Semi-trailer types & What they’re used for

Trucking accounts for over 70% of all freight transported in the United States and is the preferred method of shipping most goods. While the truck may be the engine, the trailer carries the load and it’s important to select a compatible trailer to do the job at hand.

There are a wide variety of semi-trailer types available and depending on your load or freight, one will suit your needs better than another. Finding the right trailer for your job will make all the difference in ensuring the success of your project and facilitating the safe arrival of your goods. With this guide you’ll learn about the most common semi-trailer types and what each type is used for.

1. Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers offer versatility and as a result are some of the most commonly used trailers. The name stems from the fact that flatbed trailers have a flat deck that is open on all sides and does not have a roof or a box to cover the load. This open layout makes it an easy trailer to load and unload but does not protect cargo from the elements of weather and roads. Flatbed trailers are perfect for shipping wide or large items as the load can be lifted from above with a crane or from the side with a forklift.

2. Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers are also known as double drop trailers because they have two drops in deck height that allow for an extremely low deck. The first drop is right after the gooseneck and the second drop is before the wheels. This additional dropdown feature is what makes lowboy trailers ideal for moving taller equipment without needing to obtain height permits.

Another advantage to lowboy trailers is that increased weight capacity can be achieved by adding extra axles. If you’re looking to haul large equipment such as bulldozers or other construction equipment, a lowboy trailer may be exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are a type of hauling trailer that use hydraulics to lift the trailer bed up and tilt it to unload heavy hauls with ease and the help of gravity. Although dump trailers are oftentimes confused with dump trucks, dump trailers allow you to customize the trailer size to correspond to your load. Dump trailers are less expensive than dump trucks but still offer the ability to haul heavy payloads safely and efficiently.

You’ll find dump trailers are available with a frame or frameless. Frameless dump trailers allow for heavier payloads because they’re made of aluminum and are lighter weight. Steel frame dump trailers are a great choice for larger hauls, like equipment and large boulders.

Another thing to consider when selecting a dump trailer is the style of dumping. It’s helpful to compare end dump vs. side dump vs. bottom dump trailers so you know which one is the right one for your project.

4. Tanker Trailers

Tanker trailers are typically used to transport liquid and are manufactured from aluminum or stainless steel. Recognized by their unique shape, tanker trailers are cylindrical, and this is for good reason. Tanker trucks are built with a cylinder shape because this takes pressure off the tank itself, provides a lower center of gravity, prevents a liquid surge, and allows for easier extraction and cleaning.

5. Tipper Trailers

Tipper trailers do exactly what their name suggests: tip to let gravity empty the load. These trailers use hydraulics to raise and tilt their platform. Perfect for hauling and dumping large debris, tipper trailers work well for bricks, rocks, gravel, and other heavy materials. Available in a wide variety of sizes and capacities, tipper trailers are highly desirable for any garbage removal or construction project.

Find the Semi-Trailer You Need at Youcan Trailer

Now that you know about the most common types of semi-trailers, you have a better understanding of which commercial trailer type works best for your needs. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc. has the largest selection of semi-trailer types. Browse our selection of new and used semi-trailers online or stop in at one of our convenient locations near you.

Our knowledgeable team has extensive experience helping owners, operators, and fleet managers select the perfect equipment for any trucking job. Contact Youcan Trailer today to find the semi-trailer that’s right for your project!