Trailer Types

As a third-party logistics company that has built strong relationships with our carriers for over 15 years, we have access to a number of trailer types to be able to handle all of your freight needs, including oversized shipments. Below is a list of our trailer types that are avaiable to meet your requirements.

Trucking is the primary mode of freight transport in North America, responsible for over 70% of shipments. Trailers play a crucial role in carrying goods, with different types available to suit various cargo needs. Selecting the right trailer is essential for project success and ensuring safe delivery. This guide outlines common semi-trailer types and their practical applications.

Dry Van Trailers – Dry Van Trailers are the most common of all trailers due to their versatility. Because the trailer is fully enclosed, many types of shipments can be handled safely using a Dry Van as the product is protected from the elements. Most often, Dry Vans carry skidded freight and are loaded from a dock using a forklift or pallet jack, however, loading from the ground is also usually an option as well. In addition, floor loaded cargo is often transported on Dry Vans. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Reefer Trailers – Reefer Trailers are utilized for shipments that require a temperature-controlled environment while on route to destination. Loads can travel at specific temperatures or temperature ranges which allow for the transport of fresh, frozen or protect from freeze loads. There are times when a Reefer Trailer is used in lieu of a Dry Van with the refrigeration unit simply turned off. Much like a Dry Van, Reefers tend to be loaded with skidded product from a dock via forklift or pallet jack. Reefers are often used for floor loaded product such as nursery plants or flowers. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Flatbed Trailers – Flatbed trailers allow for loading and unloading by crane and/or forklift from the rear, sides or from above. Typically used for freight such as large machinery that cannot be loaded into an enclosed trailer. Product can be fully tarped if required. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Roll-Tite (Conestoga) Trailers – Roll-Tite Trailers (also called Conestoga Trailers) are designed to provide the similar enclosed protection that a Dry Van offers while, at the same time, the loading capabilities of an open deck Flatbed. The sliding curtain opens to allow for loading from the side, rear or from above. Once the freight is loaded, the sliding curtain is closed and remains so until the product is unloaded. An additional benefit versus a Flatbed with tarps is that there is little risk of the tarps rubbing against the product and potentially damaging it. This can be the case when freshly painted equipment or machinery is tarped. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Step Deck Trailers – Step Deck trailers are primarily used to transport products that are too tall for a normal Flatbed trailer. There is an upper deck and a lower deck. The lower deck, called the well, allows for freight up to 120” high to be legally transported, while still providing the same loading/unloading capabilities of a standard Flatbed trailer. Specialized Low Pro Step Decks can manage freight that is up to approximately 126” to 128” in height. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Double Drop Trailers (Lowboy) – Double Drop trailers, also known as Low Boys, are utilized to transport oversized freight both legally, and through the use of permits and/or escorts. There are three decks: the upper deck, the lower deck and the well. The well allows for freight up to 144” high to be legally transported. There are a number of trailer variations which allow for the transport of a wide array of oversized freight with varying degrees of length and height. Full tarping options are available as needed. Click here for trailer dimensions

Extendable Double Drop Trailers (Lowboy) –
Extendable Double Drop trailers are utilized to transport oversized freight, both legally and through the use of permits and/or escorts. The primary difference between an Extendable Double Drop trailer and a standard Double Drop trailer is the ability of the Extendable trailer to extend/stretch out the well via two bars which allows for the transportation of longer commodities of up to 60’ in length. Full tarping options are available as needed. – Click here for trailer dimensions.

RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers – A Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN) is utilized to transport larger shipments both legally, and through the use of permits and/or escorts. They are primarily used to transport equipment that needs to be driven on or off of the trailer. Units such as farm equipment and specialty vehicles are commonly shipped on RGNs. The removable gooseneck can be separated from the cab allowing access to the drop down ramps of the trailer to allow for the units to easily be driven on or off. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Extendable RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers – An Extendable Removable Gooseneck Trailer (Extendable RGN) is utilized to transport larger shipments both legally, and through the use of permits and/or escorts. They are primarily used to transport equipment that needs to be driven on or off of the trailer. The removable gooseneck can be separated from the cab allowing access to the drop down ramps of the trailer to allow for the units to easily be driven on or off. The primary difference between an Extendable RGN trailer and a standard RGN trailer is the ability of the Extendable trailer to extend/stretch out the well via two bars which allows for the transportation of longer commodities of up to 60’ in length. Full tarping options are available as needed. – Click here for trailer dimensions.

Hot Shot Trailers – Hot Shot Trailers are primarily used to transport shipments that are lower in overall weight, usually up to approximately 15,000 lbs, but that also need to travel on an open trailer in order to be side loaded, rear loaded or loaded from above. These trailers are typically pulled using a Pick Up Truck or a similar type vehicle. Deck lengths vary and are most often between 30’ and 40’ in length. The low profile of the deck allows for freight height of between 120” and 130” in most cases. – Click here for trailer dimensions.

Straight Truck – Similar to Dry Vans as they allow for dock-level loading/unloading and protect product from the elements. The main difference is in the capacity. A Straight Truck is typically 20’ to 28’ in length which is ideal for picking up or delivering to locations where space is limited. Many Straight Trucks are equipped with Tailgates that allow for ground-level access where no dock is available. – Click here for trailer dimensions

Sprinter Van – Often used when expedited delivery is required, Sprinter Vans can usually carry 2 to 3 standard skids and approximately 4000 to 5000 lbs of payload. Ideal for smaller shipments picking up and delivering to space-limited locations. Sprinter Vans are typically used for local work, but they are quickly becoming a cross-border option of choice for many customers when timelines are critical. – Click here for trailer dimensions.