Feeling overwhelmed by the jargon of semi-trailers? This helpful glossary will decode the most common trailer and logistic terms for dry vans, so you’ll be ready to conquer the road with ease.
Trailer Types
- Dry Van: The classic enclosed trailer for general cargo (think palletized and boxed items).
- Flatbed: An open platform trailer for bulky, oversized items (think lumber, machinery).
- Reefer: A temperature-controlled trailer for perishable goods (think food, pharmaceuticals).
Trailer Features
Air ride suspension enhances shock absorption for delicate cargo. Spring ride suspension systems require less maintenance than an air ride suspension. The chassis is the supporting framework of the trailer (separate from the actual container or bed). Barn style doors that swing open from the center out are called swing doors. A roll-up door is a door that rolls up similar to a garage door.
Logistics Terms
Before you hook up, understanding some key logistics lingo is crucial.
- Unladen Weight: How much the empty trailer weighs.
- GVWR: The maximum total weight of the trailer including the cargo it is carrying.
- Backhaul: A load that you pick up in the trailer when returning to the area that you started from or to deliver close to your next pick-up destination.
- Deadhead Miles: Miles driven with an empty trailer, due to not having a backhaul.
- Bobtailing: Driving to the next destination without a trailer attached.
When choosing loads to haul, always think about the round trip to maximize your profit. Try not to have any deadhead miles or to have to bobtail, as these types of runs create added costs and cut into the profits of the load you just delivered.
Before You Depart
- Read your rental agreement carefully to understand your responsibilities and limitations.
- Be sure to ask the rental company for clarification on any contract terms you’re unsure about.
- Familiarize yourself with the trailer’s specific features, operation and condition before departure.
These steps will give you a clear understanding of what to expect from a trailer rental company. Some rental companies may require an extra fee per mile driven in addition to the monthly rent. Most companies will also require you to carry insurance on the trailer. You will be responsible for all upkeep, maintenance and any damage that the trailer may incur.
With this basic glossary under your belt, you’re ready to navigate the world of trailer rentals with confidence. Whether you need a dry van for cargo or a flatbed for hauling machinery or supplies, we have the perfect trailer for your specific needs. Contact us today to get a trailer rental and keep your business moving.
