5 Types of Trailers Used in Truck Transportation

1. General Benefits of Trailers in Truck Transportation
2. Types of Trailers Used in Truck Transportation
3. Flatbed trailers
4. Benefits of using a flatbed trailer for transporting cargo
5. Transporting vehicles
6. Transporting construction equipment
7. Transporting lumber
8. Dry van trailers
9. Reefer trailers
10. Suitable cargo for reefer trailers
11. Advantages of using a reefer trailer
12. Disadvantages of a reefer trailer
13. Tanker trailers
14. Transportation of crude oil
15. Transportation of other types of liquids
16. Advantages of using tanker trailers
17. Car carrier trailers
18. Tips for Choosing a Trailer for Your Truck Transport Needs
19. The type of cargo you'll be transporting
20. The size of your cargo
21. The distance you'll be traveling
22. The amount of time your cargo will spend in transit
23. Your budget
24. The weather conditions
25. Your truck

When it comes to truck transportation, trailers are an essential part of the process. Different types of trailers can be used, depending on the type of freight being transported.

In this article, we will discuss five common trailer types that are used in truck transportation. We will briefly describe each type and explain why it is commonly used in this industry.

General Benefits of Trailers in Truck Transportation

In order to increase carrying capacity, many trucking companies use trailers. There are many benefits of using trailers in truck transportation and some of them are listed below:

• They help increase the carrying capacity: This is one of the main reasons trailers are used in truck transportation. By using trailers, companies can increase their carrying capacity without investing in more trucks.
• They help reduce fuel costs: Since trailers make it possible to transport more goods at once, they also help reduce fuel costs per unit transported.
• They help reduce wear and tear on trucks: By using trailers, companies can reduce the amount of wear and tear on their trucks since the trailers will take most of the weight.
• They are easy to load and unload: Trailers are designed in such a way that they can be easily loaded and unloaded. This helps to save a lot of time and labor costs.
• They are available in different sizes: Trailers come in different sizes, making it possible to transport both small and large loads.
• They can be used for multiple trips: Once a trailer is loaded, it can be used for multiple trips before it needs to be reloaded.
• They offer better security: Trailers provide better security for the goods being transported as they are more challenging to break into. This is important for companies that are transporting valuable or perishable goods.

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to transport your goods, investing in a cargo trailer is wise. With so many benefits, it's no wonder that trailers have become an essential part of the trucking industry.

5 Types of Trailers Used in Truck Transportation

Here are the common types of trailers used in truck transportation:

1) Flatbed trailers

A flatbed trailer is a type of truck trailer with a flat, level surface used to transport cargo that must be loaded and unloaded from the side or top.

Benefits of using a flatbed trailer for transporting cargo

• The flat surface allows for easy loading and unloading of heavy items.
• The flatbed cargo trailer can be positioned close to the ground, making it easier to load and unload heavy loads.
• Flatbed trailers are less likely to tip over than other types of trailers.
• Finally, flatbed trailers can be easily customized to accommodate different types of freight.

Flatbed trailers are suitable for transporting vehicles, construction equipment, and lumber.

Transporting vehicles

Flatbed trailers are used for transporting vehicles because they offer several advantages over other trailers. Here are three reasons why flatbed trailers are a good choice for transporting vehicles:

• Easy loading and unloading of vehicles: There is no need to worry about aligning the vehicle with the trailer, as you would with an enclosed trailer. Instead, you can drive the vehicle onto the flatbed trailer. This makes loading and unloading much faster and easier, which is essential when you're transporting multiple vehicles.
• Better protection for your vehicles: When your vehicles are loaded onto a flatbed trailer, they are less likely to be damaged during transport than they would be if they were loaded onto an open trailer. This is because the flatbed trailer provides a more stable and secure platform for your vehicles.
• Resistant to road hazards: Flatbed trailers are less likely to be damaged in transit than other types of trailers, hence protecting the vehicles being transported. The flatbed trailer's design makes it more resistant to road hazards such as potholes and debris.

Transporting construction equipment

Because of their versatility, flatbed trailers can transport heavy equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery.

Flatbed trailers are typically made from steel or aluminum and have a flatbed with sides that can be either solid or open. The solid sides provide more protection for the equipment being transported, while the open sides allow easier loading and unloading.

When selecting a flatbed trailer for your construction equipment, you should consider the type of equipment you will be transporting, the weight of the equipment, and the distance you will be traveling.

Transporting lumber

Here are three reasons why flatbed trailers are commonly used to transport lumber:

• Flatbed trailers have a large carrying capacity and can transport a large amount of lumber without making multiple trips.
• Flatbed trailers can be quickly loaded and unloaded because the loading and unloading process doesn't require any special equipment.
• Flatbed trailers are very versatile. They can be used to transport lumber of all different sizes and shapes, making them ideal for transporting lumber that needs to be cut or shaped in a specific way.

2) Dry van trailers

Dry van trailers are used to transport goods that are not subject to weather conditions or temperature changes. The most common commodities transported in dry van trailers include:

• General merchandise
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Automotive parts
• Furniture
• Clothing

One of the main reasons why dry van trailers are so popular is because they offer a high level of protection for the freight that they are transporting. Here's how:

• The trailer walls are typically made from thick plywood or metal, which helps keep the contents inside safe and secure during transit.
• The doors on dry van trailers are often equipped with locking mechanisms to deter theft or damage further.

