Guide to Truck Trailers

Illustrations © Copyright 2006 - 2009 by World Trade Press. All Rights Reserved.

Select a type of Truck Trailer from the following list:
Select a category below Guide to Truck Trailer Dimensions Freight (Van, Box) Trailer Reefer (Refrigerated) Van Container Skeletal Carrier Platform (Flat Bed) Trailer Platform Dropdeck/Gooseneck Trailers Tanker Trailer Livestock Trailer Dry Bulk Trailer (Hopper) Deep Drop Furniture/Electronics Van Auto Transport Tractor - Trailer Timber (Logger) Trailer

Introduction

This guide to truck trailers has been developed from materials supplied by a number of trucking firms and international trailer manufacturers. It is designed to show the main types of truck trailers used in international trade and to give readers an insight into common trailer configurations and dimensions.

This guide is not designed to illustrate every type of truck trailer manufactured worldwide. It is also not designed to list the dimensions of every type of trailer, nor to list size and weight limits for trailers in every country, state and province worldwide.

Trailer Types

In the 110 or so years since motor vehicles were modified to carry merchandise rather than just people, specialty trucks and truck trailers have been developed to transport every type of commodity imaginable. There are, however, ten basic types of trailers used in international trade. Almost all trailers in existence are a variation of these trailer types. They are:

• Freight Van
• Refrigerated Van (Reefer)
• Container Carrier
• Platform Trailer
• Tanker
• Livestock Trailer
• Dry Bulk Trailer
• Furniture Van
• Auto Transporter
• Timber Trailer

Trailer Manufacturers

While there are but ten types of trailers, there are many variations of each type of trailer. Trailer manufacturers offer a wide variety of custom-built (purpose-built) trailers for every need imaginable. In addition, it is not unusual for a manufacturer to make one type of trailer, but with different dimensions, features and options for special applications.

Note that while there is a limited number of truck and tractor manufacturers worldwide, there are many more manufacturers of truck trailers. While only large industrialized countries have truck and engine manufacturers, most medium-sized countries have at least one or several trailer manufacturers. As a result, a truly comprehensive worldwide guide to truck trailers would require a volume of its own.

National, State and Provincial Roadway Requirements

One factor affecting truck trailers is the body of national, state and provincial requirements regulating motor vehicles, commercial trucking and highway safety. Each country has its own requirements based on its roadways, bridges, topography, weather conditions, etc.

In addition, state and provincial governments also regulate trucking. It is not at all uncommon for a country to have different requirements for each state and province (i.e., Canada and the USA).

Notes

Every effort has been made to accurately describe the different trailer types listed. However:

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for specific applications.
• Weight and capacity data are a function of trailer manufacturer, model and roadway requirements.
• While many of the dimensions listed in this guide relate to the North American market, the trailer types themselves are universal. Every trailer type listed has its equivalent in every country.
• Be certain to inquire about precise specifications for a trailer type from your logistics provider prior to making final decisions regarding a shipment.

Use

• Freight trailers (also called dry vans or simply "boxes") are designed to carry virtually any kind of boxed, crated, or palletized freight.

Configurations

• Standard lengths: 28', 32', 36', 40', 42', 43', 45', 48' and 53'.
• Standard widths: 96"-102"
• Standard heights: 12.5'-13.5' overall.
• Shorter trailers are typically used for local deliveries or in tandem "truck trains."
• Standard axle/wheel configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel. For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel or 4-axle/16-wheel configurations are also available.

Features and Options

• Rear swing doors or roll up doors.
• One or two side doors, rollerbeds.

Notes

• Freight trailers are manufactured worldwide by a multitude of local and international firms.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Reefers are insulated and refrigerated trailers designed to transport perishable items.
• Commodities transported include vegetables, fruits, milk, juices, meats and poultry

Configurations

• Standard lengths: 28', 32', 36', 40', 48' and 53'.
• Standard widths: 96"-102".
• Standard heights: 12.5'-13.5' overall.
• Shorter trailers are typically used for local deliveries or in tandem "truck trains."
• Standard axle/wheel configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel. For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel or 4-axle/16-wheel configurations are also available.

Features and Options

• Rear swing doors or roll up doors.
• One or two side doors.
• Moveable bulkheads, liftgates, and temperature recording and monitoring systems.
• Single or multi-temperature models.
• A wide variety of refrigeration units are available.

Notes

• Freight trailers are manufactured worldwide by a multitude of local and international firms.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Container carriers are designed to transport standard international cargo containers of 20'--45'.
• Some models are able to transport non-standard and oversize containers.

Configurations

• Models designed to transport a single specific size container (20', 40', 45', etc.)
• Models designed in adjustable ("zoom") configurations to work with a range of different sized standard and non-standard containers.
• Standard axle/wheel configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel. For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel configurations are also available.
• Specially designed brackets hold the container to the carrier.

Notes

• Container carriers are manufactured worldwide by a multitude of local and international firms.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Platform (flat bed) trailers are designed to transport oversize cargo that normally would not fit into standard freight trailers.
• Platform trailers are used especially for the transport of goods that must be loaded from the side or top of the trailer.
• Standard cargo for platform trailers includes: ocean freight containers, machinery, construction equipment, lumber, plywood, steel, pipe and rebar.

