Types of Trucks & Trailers Available at Guided Freight
Last update: 10/2/2024
Got questions about the types of trucks and trailers used in freight transport? Get answers.
In this round-up article, we’re going to cover the most popular types of trucks & trailers used for freight shipping in the United States. Readers will learn more about what they are, when and how they're used, common cargo, their specs, permitting and compliance requirements, and more. We'll even tell you how an experienced freight broker can help with securing and optimizing your next trailer freight shipment.
Box Truck
Delivering locally? Box trucks are your champions. Perfect for maneuvering through city streets, these compact trucks boast enclosed cargo areas that shield your goods from the elements and potential theft. They're commonly used by moving companies and local delivery services but keep in mind that larger models may require a special CDL for operation.
When selecting a box truck, consider its capacity and whether liftgate services, which ease loading and unloading, are necessary.
Common Cargo
Furniture
Appliances
Retail goods
Small pallets
Dimensions
Length: 10-26 feet
Width: 8 feet
Height: 8-10 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 7,000-33,000 lbs
An experienced freight broker like Guided Freight can streamline the process by coordinating schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, and finding the most competitive rates.
Learn more about box trucks.
Car Carrier Trailer
Need to transport a fleet of vehicles across state lines or even oceans? Look no further than car carrier trailers. These specialized vehicle carriers come in open or enclosed options, with a multi-tiered design that maximizes capacity and accommodates various vehicle types. Oversized loads may require special permits, and adherence to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is essential.
Choosing between open and enclosed trailers depends on the value of the vehicles and the desired level of protection.
Common Cargo
Sedans
SUVs
Trucks
Motorcycles
Dimensions
Length: 45-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet (max legal height)
Maximum Load Capacity: 40,000-80,000 lbs
A skilled freight broker like Guided Freight can secure all necessary permits, coordinate with manufacturers and dealerships, and connect you with reliable carriers.
Learn more about car carriers.
Conestoga Trailer
Conestoga trailers offer the best of both worlds: weather protection and convenient side loading/unloading. Their unique feature is a sliding tarp system that combines the ease of access of a flatbed with the enclosed protection of a dry van. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of cargo types. Oversized loads may require permits, and adhering to weight limitations is crucial.
When choosing a Conestoga trailer, consider the ease of loading and unloading your specific cargo.
Common Cargo
Building materials
Machinery
Steel coils
Palletized goods
Dimensions
Length: 48-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000-50,000 lbs
An adept freight broker like Guided Freight can manage permits, arrange specialized carriers, and ensure compliance with all transport regulations.
Learn more about Conestoga trailers.
Deck Over Trailer
Confronting extra-tall or heavy cargo? Deck over trailers come to the rescue. These trailers lack wheel wells on the deck, resulting in a higher deck height, perfect for hauling construction equipment and large machinery. Special permits for oversized or overweight loads are often required.
When choosing a deck over trailer, consider the loading method for your heavy equipment and the increased deck height.
Common Cargo
- Building materials
- Machinery
- Steel coils
- Palletized goods
Dimensions
- Length: 48-53 feet
- Width: 8.5 feet
- Height: Not Applicable
- Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000-50,000 lbs
An experienced freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by obtaining necessary permits, coordinating the loading process, and ensuring the trailer is matched with the appropriate towing vehicle.
Learn more about the deck over trailer.
Dry Bulk Trailer
For dry, bulk commodities like cement, grain, and plastic pellets, dry bulk trailers are the ideal solution. Featuring sealed tank designs, they utilize gravity or pneumatic systems for efficient and safe unloading of bulk materials. Strict adherence to safety and cleanliness standards is crucial, especially for food-grade products.
Shippers need to consider the specific unloading capabilities required for their bulk material.
Common Cargo
- Grain
- Cement
- Sand
- Plastic pellets
- Flour
Dimensions
- Length: 40-43 feet
- Width: 8.5 feet
- Height: Not Applicable
- Maximum Load Capacity: 80,000 lbs (including trailer and cargo)
A freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by ensuring proper loading procedures, coordinating delivery timelines, and matching the trailer with suitable equipment to handle bulk materials efficiently.
Learn more about the dry bulk trailer.
Dry Van Trailer
When it comes to transporting non-perishable goods, dry van trailers reign supreme. Featuring enclosed and secure cargo areas, they're commonly used for long-haul trucking and can accommodate a wide variety of products, from electronics to packaged foods. Standard weight and size regulations apply, and typically no special permits are required.
