Common Types of Commercial Trailers

Commercial trailers are designed to meet a variety of needs. From the trailers hauled by semi-trucks across the nation delivering goods every day to specialized tank trailers that make the transportation of chemicals and fertilizer safe, there is a commercial trailer to meet any job.

When shopping for a commercial trailer, it is important to carefully consider how the trailer will be used to ensure that the right design is chosen. The following guide outlines the most common types of commercial trailers and their specific uses.

Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers are similar to a flatbed trailer, however, the trailer bed rests lower to the ground which gives the trailer its unique profile. The low bed of this trailer-style makes it easier to transport large equipment and tall loads, which would otherwise exceed height restrictions.

Lowboy trailers come in a variety of configurations. When purchasing a lowboy, you can choose from:

• Front-load designs
• Rear load designs
• Fixed necks
• Goosenecks
• Removable goosenecks (RGN)

With its unique lowered deck, a lowboy trailer is often used to transport heavy equipment in the agriculture, oil and gas, and construction industries.

Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are specialized trailers designed to make hauling and unloading aggregate and bulk materials easier. The common styles of dump trucks include:

• End dump: These are used to haul heavy loads and difficult cargo, such as those found in large demolition projects.
• Bottom dump: Most commonly used in construction, these dump trailers allow for precise unloading.
• Side dump: A side dump trailer implements the use of hydraulics to tilt to the trailer left or right for easy unloading.

Dump trailers can be used to haul a variety of aggregate and bulk materials, such as sand, crushed stone, gravel, and dirt. They are frequently used in construction, agriculture, landscaping, demolition, and oil and gas industries.

Drop Deck Trailers

Drop deck trailers are similar to a low-boy, however, instead of one continuous lowered platform, the flatbed trailer has multiple levels. This style of trailer is often referred to as a step-deck trailer. With the drop-in deck height, this trailer style is ideal for hauling tall equipment, such as forklifts, construction gear, and oil and gas equipment.

The low trailer deck height also makes it easier for operators to load equipment onto the trailer.

Drop deck trailers are used in an array of industries, including agriculture, construction, oil and gas, and for transportation businesses specializing in heavy equipment.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are one of the most commonly used trailer types on the market. These haulers are designed to efficiently transport almost any type of cargo imaginable. With a single flatbed, this trailer-style allows for easy unloading and loading.

Available in lengths ranging from 45 feet to 53 feet, flatbed trailers are often constructed with steel, aluminum, or a combination of both.

Flatbeds are often used to haul lumber, pallet freight, steel piping, hay, heavy equipment, and more.

Due to their adaptability, flatbeds are used across numerous industries including agriculture, construction, landscaping, lumber, oil and gas, and more.

Tag Trailers

Tag trailers are a unique style of utility trailer that connects to the towing vehicle’s bumper or frame via a pintle hitch.

These trailers are available in a variety of sizes and are often used to transport tens of thousands of pounds worth of specialized equipment. Additionally, these specialty trailers are usually equipped with flip-up ramps at the rear of the trailer which make loading and unloading easier and more efficient.

With their ability to haul large equipment, tag trailers are often found in the construction and oil and gas industries.

Tilt Trailers

Tilt trailers are designed so that the deck of the trailer is perfectly balanced above a fulcrum, in this case, the point where the trailer tilts or pivots. Using a tilt trailer makes it easier to load and unload vehicles or heavy equipment.

The operator simply tilts the rear of the trailer to the ground, which creates a sort of ramp. The equipment or vehicle is then driven up the tilt trailer, and the operator slowly tilts the trailer back into a flat position. In some cases, a tilt trailer is equipped with a power lift option using hydraulics to assist in tilting for heavy loads.

With their convenient loading and unloading mechanism, these trailers are a good pick for any industry in which heavy equipment or vehicles must be transported to and from job sites, such as agriculture, construction, towing companies, and oil and gas.

Belt Trailers

Belt trailers are specialty trailers featuring a rubber conveyor belt that runs down the length of the trailer. This rubber belt grabs onto cargo or aggregate materials to make loading and unloading simple.

Typically, these trailers are designed with sloped plastic sides as well to guide the material onto the conveyor belt. This makes unloading an automatic task that can be completed from within the truck cab, which is why belt trailers are also commonly referred to as self-unloading trailers.

With their ability to unload an entire commercial trailer in as little as five minutes, these trailers are extremely beneficial in the agriculture and construction industries where aggregate materials need to be unloaded frequently and quickly.

Grain Hoppers

Grain hopper trailers use a funnel shape to make loading and unloading grain simple. The top of the trailer is opened up, where the grain can be poured into the trailer body. At the bottom of the trailer is a smaller opening, where grain can flow out of the trailer, similar to liquid flowing out of a funnel.

Grain hoppers are an important trailer for the agriculture industry, which relies on these specialized trailers for the transportation of grains after the harvest.

Visit Transwest to Find Your Next Commercial Trailer

No matter what type of commercial trailer you are looking to purchase, our team at Transwest can help. We carry a premium selection of commercial trailers backed by top manufacturers. From flatbeds to specialty tank trailers, we will be happy to assist you in finding the right trailer for the job at hand. We can also help you with ongoing commercial trailer maintenance and services, helping you limit costly downtime.

Additionally, we offer in-house financing options, making the purchasing process simple and efficient. Come visit us today to learn more.