Variations

• Standard lengths: 26', 40', 42', 45', and 48'.
• Extendible lengths: see below.

Notes

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Platform (gooseneck, low deck, dropdeck) trailers are designed to transport oversize cargo that normally would not fit into standard freight trailers.
• Platform trailers are especially used for the transport of goods that must be loaded from the side or top of the trailer.
• Standard cargo for platform trailers includes: ocean freight containers, machinery, heavy construction equipment, lumber, plywood, steel, pipe and rebar.

Variations

• Standard lengths: 40', 42', 45', and 48'.

Features and Options

• Also available as tandems

Notes

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Tanker trailers are designed to carry a wide variety of fluid cargo.
• Standard cargo for tankers includes: refined gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, acids, industrial chemicals, caustic soda, clay slurry, cooking oils, corn syrup, orange juice, milk, and other foodstuffs.
• Some fluid cargo requires specially designed tanker trailers. For example, tankers designed to transport caustic soda and certain acids require sidewalls, exterior paint and fittings that will withstand the corrosive effects of the cargo.

Variations

• Standard lengths: 40', 42', 43', 45', 48' and 53'.
• Standard axle/wheel configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel. For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel or 4-axle/16-wheel configurations are also available.

Features and Options

• Multiple compartments (1-7)
• Discharge pumps
• Metering equipment
• Insulated tanks
• Pressure tanks
• Ladders
• Walkways
• Hose carriers
• Belly cabinets.

Notes

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Livestock trailers are designed to carry cattle, calves, sheep, hogs, goats and other livestock.
• This type of trailer is not used for horses or poultry

Variations

• Standard lengths: 40', 46', 48', and 53'.
• Standard widths: 96"-102".
• Multi-deck options (2- and 3-deck) are available for the transport of small, medium and large animals.
• Standard axle/wheel configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel. For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel or 4-axle/16-wheel configurations are also available.

Features and Options

• Ventilation holes on sides
• Rear and side doors designed based on type of livestock to be transported
• Interior ramps to lower-, mid- and upper-decks

Notes

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for the transport of specific types of livestock.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Trailer Dimensions

Typical Livestock Deck Heights

Use

• Dry bulk trailers are designed to carry dry free-flowing commodities including grain, shelled corn, cornmeal, feeds, hulled rice, beans, gravel, limestone (loose and pulverized), and sand.

Variations

• Standard lengths: 26' to 42'.
• Standard widths: 96"-102".
• Hopper configurations: single, double and triple.
• Open and closed end configurations.
• Steel and aluminum models.
• Available as singles, tandems, and three trailer truck "trains".

Notes

• Dry bulk trailers use rolled tarpaulin tops rather than rigid tops.
• Typical dry bulk trailers use hoppers to unload, however, others emply conveyor systems.
• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Deep drop vans are specially designed to transport large, bulky and relatively light cargo (weight to volume).
• Deep drop vans are used especially in the transport of furniture, household goods and electronics.

Variations

• Standard lengths: 45', 48' and 53' overall.
• Standard heights: 13' 6" overall.
• Standard widths: 96"-102" overall.
• Rear door(s): Swing doors are standard.
• Side doors: 1 or 2 side swing doors are standard depending upon the length of the trailer.

Features and Options

• Lower rear deck to facilitate loading and create greater cargo capacity
• Air ride suspensions to protect fragile cargo.
• Lockable belly compartments.
• Ramps.

Notes

• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Auto transport tractor trailers are designed to transport automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and small vans, from manufacturing plants to distributors, from manufacturing plants to ports, but most commonly from seaports (Ro-Ro vessels) to inland distributors.

Variations

• Auto transporters come in two general configurations:
  1) Truck tractor trailer combinations where the truck tractor transports up to three vehicles and the trailer transports up to six vehicles, and
  2) Trailers designed to transport up to nine vehicles pulled by a standard truck tractor.
• Specially designed covered auto transport trailers are available for the transport of high value automobiles.

Notes

• A substantial market has energed for the transport of private party automobiles in household relocation and the transport of specialty and high value vehicles domestically and internationally.
• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

Use

• Timber (logger) trailers are designed to carry raw timber from logging operations to sawmills (domestic or international), or to barge or ocean-going vessels for export.

Variations

• Logging trailers are essentially a flat bed trailer, or trailer chassis with extremely rigid vertical stakes along its perimeter to hold logs in place.
• Trailer dimensions are dependent upon road access to the logging operation, species being harvested, sawmill requirements, distance to the sawmill or export loading center and other factors.
• Standard lengths: Singles: 40'-53'.
  Tandems: 28'-32'.
• Standard axle configuration: 2-axle/8-wheel.
  For heavier loads: 3-axle/12-wheel, or 4-axle/16-wheel configurations are also available.
• Logging trailers are available in both single trailer and tandem trailer configurations.

Features and Options

• Some logging trailers are equipped with loading cranes.

Notes

• Logs are held in place with chains and chain tighteners.
• Different trailer manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different freight configurations.
• Dimensional, weight and capacity data are a function of cargo requirements, trailer manufacturer, trailer model and national, state and provincial roadway requirements.

Standard Dimensions

* Non-US interstate highway configuration.