With the wide array of trucks and trailers used to haul freight, you may find yourself unsure which one will do the best job for your particular load.
Every type of trailer is different than the next, and each is heavily dependent on the dimension and weight of your freight along with the specifications of the truck that will be pulling it.
Here is a list of each type of trucking trailer along with their specifications:
- Flat Bed Trailers: These trailers are very versatile, and normally have freight loaded from the tip, sides, and rear. They are ideal for bulky and durable shipments, like equipment and wood.
- Dry Van and Enclosed Trailers: Dry van trailers are usually enclosed, and protect freight from the elements. They are perfect for cargo that is sensitive to the weather, such as non-perishable food items.
- Reefers (Refrigerated Trailers): Reefer trailers are temperature controlled and enclosed, making them perfect for shipments that need refrigeration, like meat and fish.
- Lowboy Trailers: Lowboy trailers are most often used to carry tall goods, like industrial equipment. The items typically hauled by lowboy trailers are taller than the legal height of items that can be carried by flatbeds.
- Step Deck Trailers (Single Drop): Step deck trailers are a version of a flatbed trailer, and are designed to carry freight that can’t be hauled by a standard flatbed, typically because the goods are too tall.
- Extendable Flatbed Stretch Trailers: These trailers are yet again another version of a flat bed. Stretch trailers are used to carry goods that are too long to be carried by a standard trailer, and provide a lot of support – which helps to avoid overhanging freight.
- RGN Trailers: RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck, and these types of trailers are good for long and tall freight. The front is detachable, which allows the trailer to be dropped to the ground to create a ramp – allowing freight to be driven onto the trailer. The most common freight RGN trailers haul is vehicles.
- Stretch RGN Trailers: Stretch RGNs are exactly how they sound, a longer version of the standard RGN trailer. These trailers allow you to haul freight that is too long to be carried by a regular RGN trailer.
- Conestoga Trailers: Also known as curtain side trailers, Conestoga trailers have a rolling tarp system on their sides, which allows goods to be loaded from multiple angles. These tarps are great for keeping out the elements, and allow these trailers to haul special goods like art.
- Side Kit Trailers: Side kit trailers are used to carry loose goods that can’t be packaged, like wire coils, and goods like powders, coal, and crops. Typically the sides are made of plywood or fiberglass, and if your goods need protection a tarp can be pulled over top.
As you can see, there are a number of trailers that can carry virtually anything you need to ship. If you need to know specific dimensions of each trailer or their maximum capacities, you can find that information on our website here. If you need any assistance selecting the perfect trailer for your shipment, Freight Rate Central is here to help!
Though Freight Rate Central is centrally located in Idaho, we service all across the United States. We aim to provide the most efficient and economical shipping for all of our clients, and work with a number of servicers to ensure you get only the best rates no matter your shipping needs. We take care of the details both big and small, so you can rest easy with your shipments in our hands. Contact us today at 1-800-870-6294 to learn more about our services, or visit us online to request a free quote.
