Publish Date: 21 September 2022

Not every semi-trailer is ideal. Investing in the correct semi-trailer will save you time and hassle in the long run.

Getting a semi-truck trailer too large for your current shipments can waste room and cost you in petrol. Inadequate trailers entail extra journeys and late delivery.

Read on for a detailed guide to semi-trailers.

Flatbed trailers

Due to their adaptability, flatbed trailers are among the most popular semi-trailers you will encounter on the road. They can handle up to 21,000 kg and can be up to 16 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. Due to its size and adaptability, it is used to transport items that don’t need to be covered or protected from the elements. Because they are accessible from the top and all sides, loading and unloading are also simplified. However, securing goods should take precedence because there is no enclosure to safeguard movable objects. Moreover, driving may be more challenging because big trucks often carry heavy loads.

Low Loader Trailers

Low-loader trailers are the trailers that sit on the ground the least. This is how it is made so that it is easy to load and unload things like tractors.

Extendable Trailers

Extendable trailers are more flexible than flatbed trailers because they accommodate varied loads. When not towing a large cargo, the trailer may be configured smaller, making the truck more maneuverable.

Drop Deck Trailer

Drop deck trailers are a type of flatbed trailer. They are open to the weather and have two different levels. Most of the time, they are used to load big pieces of farm or industrial equipment, but it can also be used in general freight and bales of hay. Most of the time, they come with a hydraulic rear ramp that makes it easier to load and unload.

Drop Deck Wideners

There are also drop deck wideners you can buy. These have two levels, the top one fixed and the bottom one low to the ground. With drop deck wideners, the lower deck can get bigger or smaller depending on how wide the load is. This is good to use in moving any large industrial equipment.

Enclosed Trailers

This trailer, also known as a dry van, is the second most common semi-trailer on the road. Enclosed trailers safeguard weather-sensitive consumer items and freight; they’re not climate-controlled and not designed for temperature-sensitive goods. These trailers are easier to secure than flatbeds since the enclosed walls protect items from shifting during shipment. Because there’s less area to maneuver, loading and unloading take longer.

Tank Trailers

These tank-shaped trucks convey liquid or dry bulk material. This trailer is commonly used for gas transport, and these heavy trailers require highly qualified drivers. Gas transporters must be aware of heightened accident hazards.

Refrigerated Trailers

Reefers are refrigerated trailers. These temperature-controlled trailers are great for transporting food and drinks that must be kept cool. Maximum weight and dimensions match enclosed trailers. They’re great for heat-sensitive electronics and medical supplies like blood or plasma. They require more maintenance than ordinary trailers since they have refrigerated units, and food and medical supplies require more regular cleaning.