The trucking industry employs millions of individuals and is a great part of the backbone of our nation’s economic structure. It’s a fact that trucks are the means by which over 80% of all inland cargo gets moved from one place to another. Trucks moving freight have trailers attached, and interestingly, different types of freight require different types of trailers. There are many different types of trailers for sale, created with different designs depending on their use. Here’s a look at some of the different types of trailers for sale and the purposes that they serve.

Semi-Trailers

A semi-trailer is a trailer that has wheels in the back only, and the front of the trailer is supported by the vehicle that is towing it along. So if you are thinking about a semi-trailer rental or purchase, you also have to take into consideration the type of vehicle that will be towing the trailer. Look at the comparison: the average engine running a semi-trailer is 400-600 horsepower, while the engine in a regular passenger vehicle is 100-200 horsepower. This is a lot of engine power and might add to your costs.

Flatbeds

The most common type of trailer is the flatbed trailer. If you are looking at a used trailer for sale or even looking into trailer leasing, this might be the type a trailer to consider. Flatbed trailers are extremely versatile. They are designed to be open on all sides which makes shipping a load extremely easy, and very easy to unload, too. One thing to consider is that the load that is being transported is not covered in a flatbed trailer, and so you’d probably need to invest in a safe and appropriate type of cover – such as a tarp. There is a wide variety of tarps, and their prices vary, too.

Reefer Trucks

It’s hard to imagine what the transportation industry ever did without refrigerated trucks, which are also known as reefer trucks. They are very similar to dry vans but with one major difference: they are temperature controlled on the inside. This allows them to transport all sorts of freight, from ice cream to flowers to medicines and supplies, and more. If you’re looking into trailer rental for a reefer truck, make sure to check the condition of the condenser, compressor, and evaporator, which are the systems that help keep the temperature under control inside the trailer. This system could be expensive to repair or replace.

Dry Vans

Also known as enclosed trailers, a dry van trailer is similar to a flatbed, but the material that is being moved is completely closed in. Dry vans are very common and, compared to a lot of other types of trailers, they are affordable. An added advantage is that they keep the load safe and protected as it is being transported.

Conestoga Trailers

The clever Conestoga trailer actually resembles the dry van trailer. However, in a Conestoga trailer, the whole frame (including the tarp (which makes the roof and the sides), can be removed. Moving this results in having the entire flatbed trailer exposed. Why is this so clever? Because once all this is moved out of the way the freight can be loaded or unloaded from any side of the trailer, or even lifted up from the trailer with a forklift. This makes the loading/unloading process much easier and quicker.

Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)

Also known as the double lowboy or the double drop trailer, the RGN is great for toting huge loads such as heavy equipment. Items such as a bulldozer can drive right up onto the RGN because it sits low to the ground. The RGN can also transport tall items easily, too.

Recap

The trailers mentioned above are just a few of the many options that are available if you’re looking at trailers for sale or lease for your business. You could also consider step deck, lowboy, air ride, and multi-car trailers for sale, too. So one thing is clear: no matter what freight you want to move, you’ll be able to find the perfect trailer to do the job!