Dry van trailers are used in truck transportation because they are less expensive than refrigerated trailers and are easier to load and unload than flatbed trailers.

As you can see, dry van trailers are a versatile option for truck transportation. If you need to transport not temperature-sensitive goods, a dry van trailer is likely the best option for you.

3) Reefer trailers

Reefer trailers transport perishable items and food products that need to be kept at a specific temperature. The trailer has a refrigeration unit that regulates the temperature inside the trailer.

Suitable cargo for reefer trailers:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Dairy products

Advantages of using a reefer trailer

• It can keep the cargo fresh and free from spoilage during transportation.
• It protects the cargo from extreme temperatures which can damage or ruin the quality of the product.
• It can be used to store perishable items at a warehouse or distribution center.

Disadvantages of a reefer trailer:

• The refrigeration unit uses a lot of energy and can be expensive.
• The trailer can be challenging to clean and maintain.

If you need to transport perishable items, a reefer trailer is the best option. It will keep your cargo fresh and free from spoilage during transportation.

4) Tanker trailers

Tanker trailers are some of the most commonly used vehicles on the road when it comes to transporting liquids and gases in bulk quantities. Though their designs vary greatly, they all serve the same purpose: to haul large amounts of liquid or gaseous freight from one location to another.

Transportation of crude oil

One of the most common liquids that tanker trailers are used to transport is crude oil. These tankers typically range from 50,000 to 100,000 gallons (190,000 to 380,000 liters).

They often have multiple compartments that can be used to carry different grades or types of oil, and they're equipped with special fittings and pumps that make it easy to load and unload their contents.

Transportation of other types of liquids

Tanker trailers are also frequently used to transport other liquids like propane, water, and even milk. These tankers typically have load capacities of around 40,000 to 50,000 gallons (150,000 to 190,000 liters).

They often have a single large compartment that holds an entire load of liquid cargo, though some may have multiple smaller compartments for carrying different types of liquids simultaneously.

Advantages of using tanker trailers

• They're highly efficient at transporting large amounts of liquid or gaseous cargo.
• They're relatively easy to load and unload, making them a convenient option for many businesses.
• Tanker trailers are designed to be durable and weather-resistant so that they can stand up to the rigors of the open road.

If your business regularly needs to transport large amounts of liquid or gaseous cargo, investing in a tanker trailer is wise. The advantages given above will make transporting your cargo a breeze.

5) Car carrier trailers

Car carrier trailers are used specifically for transporting cars and other vehicles. They are large and can carry up to 12 vehicles at a time.

In addition, they have specialized features such as loading ramps and winches that make them well-suited for this type of cargo.

Car carrier trailers are typically used by:

• Car dealerships
• Rental companies
• Other businesses that need to transport multiple vehicles at once

There are many reasons why multi-car trailers are the preferred method of transportation for cars and they are the following:

• Car carrier trailers are large. They can carry up to 12 vehicles simultaneously, which is perfect for businesses that need to transport multiple cars.
• Car trailers have loading ramps and winches. This specialized equipment allows them to load and unload cars quickly and safely.
• They protect vehicles from the elements. If you're transporting cars across the country during inclement weather, you'll want to ensure that your vehicles are protected from the rain, snow, and wind. Car carrier trailers will keep your cars dry and safe while in transit.
• Carrier trailers can save businesses money on shipping costs. If you need to transport multiple cars, it's much cheaper to do so in one trip with a car carrier trailer than shipping each car individually.

A car carrier trailer is the best option if you need to transport multiple cars. They are specifically designed for this type of cargo and have the necessary features to do the job right.

Tips for Choosing a Trailer for Your Truck Transport Needs

When choosing a cargo trailer for your truck transport needs, there are many factors to consider. Consider the following factors to choose the right one:

The type of cargo you'll be transporting

This is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a trailer. You'll need to decide if you're transporting liquid or gaseous cargo, dry goods, or vehicles. Each type of trailer is designed for specific types of cargo, so it's essential to choose the right one.

The size of your cargo

The size of your cargo will determine the size of the trailer you'll need. Make sure to take accurate measurements of your cargo so that you can choose a large enough trailer to accommodate it.

The distance you'll be traveling

The distance you'll be traveling will also affect the type of trailer you choose. For example, if you're only transporting cargo a short distance, you won't need as large or durable of a trailer as someone transporting cargo across the country.

The amount of time your cargo will spend in transit

This is an essential factor to consider if you're transporting perishable goods. If your cargo spends a long time in transit, you'll need to choose a refrigerated trailer, so your goods don't spoil.

Your budget

Of course, your budget will also play a role in choosing a trailer. There are many different types of trailers available, so it's essential to find one that fits within your budget.

The weather conditions

You'll also need to consider the weather conditions when choosing a trailer. For example, if you're transporting cargo during inclement weather, you'll need to choose a cargo trailer that's designed to withstand the elements.

Your truck

Finally, you'll need to ensure that your chosen trailer is compatible with your truck. Some trailers are only compatible with certain types of trucks, so checking before making your purchase is essential.

By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you can be sure that you'll choose the right trailer for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Many different types of trailers are available on the market, so it's essential to do your research before making a purchase. By considering the type of cargo you'll be transporting, the distance you'll be traveling, and the weather conditions, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect trailer type for your needs.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we offer an array of shipping services for individuals and businesses. We offer roll-on, roll-off transport, container shipping, overland transport, air freight, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive shipping services. We make our customers' interests our number one priority, and we would be happy to serve you.