commonly used in the oil and gas, construction, and agriculture industries for the transportation of equipment, tools, and supplies.
Intermodal
Intermodal trailers are container boxes that operate very much like over-the-road dry van trailers. The major difference is that the box portion of the trailer is removable by crane and will typically move by rail or ocean transport for the majority of its journey. Trucks with chassis make up the pickup at origin and delivery at destination portions.
Liquid Bulk (Tanker)
Liquid bulk (tanker) trailers are designed for transporting liquids, such as oil, chemicals, and food-grade products. These tankers come in a variety of sizes and configurations and are commonly used in the transportation and delivery of bulk liquids to various industries. Liquid Bulk tankers feature a cylindrical tank that is mounted on a chassis and is equipped with safety and security features to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of the liquid cargo.
Liquid Bulk Super-B (tanker)
Liquid bulk super-b (tanker) trailers are a type of double-trailer combination used for the transportation of bulk liquids. These tankers consist of two cylindrical tanks attached by a fifth wheel. They are commonly used in the oil and gas industry for the transportation of fuel, crude oil, and other liquid products. Liquid Bulk Super B tankers are designed to maximize payload capacity and maintain compliance with transportation regulations while ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of the liquid cargo.
Livestock
Livestock trailers are specially designed to transport live animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. These trailers come in various sizes and configurations, designed to accommodate different types and sizes of animals. Livestock trailers have ventilation, water supply, and partitioning to ensure the safe transportation of animals. They are most commonly used in the agriculture and meat processing industries.
Logging
Logging trailers are used for the transportation of logs and timber from forests to sawmills or processing facilities. They feature a flatbed trailer or a self-loading mechanism that can lift and transport logs. Logging trucks are commonly used in the forestry industry and are designed with heavy-duty suspension systems and other features to ensure safe and efficient transportation of the logs.
Pole
Pole trailers are used to transport long, narrow materials such as poles, pipes, and lumber. These trailers feature a set of adjustable supports or cradles that can be moved to accommodate the length and weight of the cargo. Pole trailers are commonly used in the construction and utility industries for transporting poles and pipes used in infrastructure projects and require careful attention to weight distribution and securing of the cargo to ensure safe transportation.
Power Only
Power only refers to only the truck itself being requested by a client to complete a job. This will happen in cases where a client has their own trailer they want moved but don’t have a truck (power unit) available themselves.
RGN (Removable Gooseneck)
RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers are typically seen in the heavy hauling industry, mostly used to transport large machines and equipment. The removal of the gooseneck allows for heavy equipment to drive on or off the trailer safely and easily on varied terrain.
Side Kit
Side kits are specialized truck accessories designed to convert flatbed trailers into covered or enclosed trailers. These kits consist of metal panels, bows, and a tarp system that can be installed on the sides of the trailer to provide protection and security for the cargo. Side kits are commonly used in the transportation of construction materials, agricultural products, and other goods that require protection from the elements and secure transportation.
Sprinter Vans
Sprinter Vans are commercial vehicles that are designed for transporting dedicated cargo a variety of distances. They are known for their spacious interiors and versatility. Most of these vans are between 19 and 23 feet in length, making them easy to maneuver in urban areas and on highways. Sprinter Vans can be customized to meet a wide range of transport needs
Straight Truck
Straight trucks are smaller versions of dry van trailers attached directly to the frame of a truck power unit. These trucks are used for hauling a wide variety of freight similar to what dry vans haul but for smaller loads.
Super-B
Super-b trailers are a two-trailer combination where the lead trailer has a fifth wheel attachment to connect the rear trailer. This allows for a much longer trailer overall that can haul additional weight and still be able to safely and legally make corners and take regular truck routes.
Trombone
Trombone trailers are designed to transport oversized or heavy cargo that exceeds the length limits of traditional trailers. These trailers feature an adjustable section that can be extended or retracted to accommodate varying cargo lengths. Trombone trailers are commonly used in the transportation of construction equipment, machinery, and other large items that require a custom fit.