Trailer Types in Trucking

53 or 48 ft Dry Van (53x102x110) High Cubed Trailer 

Specs:

• Interior Dimensions: 53’L x 102” W x 110”H
• Max Weight Capacity: Up to 45,000 lbs.
• Pallets: 26 (single stacked), 52 (double stacked) – standard-sized pallet dimensions (48 x 40 x 48)
• Common Features: Wood or metal floors, E-tracks (logistics posts), roll or swing doors, food-grade interiors, air-ride. 

Best For: General freight, boxed goods, consumer products, food & beverage (non-refrigerated), dry goods, dry pallets. 
 

Reefer Trailer (Temperature-Controlled)

Specs:

• Interior Dimensions: 53’L x 100” W x 103”H (Chutes reduce usable height)
• Max Weight Capacity: 43,500 – 44,000 lbs.
• Insulated walls with refrigeration or freezing units
• Features: Chute systems, E-tracks, roll or swing doors, vented flooring

Best For: Perishables, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive freight

Straight Truck (Box Truck)

Specs:

• Length Range: 22' – 26'
• Max Weight Capacity: ~10,000 – 12,000 lbs.
• Pallets: Up to 12
• Loading: Rear liftgate or dock-high

Best For: Regional LTL freight, retail delivery, light pallet loads, urban routes, and liftgate/pallet jack requirements for loading/unloading. 
 

Cargo Van/Sprinter Van

Specs:

• Length Range: 10' – 14' cargo area
• Max Payload: 3,000 – 5,000 lbs.
• Pallets: 1 – 3
• Loading: Rear door (no dock height)

Best For: Expedited shipments, small parcels, last-mile delivery, and just-in-time freight

Standard Flatbeds 48 or 53

Specs:

• Length: 48' or 53'
• Width: 102"
• Max Weight Capacity: Up to 48,000 lbs.
• Height Limit: ~8'6" (without trailer walls or roof)

Best For: Machinery, construction materials, pipes, crated freight — easy side or crane loading. Commonly requested with tarps, straps, or chains to secure freight.
 

Step Decks – 48 or 53 use cargo that has height restrictions 

Specs:

• Upper Deck Height: 5'
• Lower Deck Height: 3'6"
• Max Freight Height: Up to 10'2"
• Max Weight: ~48,000 lbs.

Best For: Taller freight that exceeds standard flatbed height clearance; equipment, tanks, lumber. Commonly requested with tarps, straps, or chains to secure freight.

Hot Shot Flatbed Trailer

Specs:

• Length: 30' – 40'
• Max Weight Capacity: 16,000 – 20,000 lbs. (varies by truck class)
• Pulled By: Class 3 – 6 pickup trucks
• Deck Height: Lower profile, similar to step decks

Best For: Expedited freight, smaller equipment, time-sensitive loads, and remote areas

RGN Trailer

Specs:

• Length: Up to 29' well + deck extensions
• Max Freight Height: 11'6" or more
• Max Weight: 40,000–80,000+ lbs. (with axle additions)
• Load Type: Front-loadable (gooseneck detaches)

Best For: Oversized, heavy equipment, project cargo, and construction machinery.
 

Double Drop Trailer

Specs:

• Well Length: ~25' – 29'
• Deck Height: As low as 18"
• Max Freight Height: 11'6" or more
• Weight Capacity: 40,000 – 80,000+ lbs. with axles

Best For: Extreme height freight, cranes, dozers, turbines, and industrial freight.

Lowboy Trailer

Specs:

• Well Length: ~24' – 29'
• Deck Height: Typically, 18" – 24"
• Max Freight Height: 11'6" or more (depending on deck height)
• Weight Capacity: 40,000 – 80,000+ lbs. (can go higher with additional axles or specialty permits)

Best For: Bulky, tall, and heavy freight, like: Excavators, cranes, industrial equipment, transformers, and large tanks or vessel.
 

Extendable Drop Deck

Specs:

• Base Length: 48' – 53'
• Extended Length: Up to 80’+
• Deck Height: Similar to step deck
• Max Weight: ~38,000 – 45,000 lbs.

Best For: Long loads like beams, pipes, wind blades — where standard trailer lengths fall short.