Trailers play a vital role in the logistics and transportation industry, serving as key vehicles for transporting goods across distances. Whether you transport food, machinery, or even cars, you choose the type of trailer based on the nature of the cargo and transportation requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of trailer trucks and trailers, from box vans to low loaders, and help you understand the unique features of each to ensure you select the right one for your freight needs.
What Is the Standard Trailer?
The standard trailer typically measures 13.6 meters in length and is either a flatbed or box van trailer. It remains the most commonly used in the transport industry for general freight. Standard trailers have an average height of 2.7 meters and can carry loads up to 32 tonnes, depending on the type.
Overview of Trailer Types
When transporting goods, selecting the right type of trailer proves essential. Trailers classify according to their structure, functionality, and load type. Some secure valuable or sensitive goods, while others handle oversized machinery. Let’s examine the most common trailer types.
Types of Trailer Trucks
- Standard Trailer Truck
Standard trailer trucks transport everyday cargo. They couple with various trailer types like flatbeds or curtainsides. These trucks offer flexibility and suit general freight transport. - Mega Trailer Truck
Mega trailer trucks transport taller and bulkier loads than standard trailers. These trucks have increased internal height, typically reaching nearly 3 meters, making them ideal for freight exceeding the height limitations of standard trailers. Despite their increased height, mega trailers share the same length and load capacity as standard trailers.
Types of Truck Trailers
- Box Van Trailers
Box van trailers rank among the most commonly used rigid truck and trailer units in the road transport industry. They are fully enclosed, providing protection against weather conditions. These trailers are ideal for transporting valuable goods, such as food, electronics, and clothing, that need secure and weatherproof conditions. Box vans feature rear doors for easy loading and unloading. - Curtain Side Trailers
The curtain side trailer features a rigid roof and rear doors, with PVC curtain sides that you can pull back for easy cargo access. This versatility makes it a favorite in the road transport industry. Curtain side trailers can also transport on trains if equipped with a hucker pack facility. - Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers work well for transporting cargo that doesn’t require protection from the elements, such as lumber, steel pipes, or machinery. Without sides or a roof, these trailers offer flexibility and allow loading from the side, overhead with a crane, or from the rear with forklifts. - Low Loader Trailers
Low loaders transport heavy and oversized equipment. These trailers sit close to the ground, making them ideal for carrying tall goods or machinery, such as construction equipment. Low loaders are available with multiple axles and can carry up to 38,000 kg of weight. - Refrigerated Trailers (Reefers)
Refrigerated trailers, or reefers, are insulated trailers with a cooling system to keep goods at the required temperature. These trailers often transport food and pharmaceutical items that must stay cold or frozen during transportation. - Skeletal Trailers
Skeletal trailers transport containers, typically used for international shipping. These trailers are highly flexible and can carry containers of varying sizes, including 6-meter, 12-meter, and 14-meter containers. You can fit them with cranes for easy loading and unloading at ground level. - Moving Floor Trailers
The moving floor trailer features a hydraulic system that moves goods along a conveyor belt, allowing unloading without tilting the trailer. These trailers suit bulk material transport, such as wood chips, grain, or pallets.
What Is the Difference Between a Standard Trailer and a Mega Trailer?
The primary difference between a standard trailer and a mega trailer lies in the internal height. Mega trailers offer increased height (up to nearly 3 meters), enabling them to carry taller or bulkier loads. They maintain similar dimensions in length and load capacity as standard trailers but are designed for transporting larger goods requiring more vertical space.
What Is the Most Common Type of Trailer?
The most common type of trailer is the dry van trailer. These trailers suit the transportation of dry goods, consumer goods, and non-perishable items. Their ease of use makes them the most common type of trailer in the trucking industry.
What Is an HGV Trailer?
An HGV trailer is a type of trailer used with heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These trailers carry large loads and come in a variety of styles, including articulated and rigid models. You regulate them based on weight limits, and they require specific licenses for operation, ensuring safety and compliance with road regulations.
Types of HGV Trailers
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) trailers come in various configurations depending on the cargo’s weight and size. Some of the most common types of HGV trailers include:
- Articulated HGV Trailers: These flexible trailers offer better maneuverability and are commonly used for heavier loads.
- Rigid HGV Trailers: Unlike articulated trailers, rigid HGVs have a fixed cargo section and suit specific types of goods that require added stability during transport.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trailer type is essential for transporting goods efficiently and safely. With various trailer types like box vans, low loaders, and refrigerated trailers, the right choice depends on the size, shape, and nature of the cargo. Understanding the specifications and features of each trailer type helps businesses select the most appropriate option for their needs. Whether you’re transporting food, machinery, or oversized equipment, you’ll find a trailer type suited to your transport requirements.