Whether you’re hauling good locally or transporting stock across long distance, having the right truck trailer can make all the difference. At Law Trucks, we understand the importance of this decision and want to make sure we support you not just in the buying process of your next trailer, but the research process too. After reading this article, you’ll be able to understand the needs of your transportation and logistics company and then arrive at the right decision when it comes to choosing the most suitable truck trailer.

Understanding your business requirements

Before we dive into any of the specifics when it comes to certain trailer types and features, it’s important that you take time to assess your business requirements. Consider various factors such as the types of goods you transport regularly; whether they’re bulky construction materials, temperature-sensitive perishables or livestock. Evaluating the frequency of your trips and the distances your fleet will be covering will also be crucial in helping you narrow down your options and prioritising certain features that will be helpful for achieving your business goals.

What are the different types of truck trailers available?

As you’re probably well aware, there are a number of different types of used trailers for sale, making the process of buying the right one rather difficult. We’ll highlight some of the most common trailer types here, touching upon what makes them suitable for particular transportation tasks.

Curtainsider Trailer

A curtainsider trailer is a type of semi-trailer that utilises a flexible design, afforded by the curtain-like material that is draped over its sides, in place of solid walls. This curtain offers immediate physical protection from the outside, much like a standard box van trailer does, however the curtain can actually be drawn back and forth via runners along the siders of the trailer. This allows for easy access on stored goods from either side of the trailer. Bulky items or large-quantities of stock stored on pallet racking are often transported using curtainsider trailers.

Flatbed Trailer

A flatbed trailer features an open platform with no sides or roof. It’s an entirely flat surface that is manoeuvrable via the wheels attached to it’s underside, and is then hauled by an appropriate truck or tractor unit. With no sides or roof, flatbed trailers allow for the transportation of goods of various shapes and sizes. Construction materials with irregular storage shapes such as timber, steel beams and pipes are all suitable for this type of trailer. Because there are no walls or ceilings obstructing the loading process, these trailers also allow for loads to be packed via cranes, forklifts and other machinery.

Drawbar Trailer

Also referred to as a tag trailer or pig trailer, a drawbar trailer consists of a rigid frame with wheels at the back. This type of trailer is attached to the lead towing vehicle by a drawbar or a tounge, hence the trailers name. These types of trailers allow for plenty of manoeuvrability, especially in tight spaces making them useful for navigating narrow streets and busy urban areas. They also offer plenty of stability to ensure for safe transportation of heavy or bulky loads.

Lowloader Trailer

Lowloader trailers are a specialised trailer type, designed for transporting tall or oversized cargo. Their design allows for a lower deck height compared to standard trailers, which enables them to carry taller cargo such as machinery and construction equipment which can’t be disassembled for transport, while still maintaining stability and balance. They often come equipped with ramps or hydraulic systems which facilitate the loading and unloading of heavier goods from the ground to the trailer.

Box van Trailer

Perhaps the most common type of trailer seen in shipping and logistics, the box van trailer is often attached to rigid trucks and used to transport palletised goods, boxes, furniture etc. The large rectangular container is typically made of aluminium or steel, and offer extensive protection from weather elements, as well as theft and vandalism attempts. They are also often emblazoned with brand names, logos and contact information, serving as moving billboards as they travel across different locations.

Fuel Tanker Trailer

Up until now we’ve looked at trailers capable of transporting solid goods, but what about liquids such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel etc.? Well for these sorts of operations, the only choice is a fuel tanker trailer. These cylindrically shaped trailers are designed to safely transport thousands of gallons of volatile liquids. They are composed of durable materials capable of withstanding exposure to corrosive liquids, and often feature numerous safety features such as an emergency shutoff valve or a spill containment system that inhibits leaks and spills.

Work alongside your budget considerations

While its essential that quality and functionality should be prioritised when selecting a truck trailer, budget constraints are also a reality for many businesses. The biggest benefit of buying or hiring a used truck trailer versus a new trailer is that you’ll be able to pay discounted prices, so if performance on a budget is something you want out of your truck trailer, we’re sure to have what you’re looking for.

Reach out to reputable dealers like Law Trucks who will ensure you get the most out of your investment. We’ll provide expert insights into which type of trailer from our extensive collection will suit your business, in addition to premium after-sales support.