If you’re looking to get into trucking, you need to do your research. The type of semi-trailer you purchase dictates what kind of trucking you’ll be doing. Certain trailers come with specific maintenance requirements and give you the opportunity to handle more specialized jobs. Before you commit to a purchase, learn about the different types of semi-trailers and their popular uses.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make with your trailer is whether to purchase new or used. If you’re thinking of purchasing a used trailer, read our guide covering everything you need to know before buying a used trailer.
Different Categories of Trailers
There are many categories of trailers and within those categories exist a variety of extremely specialized trailers. For a new trucker, it’s important to learn about the popular types of trailers and what they offer, so you can decide on which type of trailer best suits the jobs that interest you. Review these types of trailers and their benefits and drawbacks as you plan to start your career:
Dry Van Trailers
These semi-trailers are the most common type of trailer, and you typically see a handful of them any time you’re on the road. They’re fully enclosed, and come in a variety of lengths from approximately 30 to 50 feet. Dry Van Trailers are used to ship a large volume of products, from clothing to electronics and more. Their design protects cargo from the weather, but lacks the ability to transport shipments requiring specific temperature control.
Pros of Dry Van Trailers:
- Incredibly versatile and can haul most types of cargo
- Higher frequency of drop-and-hook opportunities
- Easily secured cargo that’s protected from weather
- Easier to find opportunities with major carriers
Cons of Dry Van Trailers:
- Dry van operators earn slightly less on average than many other trailer operators
- Frequently required to help load/unload cargo at destinations
Refrigerated/Reefer Trailer
A refrigerated trailer, known as a “reefer,” is similar to a dry van but comes equipped with a refrigeration unit that can control the temperature of the cargo. These are used to transport a variety of products that could otherwise spoil or be damaged without maintaining a specific temperature. While most people think of them as food trailers, they’re also used for medical supplies like blood or plasma, as well as computers or other technology that could be damaged by extreme heat.
Pros of Refrigerated Trailers:
- The only type of trailer that can carry certain cargo
- Can carry dry goods too if needed
- High-demand
Cons of Refrigerated Trailers:
- Higher level of maintenance required
- Additional cleaning required after every load
- Higher potential for lost goods due to malfunction or operator error
Flatbed Trailers
Not all cargo can be easily fit into a dry van, which is where flatbed trailers come in. Flatbeds don’t have tops or sides, which allows them to carry bulky items that would be unable to fit inside of a dry van trailer. Because they’re completely open, they are extremely versatile in the cargo they can carry, and loading or unloading can be done in several ways that best fit the cargo.
Pros of Flatbed Trailers:
- Can haul many types of cargo
- Simple loading/unloading process
- Pay for flatbed trucking is often higher
Cons of Flatbed Trailers:
- Securing cargo must be done meticulously for safety
- Driving can be more difficult due to large cargo
- Large loads are more physically demanding for loading/unloading
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers are a type of flatbed trailer that has the bed very low to the ground. In most cases, they are used to haul cargo that would otherwise be too tall for legal height limits. Lowboys are often used to transport machinery and heavy vehicles, as they’re easy to load and the low center of gravity helps keep them safe for drivers.
Pros of Lowboy Trailers:
- Can carry taller cargo
- Easier to load/unload
- Lower center of gravity helps drivers
- Pay for lowboy drivers can be higher
Cons of Lowboy Trailers:
- High risks for improperly secured cargo
- Less space for cargo than other flatbeds
- Securing cargo is very physically demanding
Tank Trailers
Tank trailers are often used for transporting gaseous, liquid, or dry bulk cargo. Recognizable for their typically cylindrical tanks, they’re commonly seen on the road transporting fuels. These highly specialized trailers often include baffles that help prevent motion of the cargo, though food grade tanks do not, as it makes them more difficult to keep clean for health standards. Tankers can be difficult to operate due to the high center of gravity, as well the potentially dangerous cargo they haul.
Pros of Tank Trailers:
- Can haul unique loads not suited for other trailers
- Tanker operators often work close enough to return home regularly
- The pay can be better, depending on the type of substance being transported
Cons of Tank Trailers:
- Some chemicals or fuels are more dangerous to transport
- Extra training is required to transport hazardous materials
- Very active loading/unloading in all weather conditions
Importance of Choosing the Right Trailer
Planning the type of semi-trailer that you’ll be using is critical because it can have a big effect on how you get started and where you could eventually go in your career. Primarily, where you work and who you work for will be heavily dependent on what type of driver you want to be. Certain types of trailers have more plentiful opportunities, such as dry vans, while others can offer better income.
Another consideration is the type of training and maintenance that will be required. While you’ll essentially always need your Class A CDL, you may need additional training and classifications to transport hazardous materials. You often benefit from this additional training through higher paying opportunities, but it does increase your initial investment, and additional recurring training on your career path.
Do You Have Questions? Contact Semi Service Today!
If you’re thinking of buying your first trailer and don’t know where to start, we can help answer your questions and guide you to finding the right trailer.
Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!
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I never knew that lowboy trailers are useful for machinery and heavy vehicles, especially if they are too tall for legal height limits! My husband is thinking of starting a small transportation company and has been trying to think of what kind of trucks and trailers he would need to invest in. Your article has definitely reminded him that getting a lowboy trailer would be a good idea. Hopefully he can find some good ones!
I like how you said that you should plan out what kind of a trailer you want now because it could influence what you can haul later. Having a drop deck trailer wouldn't provide the same benefits as others, while other couldn't provide the same benefits as a drop deck for example. Knowing what you want and how you want it seems like it is a good way to do things.
Thank you for all the information about the different kinds of truck trailers. My son has been wondering about how many different types there were. I didn't even know there was this many different types. I found it interesting that there are lowboy trailers that are very low to the ground and are used to carry tall cargo.
What type of trailer would be best for transporting some horses across the state? My brother has some race horses he needs to get to Nevada but is not sure what the safest option is. I imagine he would choose something like a lowboy trailer.
I thought this was a really good introductory article explaining the various kinds of trailers. Great job!
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