Commercial Trailers in the Agricultural Industry

Commercial trailers are critical to the agricultural industry. We rely on them to provide transport of crops, livestock, and other farming goods. Most of these trailers are highly specialized, depending on the cargo they carry. Understanding your agricultural needs is essential for determining what trailer will serve you best. Transwest has new and used agricultural trailers. Here are a few to familiarize yourself with: 

Hopper Trailers

Hopper trailers are pulled by a semi-tractor and can be used to haul any bulk commodity such as grain, rice, dirt, sand, and even fertilizer. These unique trailers are used to transport products across the United States. Generally, hopper trailers have two hoppers on the base for unloading product—one to service the front and the other to the rear of the trailer. 

Grain Hopper trailers are almost always used in conjunction with other types of agricultural machinery. For example, combine harvesters load grain carts that load the grain hopper trailer for extended transport. Not all grain hoppers are designed the same. That is why it is essential to take the time to review the different trailer types and determine what grain hopper is best for your business before making a big purchase. 

Safety should be central when considering the purchase of a new or used grain hopper trailer because grain hauling can be a risky business. Here are some modern safety features worth considering:

• Sidewall Windows: Allow operators to view their load easily
• Safety Ropes: Designed to make it easy to climb in and out of the trailer without the risk of falling
• Electric Tarp: An automatic cover that ensures you don't have to fight the elements to tack down a tarp
• ABS: Antilock Brake System helps to prevent jackknifing
• Lights: Modern grain hoppers are equipped with LED lights improving night visibility

Another essential factor to consider when shopping for a new grain hopper trailer is the number of axles. Trailers are offered in single, double, and triple axle options, and determining what is best for you and your business depends on your regular haul. Choose a trailer with enough axles to support your heaviest loads to avoid fines and safety hazards. 

Belt Trailers

Belt trailers are often referred to as "self-unloading" trailers. They are a semi-trailer that uses a continuous belt or chain to assist in the unloading process. This electronic or hydraulically powered belt carefully moves the product to the end of the trailer quickly. Generally, products that are hauled in these trailers are agricultural commodities like corn, apples, potatoes, grain, feed, and soybeans.

Delivering bulk goods is both strenuous and dangerous if you are working alone. Belt trailers make this task so easy that the vehicle operator can typically complete the job from the driver's seat. The process is fast too! Most belt trailers can unload an entire commercial trailer in as little as five minutes. 

Livestock Trailers 

When looking for a livestock trailer, it is vital to understand the different types of trailers available. Which style is best for you will depend heavily on what kind of livestock you are transporting. Depending on the animals you will be hauling, weight, safety, and comfort are all needs to consider. 

Gooseneck Trailers

Livestock gooseneck trailers are ideal if you plan to transport numerous animals or herds of livestock. They are designed with a long neck that fastens to a ball hitch located in the bed of the towing truck allowing for superior towing when hauling high-weight freight. Because of this style, handling is much easier in even the worst weather conditions. 

Bumper Pull Trailers

This trailer comes in a variety of styles and can be easily attached to a standard ball hitch. Bumper pull trailers are great for hauling smaller livestock loads with a pickup truck or SUV. Due to the fact that this trailer is a generally lightweight option, it can be towed by most personal trucks. These trailers are most often used for transporting animals to an event or show. 

Livestock Trailer with Living Quarters 

If you are spending a great deal of time on the road transporting livestock, investing in a trailer with living quarters is the ideal choice. Generally, these trailers come equipped with a bedroom, storage, living space, dinette, kitchenette, and bathroom. This option allows you to haul stock and save money on hotels when you are on the road.

Find Your Agricultural Transport Needs at Transwest

At Transwest, we're proud to carry new and used agricultural and livestock trailers. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, our expert team can support you throughout the process. Our financing options provide you and your business with affordable ways to obtain the trailers for agriculture that you need without breaking the bank. Once on the road, our trailer parts team and trailer service team will keep your equipment running.

When you're ready to browse the best trailers for agriculture in person, visit a Transwest location near you or shop our online inventory today.