The Most Common Types of Shipping Trailers

The Most Common Types of Shipping Trailers

If you’re unsure about what kind of trailer is best suited for hauling your materials on the road, we’ve got you covered.

Types of Shipping Trailers

There are many different types of shipping trailers, but the most common include:

  • Standard Flatbed Trailers

  • Multi-Axle Trailers

  • Removable Gooseneck Trailers

  • Step Deck or Single Drop Trailers

  • Lowboy or Double Drop Trailers

  • Flatbed Stretch Trailers

  • Dry Van Trailers

  • Refrigerated (Reefer) Trailers

Standard Flatbed Trailers

This trailer is very versatile and used when the shipping or receiving location doesn’t have docks available for loading/unloading, or when side loading is required. There are also best practices to increase flatbed capacity.

View Standard Flatbed Dimensions and Details

Multi-Axle Trailers

These specialized trailers are built for oversized loads like multiple vehicles, construction equipment, etc. They are more complex and typically have a high operating cost due to the increased amount of planning and expertise required.

View Multi-Axle Trailer Dimensions and Details

Removable Gooseneck Trailers

This trailer is great for hauling items that are over the legal height limit. The front can be detached and used as a ramp for loading and unloading.

View Removable Gooseneck Trailer Dimensions and Details

Step Deck or Single Drop Trailers

This trailer has a lowered deck, which allows for hauling taller items similar to a gooseneck.

View Step Deck Trailer Dimensions and Details

Lowboy or Double Drop Trailers

This trailer is typically used to haul items that are taller than the step deck trailer allows for, such as industrial equipment or bulldozers.

View Lowboy Trailer Dimensions and Details

Flatbed Stretch Trailers

This extendable flatbed offers room for larger loads than typical flatbeds so freight does not hang over the end of the trailer.

View Flatbed Stretch Trailer Dimensions and Details

Dry Van Trailers

Dry vans, also known as semi-trailers, are enclosed trailers that allow for the items being shipped to receive protection from outside elements. They typically measure either 48 or 53 feet long, with a width of 8.5 feet and a height of 13.5 feet.

Refrigerated (Reefer) Trailers

Similar to dry vans, reefers offer protection of goods with the added benefit of a temperature-controlled environment. The refrigeration unit attached to the trailer gives the driver control of the temperature inside the trailer to keep goods at their desired temperature. These trailers typically have the same measurements as dry vans: 48 or 53 feet long, with a width of 8.5 feet and a height of 13.5 feet.

Need More Help?

Ryan Transportation is dedicated to providing industry-leading expertise in multiple shipping industries. We’d be happy to walk you through any questions and help you streamline your shipping operations.

Contact us today to get started.