When looking at transporting loads, it is important to identify the correct style of semi-trailer to haul the type of cargo you need to move. Here are a few items to keep in mind to help you choose what direction you need to go.
Dry Vans:
- What is the product you will be carrying
- How much will the load weigh
- Are the items perishable
- Is the load palletized
- Does the load have to be strapped to the inside of the trailer for stability
- What type of trailer door works best for the cargo and the docks you will be loading and unloading at.
It is important to ask the shipper about the product you will be carrying and how it will be packaged. This can make the difference in what type of interior you need for the trailer you will be renting. There are two types of interiors for reefer (non-cooled) semi-trailers: Sheet and Post and Composite.
Sheet and Post Trailers are built with logistic slots installed in the walls to hold freight in place. Inside of the trailer are vertical posts. They are usually on metal placed 12″ to 48″ apart with posts built into the walls that are roughly 1″ deep. These separate each section. The walls that these go into are normally built with plywood or a similar type of material. The logistic slots are installed because they are where the freight can be attached to hold it in place while being transported. This allows for good support and helps with control of the load from shifting. This type of semi-trailer is usually a lighter weight trailer. The walls are built to be load bearing and designed to be able to accommodate different types of fastening apparatus, such as e-track.
Composite Trailers have a different interior from a sheet and post trailer. The walls in a composite trailer are built to be smooth. This style trailer is rated as a food grade trailer. The interior width of the trailer is 2.5″ wider than the sheet and post trailer. The interior design of these trailers is perfect for freight that you do not want to snag. The walls help prevent damage when loading and unloading the trailer. These trailers are the best style choice of trailer for hauling pallets. The build allows a little extra room, due to not having the posts to accidentally get hooked on and you can also stack and load pallets side by side. There is also a little extra room to allow for some minimal overhang of the shipment that is on the pallets. Composite trailers can have logistic posts installed that are spaced from 24″ to 48″ apart.
Door Types:
Roll Up Doors do just that. They roll up by rollers, so when they are parked at a dock, the door can be raised and lowered easily to be able to access what is inside.
Swing Doors/Barn Doors are two doors that swing outwards. They have a wider opening, since they are on hinges, that allows for more space and easier access. Especially for forklifts. These doors need to be opened prior to backing into the dock.
Flatbeds:
- How long is the product you are carrying
- Are you carrying equipment
- Is it a requirement to have a headache rack for the shipper
When choosing a flatbed, it is important to know the length and weight of what you will be carrying in order to make the right decision on what style flatbed you will need. A standard flatbed comes in the lengths of 48′ or 53′. They are also made of three different materials: Aluminum, a combo (a mix of aluminum and steel) and steel. You will need tarps and straps for a flatbed trailer to secure your load.
Aluminum Flatbeds are the lightest weight of the three flatbeds. They have more of an arch due to how they are built and how they flex. The crossmembers that support the trailer are closer together, that way they can hold the additional weight, since the trailer is lighter. Aluminum trailers are good for areas that have bad weather, as they are not going to rust from elements like snow and ice.
Combo Flatbeds are made with aluminum flooring, sides and crossmembers. Their beams, however, are made of steel with aluminum crossmembers, floor and side rails. This makes them a “combo” style trailer. They are a little heavier than an aluminum trailer, due to the beam, but have extra strength, which makes them a flatter trailer compared to the aluminum.
Steel Flatbeds are the heaviest trailers. Several of the components on this style flatbed are made of steel. The beams, crossmembers, side rails and suspension hangers are made of steel, while the floor is made of wood.
