Guide when determining what type of freight shipping trailer you will need for your truckload.

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• Flatbed Trailer: Freight shipping hauls where load height is not an issue can use standard flatbed trailers. These are one of the most common types of trailers, and they are used to haul standard machinery and equipment. A flatbed trailer can carry up to 48,000 lbs.

• Step Deck (Single-Drop Deck) Trailer: These are also called drop deck or single drop trailers. The total length of the step deck can be up to 53 feet. There are two decks- a higher deck, usually 11 feet long and a lower deck, up to 38 feet long. The step deck is heavier than the flatbed. This freight shipping trailer can carry up to 48,000 lbs.

• Lowboy (Double-Drop Deck) Trailer: The lowboy or the double drop is similar to a ‘gooseneck’ trailer. Loading this trailer can be difficult for an inexperienced hand. This freight shipping trailer can carry a maximum of 45,000 lbs.

• Double-Drop with Detachable Deck (Gooseneck) Trailer: This is a type of double drop trailer that is perfect for transporting tall loads. This trailer can be unhooked and certain equipment can be loaded on this trailer. Because it is specialized, it often cost more to engage this trailer. It can carry up to 44,000 lbs.

• Dry Vans or Enclosed Box Trailer: Dry van trailers are like enclosed boxes. They provide protection from the weather. They can be used to transport items loaded on pallets or in boxes. These trailers are used for freight shipping up to 45,000 lbs.

• Stretch Flatbed Trailer: The stretch flatbed trailer is used to haul freight of standard weight but, of a longer length. Containing a single deck, this trailer can carry a maximum weight of 45,000 lbs.

• Stretch Single-Drop Deck Trailer: Also known as stretch single drop, this trailer can be expanded to up to 62 feet long. This trailer has two decks and it can carry a maximum of 43,000 lbs.

• Stretch Double-Drop Deck Trailer: This type of trailer can also be called a triaxle when it has three axles. The extra axle enables the stretch double-drop deck trailer to carry more weight than it normally can. There are three decks on this trailer. This trailer is used for freight shipping a maximum of 40,000 lbs.

• Reefer Trailer: The reefer trailer of refrigerated van is similar to dry van trailer. The main difference is that they have refrigeration units that can keep the contents cool for an extended period. They are mainly used for perishable and temperature sensitive freight shipping. Reefers can be up to 53 feet long.