What kind of trucking you do will have everything to do with the kind of semi-trailer you purchase. Jobs that are considered more specialized frequently require trailers with maintenance requirements that are equally specialized. It’s important to know the uses of the different styles of trailers before you purchase one.
It’s a big decision, figuring out which trailer to buy. Particularly if you are new to the trucking industry, you may not be familiar with the different types of semi-trailers out there. Never fear. Below you will find a general but informative listing and description of different types of trailers.
Trailers and Their Categories
Trailers can be put into categories. And within those categories, trailers can be further broken down and sorted by their specialized characteristics. New truckers must be acquainted with what typical types of trailers have to offer in order to make an informed decision. The type of trailer you purchase will be in direct correlation with whatever job you intend to do with it. Every trailer has pros and cons.
Tank Trailers
Uses/characteristics:
- Transporting dry bulk cargo, liquid, or gaseous
- Available in food grade tanks (sans baffles)
- Haul dangerous cargo
Cons:
- In all weather conditions, very active unloading and loading
- High center of gravity makes them difficult to operate
- To transport hazardous materials, extra training is needed
- Certain fuels and chemicals are more dangerous during transportation
Pros:
- Depending on what substance you are transporting, the pay can be better
- Due to the close proximity of deliveries, tanker operators can usually return home on a regular basis
- Haulers can transport loads not suitable for other trailers
Lowboy Trailers
Uses/characteristics:
- Hauling cargo that would be in excess of legal height limits for other trailers
- Because of their low center of gravity, used to move heavy vehicles and transport machinery
Cons:
- Cargo securing is extremely physically demanding
- Compared to other flatbeds, less space for cargo
- Improperly secured cargo is always a high risk
Pros:
- Higher pay for lowboy drivers
- Drivers are assisted by the low center of gravity
- Easier to unload and load
- Capable of carrying taller cargo
Flatbed Trailers
Uses/characteristics:
- Flatbeds can carry cargo that won’t fit in a dry van
- Bulky items fit better due to absence of sides and top
- Several ways of unloading and loading
Cons:
- Unloading and loading large loads are more physically demanding
- Oversized cargo can mean increased driving difficulty
- For safety, meticulous securing of cargo is necessary
Pros:
- Higher pay for flatbed trucking
- Unloading and loading process is simple
- Many types of cargo can be hauled
Refrigerated Trailer
Uses/characteristics:
- Commonly referred to as “refers”
- Temperature within the cargo space can be controlled
- Transport products that would be damaged or spoil without specific temperature being maintained
- Transport food, medical supplies, computers, and other technologies that are sensitive to high temperatures
Cons:
- Due to operator error or malfunction, lost goods are a higher possibility
- After every load, additional cleaning required
- Maintenance is required at a higher level
Pros:
- In high demand
- As needed, can also carry dry goods
- This is the only kind of trailer that can carry a very specified type of cargo needing exacting conditions
Dry Van Trailers
Uses/characteristics:
- As trailers go, this is the most common
- From 30 to 50 feet, come in a variety of lengths
- Fully enclosed
- Transport electronics, clothing, and more
- Cargo is fully protected from the elements
Cons:
- Once at the destination, unloading and loading frequently require help
- Compared to other trailer operators, slightly less pay for dry van operators
Pros:
- Numerous major carriers use these, so opportunities are easier to find
- Cargo is protected from the weather and easily secured
- Higher frequency of opportunities of drop-and-hook
- When it comes to cargo, this trailer can haul most types and is incredibly versatile
At Mickey Genuine Parts, we carry a multitude of trailers – both used and new. Additionally, we carry parts, components, accessories, and more to go with your trailer, van, truck, etc. And if you ever need help with maintenance, we have numerous certified service centers located throughout the United States of America. Contact us at Mickey today to see how we can be of assistance with your needs pertaining to your trailer or other transport vehicle.