For shippers, the focus should be on the security and protection of their goods, ensuring they're safe from weather and theft.
Common Cargo
Electronics
Clothing
Furniture
Packaged foods
Dimensions
Length: 28-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000 lbs
A knowledgeable freight broker like Guided Freight can streamline the process by finding reliable carriers, optimizing route planning, and securing competitive rates for long-haul shipments.
Learn more about dry van trailer freight.
Dump Trailer
Hauling loose materials like sand, gravel, and demolition debris is the specialty of dump trailers. Their open-top design allows for various bulk materials, and a hydraulic lift facilitates easy unloading. Operating permits for specific roads and adherence to weight restrictions are essential.
Shippers need to consider the type of material being hauled and the ease of unloading at the destination.
Common Cargo
Sand
Gravel
Demolition debris
Soil
Dimensions
Length: 20-40 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: Varies by design
Maximum Load Capacity: 25,000-80,000 lbs
A proficient freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by securing necessary permits, coordinating with carriers experienced in handling bulk materials and managing delivery schedules.
Learn more about dump trailers.
Extendable Trailer
Need to transport extra-long cargo like wind turbine blades or large beams? Extendable trailers come to the rescue. These versatile trailers feature an adjustable length and can be configured as flatbed or step deck trailers, accommodating various oversized cargo. Special permits for over-length loads are typically required, along with route planning to avoid obstacles.
Shippers should consider the exact dimensions and weight of their cargo to ensure proper accommodation on the extendable trailer.
Common Cargo
Long pipes
Wind turbine blades
Large beams
Dimensions
Length: 48-80+ feet (extendable)
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet (max legal height)
Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000-80,000 lbs
An expert freight broker like Guided Freight can navigate the complexities by obtaining necessary permits, planning the route to avoid low bridges and other obstacles, and coordinating with specialized carriers.
Learn more about extendable trailers.
Flatbed Trailer
For hauling large or oversized loads like lumber and machinery, flatbed trailers are the workhorse solution. Their open deck allows for easy loading and unloading from all sides, making them ideal for transporting a wide range of materials. Permits for oversized or overweight loads may be necessary.
When choosing a flatbed trailer, shippers should focus on securing the load properly to prevent shifting and ensure safety during transit.
Common Cargo
- Lumber
- Machinery
- Construction materials
- Large equipment
Dimensions
- Length: 48-53 feet
- Width: 8.5 feet
- Height: 60 inches deck height
- Maximum Load Capacity: 48,000 lbs
A capable freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by managing permit applications, coordinating with flatbed carriers, and ensuring that all safety regulations are followed.
Learn more about flatbed trailers.
Gooseneck Trailer
Stability is key when transporting heavy loads like machinery and livestock, and that's where gooseneck trailers excel. These trailers connect over the truck's rear axle, enhancing maneuverability and stability. They're commonly used in agricultural and construction sectors. Compliance with state-specific towing regulations is essential.
Shippers should consider the hitching requirements and ensure their towing vehicle is compatible with a gooseneck trailer.
Common Cargo
Heavy machinery
Livestock
Construction materials
Dimensions
Length: 20-40 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: Varies
Maximum Load Capacity: 10,000-30,000 lbs
An excellent freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by ensuring compatibility between the towing vehicle and trailer, arranging for specialized carriers, and optimizing the route for safety and efficiency.
Learn more about gooseneck trailers.
Hopper Bottom Trailer
Efficient unloading of dry, bulk materials like grain, sand, and fertilizer is the domain of hopper bottom trailers. These specialized trailers feature hopper-shaped bottoms that allow for gravity-fed unloading through strategically placed doors at the bottom. Their enclosed design protects cargo from the elements, and some models even have built-in unloading systems. Weight restrictions and special permits for overweight loads are common considerations.
When choosing a hopper bottom trailer, shippers need to consider the type of material being hauled and the compatibility with the trailer's unloading system.
Common Cargo
Grain
Fertilizer
Animal feed
Dry bulk commodities
Dimensions
Length: 40-48 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 80,000 lbs
A resourceful freight broker like Guided Freight can secure necessary permits, connect shippers with carriers experienced in handling bulk materials, and ensure efficient unloading at the destination.
Learn more about hopper bottom trailers.
