A trailer is an excellent choice for a variety of industries, allowing you to safely haul dangerous, dirty, delicate, oversized or heavy equipment. There is also a wide variety of trailers on the market today, all offering a range of features and options, and some of which are designed for certain industries or for hauling certain equipment in particular!
To help you choose the best trailer for your industry, check out a few vital differences in trailer types, along with some specialty features they offer. This information can make it easier for you to narrow down those choices and find the best trailer for your business.
Dry vans
A dry van isn't actually a vehicle van but a flatbed trailer with a box around it. Dry vans provide protection from the elements and added security for your hauled goods. The added protection of a dry van is especially essential on an interstate, where wind, gravel and high speeds put your cargo at risk. Dry vans are also good for hauling vehicles or any item with glass or otherwise delicate features that need containment.
Refrigerated trailer
A refrigerated trailer is a dry van with some type of cooling or climate control system inside. Often called reefers, these trailers are used by florists, food manufacturers and even pharmaceutical companies to protect their goods from both heat and humidity. When shopping for a refrigerated trailer, note if it has temperature control versus just being insulated, so you can choose the right option for your shipping needs.
Lowboy trailers
A lowboy trailer is the option to choose for hauling overly tall items that would otherwise put your cargo over the height limit for various roads and for added protection when going under overpasses and other obstacles. However, note that some municipalities require special licensing or permits to use a lowboy trailer. Be sure you check on any added regulations before choosing a lowboy for your hauling needs.
Extendable flatbed trailers
As the name implies, extendable flatbed trailers are adjustable, allowing you to create the room needed to support overly long items when necessary without having more space than you need when hauling cargo that is a bit shorter! When choosing an extendable flatbed trailer, be sure you check on its weight capacity and size when fully extended to ensure you opt for one that fits the longest or largest item you'll be hauling for your business.