TRAILER TYPES

Key choices in the trucking industry for 2025

• Jan 25- 2025

The trucking industry relies heavily on choosing the right trailer type to transport cargo efficiently and safely. With advancements in technology and logistics, knowing the most common trailer types used in 2025 can make or break your shipping operations. From oversized machinery to temperature-sensitive goods, each trailer type offers unique advantages tailored to specific freight needs.

Let’s explore the top trailer types dominating the industry, their uses, and why they matter.

Dry Van Trailers: The Backbone of Everyday Freight

Dry van trailers are the most popular option for shipping palletized, boxed, or loose commodities. These trailers, typically 48 or 53 feet long, are fully enclosed, protecting cargo from weather and road debris.

Key Applications:

• Non-perishable goods, clothing, and household items.
• Often used by major retailers like Walmart and Target.

With a weight capacity of 42,000-45,000 pounds and compatibility with loading docks, they are perfect for shippers requiring convenience and safety. However, they cannot accommodate oversized or heavy freight due to their fixed dimensions.

Flatbed Trailers: Versatility for Oversized Cargo

Flatbed trailers stand out among other trailer types for their open design, making them the ideal choice for oversized or irregularly-shaped freight. These trailers, available in sizes ranging from 24 to 53 feet, allow for easy loading from the back, sides, or above.

Why Flatbeds Matter

• Maximum weight capacity: 48,000 pounds.
• Freight height/width limit: 8 feet, 6 inches.
• Ideal for steel, construction materials, and machinery.

Flatbeds are a favourite for flatbed trucking companies because they support oversized loads with proper permits. Their open-deck design makes them the go-to solution for freight that doesn’t fit into enclosed trailers. However, cargo on flatbeds is exposed to weather, requiring durable tarps for protection.

For those seeking reliable flatbed carriers, MGA International ensures secure delivery using highly-trained drivers and well-maintained vehicles.

Refrigerated Trailers (Reefers): A Temperature-Controlled Solution

Refrigerated trailers, commonly referred to as reefers, cater to cargo requiring strict temperature control. Their insulated walls and cooling systems make them indispensable for industries transporting perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and frozen items.

Features and Specifications:

• Weight capacity: 42,000-45,000 pounds.
• Height and width constraints: Max height of 8 feet, 2 inches and max width of 8 feet, 2 inches.

Although reefers offer protection against spoilage, they come with higher operational costs influenced by seasonal demand and cargo type. Despite these costs, their versatility allows for use as standard dry vans when refrigeration is not needed.

 

Also Read-

Flatbed Trucking – Everything You Need to Know

FLATBED TRUCKING The preferred method of transport for construction materials

FLATBED TRUCKING Simplifying your day-to-day operations

 

Drop-Deck/Step-Deck Trailers: A Practical Alternative

When height is a constraint, drop-deck trailers (or step-decks) are an excellent option. These trailers offer two levels: an upper deck and a lower deck, enabling the transport of taller cargo that would exceed the height limit of a standard flatbed.

Key Benefits:

• Lower deck height allows for taller freight up to 10 feet, 2 inches.
• Can haul up to 46,000 pounds of cargo.
• Commonly used for agricultural and construction equipment.

Step-decks combine the simplicity of flatbeds with enhanced versatility, making them a popular choice for flatbed trucking services needing to move oversized machinery.

Specialized Trailer Types for Unique Freight

In addition to the most common trailer types, specialized options provide tailored solutions for complex shipping needs:

1. Double Drop/Lowboy Trailers

These trailers sit closer to the ground, accommodating taller freight with a maximum height of 12 feet, 6 inches. Commonly used for industrial machinery, their well space is typically around 29 feet, limiting their cargo length.

2. Hotshot Trailers

Often pulled by pickup trucks, these trailers are perfect for short-haul freight under 16,500 pounds. They are cost-effective and remove barriers to entry in the trucking industry.

3. Conestoga and Curtainside Trailers

Both trailer types protect freight from the elements but differ in design. Conestoga trailers use a sliding canopy system for easy loading, while curtainsides feature tarps on the sides, restricting loading to the back or sides.

4. Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN)

RGN trailers excel in transporting self-propelled equipment. With detachable goosenecks forming ramps for easy loading, they are versatile and accommodate cargo heights of up to 11 feet, and 6 inches.

5. Extendable Trailers

Extendable drop-deck and RGN trailers provide solutions for extra-long freight, expanding their length to handle oversized loads.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Trailer

Selecting the correct trailer type is essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Factors such as cargo size, weight, and sensitivity must be considered. For instance:

• Dry vans are best for palletized goods requiring protection.
• Flatbeds handle oversized freight like construction materials.
• Reefers are indispensable for temperature-sensitive cargo.

Flatbed carriers, like MGA International, simplify the process by offering tailored flatbed trucking services and logistics solutions. Their expertise ensures your freight is handled with care, whether it’s oversized machinery or temperature-controlled goods.

Partner with Experts for Seamless Freight Solutions

Understanding trailer types ensures your freight reaches its destination safely and on time. When working with a trusted provider like MGA International, you gain access to top-tier flatbed transportation services, cross-border logistics, and unmatched reliability.

Contact MGA International today for expert advice and a free quote. Let us handle your transportation needs with professionalism and efficiency!