Intermodal Trailer
Intermodal trailers offer seamless transportation across different modes of transport, like truck, rail, and ship. Their standardized design allows for easy transfer between containers and chassis, enabling efficient global shipping. Understanding international shipping regulations and customs clearance procedures is crucial for using intermodal trailers effectively.
When selecting an intermodal trailer, shippers should consider the origin, destination, and any specific requirements for overseas shipping.
Common Cargo
Consumer goods
Electronics
Clothing
Packaged foods
Dimensions
Length: 20, 40, 45, 48, or 53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 9.5 feet (high cube)
Maximum Load Capacity: 50,000 lbs
A skilled freight broker like Guided Freight can navigate the complexities of intermodal shipping, arrange for container drayage (short-distance transport between rail yards or ports and warehouses), and ensure all customs documentation is in order.
Learn more about intermodal trailers.
Liftgate Trailer
Ensuring the safe and efficient loading and unloading of palletized goods, especially at locations without dock facilities, is the specialty of liftgate trailers. These trailers feature a hydraulic lift platform at the rear that raises and lowers pallets to ground level. The liftgate capacity needs to match the weight of the palletized goods.
For shippers, the key consideration is ensuring their pallets are compatible with the liftgate size and weight capacity.
Common Cargo
Retail goods
Appliances
Furniture
Medical equipment
Dimensions
Length: 28-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000 lbs
A proficient freight broker like Guided Freight can help find trailers with appropriate liftgate capabilities and arrange for carriers experienced in handling palletized cargo.
Learn more about liftgate trailers.
Livestock Trailer
The safe and humane transport of livestock is the paramount concern with livestock trailers. These specialized trailers are designed with animal welfare in mind, featuring ventilation systems, proper flooring to prevent slipping, and multiple compartments to separate animals. Strict adherence to animal welfare regulations and biosecurity measures is essential.
When choosing a livestock trailer, shippers should consider the type and number of animals being transported and ensure the trailer provides adequate space and ventilation.
Common Cargo
Cattle
Pigs
Sheep
Horses
Dimensions
Length: 24-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 45,000 lbs
Learn more about livestock trailers.
Lowboy Trailer
Confronting extra-tall or bulky cargo that can't fit on a standard flatbed trailer? Look no further than lowboy trailers. These specialized trailers feature a central well with a significantly lower deck height compared to the rest of the trailer. This allows for hauling oversized or cumbersome equipment like excavators, wind turbines, and transformers.
Special permits for oversized and overweight loads are almost always required. When choosing a lowboy trailer, consider the dimensions and weight of your cargo and ensure the well accommodates its height.
Common Cargo
Construction Equipment
Industrial machinery
Oversized loads
Dimensions
Length: 24-29 feet (main deck)
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 18-24 inches deck height
Maximum Load Capacity: 40,000-80,000 lbs
An experienced freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by obtaining necessary permits, coordinating with specialized carriers experienced in hauling oversized loads, and selecting the most appropriate lowboy trailer for your specific cargo.
Learn more about lowboy trailers.
Refrigerated Trailer
Maintaining consistent temperatures for perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals is the specialty of refrigerated trailers, also known as reefers. These trailers feature insulated compartments and powerful refrigeration units that can maintain specific temperatures throughout the journey. Strict adherence to temperature control regulations and proper pre-cooling of the trailer is crucial for maintaining product quality.
When selecting a refrigerated trailer, shippers should consider the specific temperature requirements of their cargo and the trailer's ability to maintain those temperatures for the entire journey.
Common Cargo
Produce
Dairy products
Frozen foods
Pharmaceuticals
Dimensions
Length: 28-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 42,000 lbs
A qualified freight broker like Guided Freight can connect shippers with carriers that have well-maintained refrigerated trailers and ensure proper temperature monitoring throughout transport.
Learn more about refrigerated trailers.
Semi Tractors
The workhorse of long-haul freight transportation, semi-tractors, also known as semi trucks, connect to trailers to form a complete tractor-trailer combination. These powerful trucks come in various configurations with different engine powers to handle diverse hauling requirements. Drivers need a CDL, and compliance with DOT regulations is necessary
Freight customers should ensure the semi-tractor's compatibility with the type of trailer being used and the total weight of their cargo.
Engine Power: 300-600 horsepower (depending on configuration)
A freight broker like Guided Freight can assist by matching the right semi tractor with the appropriate trailer, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing route planning.
