The truck industry is a big part of the economy. An impressive 70% of the goods are shipped annually by trucking companies in Canada and other parts of the world. Many trailers carry everything from furniture to cars to wrench sets purchased online.
With so many types of trailers on the road nowadays, it can be difficult to understand what each one is for and which is ideal for your freight. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trailers used by heavy haul trucking companies and how they are used.
The most common types of trailers used to transport freight:
Following are the common types of trailers used by trucking companies in Canada and elsewhere:
Flatbed Trailers
The most common type of trailer is a flatbed. They are very versatile, and it explains why they are so popular. Almost everything from steel coils to tree trunks can be transported by flatbed trailers. Also, the flatbed trailer is open on all sides and lacks a box to protect the freight. This will be a fun job to load and unload. In addition, the crane can pick up loads from above or forklifts from the sides. The flatbed trailer can also carry a maximum weight of 48,000 pounds.
Step Deck Trailers
You might be wondering what step-deck trailers is? Step-deck trailers are often used in place of flatbed trailers when luggage height is a factor. The simplicity of the flatbed and its additional height capacity make the flatbed a commonly used transport mode. The low bed trailer, consisting of an upper deck and a ground-level rear section, can carry loads up to 10 feet 2 inches high before being considered oversized. Due to their versatility and ability to carry heavy loads, step deck trailers are a popular option for trucking companies in Canada and worldwide. These trailers carry agricultural and construction materials and various types of machinery that fit under a 10’2 inch ceiling. Height capacities are the most significant regarding the major differences between step deck trailers vs. flatbed trailers.
Dry Van Trailers
Palletized, packaged, and loose cargo is best transported using dry van trailers. Furthermore, with an average length of 53 feet, the dry van trailer is one of the most common types of trailers used by heavy haul trucking companies on the road today. Dry van trailers are commonly used to transport items that people require regularly. They are commonly used to transport clothing, non-perishable food, and household goods.
Refrigerated Trailers
The material to be transferred may sometimes need to be kept cold. Frozen foods, ice cream, medicines, etc., are examples, and warmer temperatures are not appropriate for these products. This is also where different types of refrigerated trailers, sometimes called reefer, come into play. They look like dry vans or closed trailers, but they only have the proper insulation and cooling system inside to maintain the temperature.
Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)
RGN keeps the load close to the ground. In fact, it has a central falling section that can carry loads up to 12 feet high. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers can be used to drive this type of trailer by removing the front end.
Double Drop/Lowboy Trailers
The double drop trailer, also known as a lowboy, low bed, or float trailer, is much closer to the ground than any other trailer type. The truck’s closeness to the ground is due to two drops, one behind the gooseneck and the other before the back wheels. As a result, double-drop trucks may transport towering apparatus.
Specialty Trailers
Specialty trailers are one of many types of trailers. They are designed for specific features, are made to order, and are not available anywhere else. However, the design of the special trailer depends on the intended use. For example, special trailers that transport large volumes of liquid are manufactured differently from those for medical and catering facilities.
CONCLUSION
There are many types of trailers to choose from. These trucks can meet the needs of any trucking company in Canada and elsewhere. Some, such as flatbed trailers and step decks, are the more popular options. Others are used to move items that require special handling, such as refrigerated trailers. Special trailers support different businesses, from grocery services to mobile hospitals. Trailers of the heavy haul trucking companies keep commodities moving and the economy booming.