A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Semi Trailers

Not every semi truck trailer is perfect for every job. Whether you're moving furniture, food and beverage, sporting equipment, or more, investing in the right semi trailer will save you a lot of time and frustration in the future.

For instance, purchasing a semi truck trailer that's too large for your current shipments won't be utilising the space efficiently and will cost you in gas over the long run. However, you don't want a semi trailer that's inadequate for the job–this means more frequent trips and late shipments. 

With this in mind, read on for our complete guide on the different types of semi trailers available today! 

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are some of the most common semi trailers that you'll see on the road because of their versatility. They can hold a maximum of 21,000 kg and can be a maximum of 16 metres long and 2.5 metres across.

They often carry flat steel and coiled steel but due to their size and versatility, they can be used to carry a variety of products that don't need to be enclosed and protected from the weather or climate. They also have an easier loading and unloading process due to the fact that they're completely accessible on the top and on all sides. 

However, securing cargo should be prioritised since there isn't the protection of an enclosure to hold shifting items. Driving may also prove to be more difficult because these trailers are typically holding extremely heavy cargo. 

Drop Deck Trailer

Drop deck trailers are a specific kind of flatbed trailer. They are completely open to the elements and also contain two different levels. They're often used to load large industrial or farm equipment, but they can also be used for general freight as well as hay and cotton bales. They often come with a hydraulic rear ramp to make loading and unloading easier. 

Drop Deck Wideners

Drop deck wideners are also available. These come with two different levels where the top level is fixed and the bottom level is low to the ground. With drop deck wideners, the lower deck can widen depending on the width of the load. This is great for any kind of oversized industrial equipment.

The decks can widen to up to four metres and they often come with single, bi-fold, or heavy-duty ramps to make loading equipment easier. 

Low Loader Trailers

Low loader trailers are the lowest to the ground trailers that you can find. This design is so that they can easily load and unload industrial equipment such as tractors. 

Extendable Trailers

Extendable trailers give you even more flexibility than a regular flatbed trailer because of their ability to extend in order to take different loads. This is easier on drivers as well because if they're not hauling a long load, the trailer is configurable to a smaller size so that the truck is more maneuverable.  

Enclosed Trailers

Dry van, or enclosed trailers, are probably the second most popular semi trailers you'll see on the road. The benefit of an enclosed trailer is they help protect consumer products and other cargo that is sensitive to the weather and climate. However, they're not climate-controlled inside and aren't meant for cargo that needs specific temperatures. 

One great aspect of these trailers is that they're easier to secure than flatbeds—if an item shifts during transport, there's at least the protection that the enclosed walls provide. Loading and unloading cargo also takes more time than flatbed trailers because there's less room to maneuver. 

These can hold a maximum of 20,000 kg. Just like flatbed trailers, their maximum length is 16 metres long, but they are slightly narrower. 

Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trailers are also known as reefers. These trailers are completely temperature-controlled and are ideal for hauling any kind of food or beverage that requires climate-controlled transportation to keep their quality. The maximum weight and size are the same as enclosed trailers. 

They're also ideal for electronics that can become damaged in the heat or medical supplies such as blood or plasma. Because they come with refrigeration units, they require far more regular maintenance than any other kind of trailer. They also need to be cleaned more frequently, especially if they carry food or medical supplies. 

Tank Trailers

Just as the name describes, these trailers are shaped like tanks and transport any kind of liquid or dry bulk cargo. They're most commonly used to transport gas.

Highly trained drivers need to drive these kinds of trailers because their weight makes it more difficult to drive. Drivers that are transporting gas also need to be mindful of the increased dangers if they get into an accident. 

Choosing the Right Types of Semi Trailers

Now that you know about some of the most common types of semi trailers on the market today, you'll need to know how to choose the right one. It's important that you first consider the products you'll be hauling.

Frozen products need to be refrigerated so they won't spoil. Electronics hauled across long distances may also need the extra protection that a refrigerated trailer can provide. 

However, if you find you normally haul consumer products such as clothes, toys, and products that aren't perishable, then an enclosed trailer will serve you well. Lastly, flatbed trailers are the most versatile when it comes to loading large industrial equipment that won't be affected by inclement weather. 

Ready to begin shopping for top quality trailers? Take a look at our offering of flat deck trailers and more!