Learn more about semi tractors.
Small Parcel Delivery Trucks
Delivering everyday essentials and online purchases directly to consumers is the domain of small parcel delivery trucks. These maneuverable trucks are perfect for navigating busy streets and delivering packages directly to homes and businesses. Understanding the specific delivery area's access restrictions and parking limitations is crucial for efficient operation.
When choosing a small parcel delivery truck, factors like cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability are important considerations.
Common Cargo
Small packages
Courier deliveries
E-commerce orders
Dimensions
Length: 10-20 feet
Width: 6-7 feet
Height: 6-7 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 5,000-10,000 lbs
Learn more about Small Parcel Delivery.
Sprinter Van
For on-demand deliveries, catering services, and small business transportation needs, Sprint Vans offer a versatile solution. These cargo vans, often based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, provide ample cargo space and maneuverability, making them ideal for urban deliveries and tight spaces.
Understanding the specific cargo dimensions and weight capacity is essential for optimal use. When selecting a sprinter van, factors like cargo space, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability are important considerations.
Common Cargo
Small pallets
Packages
Medical supplies
Dimensions
Length: 10-14 feet (cargo area)
Width: 6 feet
Height: 6-7 feet (interior)
Maximum Load Capacity: 3,000-5,000 lbs
Some businesses may utilize freight brokers like Guided Freight to manage Sprinter Van deliveries on their behalf.
Learn more about Sprinter Vans.
Super B Trailer
For hauling massive freight volumes across permitted routes, Super B trailers come into play. These are essentially two connected trailers pulled by a single semi-tractor. The first trailer can be a dry van, refrigerated trailer, or even a flatbed, while the second trailer is typically a full-length trailer mirroring the first one. Super B trailers offer significant capacity advantages over single trailers, but their use is strictly regulated and requires specific permits due to their size and weight.
When considering Super B trailers, shippers need to confirm the route allows them and understand the specific regulations for each state they'll be traveling through.
Common Cargo
Bulk goods
Building materials
Lumber
Dimensions
Length: 32-40 feet per trailer
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 63,000 kg (approx. 138,891 lbs)
An experienced freight broker like Guided Freight can navigate the complexities of permitting, ensure the route is suitable for Super B configurations, and connect shippers with carriers experienced in handling these massive trailers.
Learn more about Super B trailers.
Tanker Trailer
For the transport of liquid products like gasoline, diesel fuel, chemicals, and even food-grade liquids, tanker trailers are essential equipment. These specialized trailers feature reinforced stainless steel shells and various compartment configurations to accommodate diverse liquid cargo. Strict safety regulations regarding material compatibility, loading procedures, and leak prevention measures are paramount.
When choosing a tanker trailer, shippers need to consider the specific type of liquid being transported and ensure the trailer's compatibility and safety features meet all regulations.
Common Cargo
Fuel
Chemicals
Milk
Water
Dimensions
Length: 40-53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 13.5 feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 80,000 lbs
A qualified freight broker like Guided Freight can connect shippers with carriers that have well-maintained tanker trailers, ensure adherence to safety regulations, and manage the complexities of loading and unloading liquid products.
Learn more about Tanker Trailers.
Conclusion
This guide provides an overview of the essential trucks and trailers used in freight and logistics, highlighting their unique features, suitable cargo types, and typical dimensions. Understanding these differences helps optimize transportation efficiency and ensures the safe delivery of goods.
And don’t forget, a knowledgeable freight broker can make a significant difference by managing permits, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating with specialized carriers, and optimizing routes to enhance delivery efficiency and reliability. Alternatively, feel free to contact us directly for a freight quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
A truck is a self-powered vehicle with an engine and cab for drivers. It can carry cargo itself. In contrast, a trailer has no engine and relies on a truck to pull it. Trailers come in various types to haul specific cargo, from dry goods to liquids.
There's no fixed answer! Trailers come in endless configurations and specialize in diverse cargo. Common types include dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, tankers, and lowboys. Beyond these, specialized trailers exist for hauling livestock, cars, and even oversized cargo.
Dry vans are likely the most popular trailers on the road. These enclosed trailers dominate long-haul freight, ideal for protecting palletized goods from weather and theft during transport. Their versatility and ability to handle a wide range of non-perishable products make them a go-to choice for shippers.
