TYPES OF TRAILERS

The three types of trailers that are most common in the United States are dry vans, flat-

beds, and refrigerated trailers.

Dry vans are basically big aluminum boxes with wheels on the bottom. You can ship vir-

tually anything in a dry van as long the cargo fits inside and isn’t too heavy. Because the

doors are in the back of the trailer, you have to load from front to back; you can’t get to

the cargo in the front of the trailer until you unload everything behind it.

Flatbeds are a good alternative for long cargo like pipes or heavy items like bricks,

because these trailers are easier to load and unload from the side. When the cargo on a

flatbed needs to be protected from the elements it can be covered with tarps.

For perishable foods, you need refrigerated trailers (or, as we say in the biz, reefers).

Reefers are similar to dry vans except they are insulated and have a refrigeration unit

mounted in the front that cools the air inside. It is more expensive to ship in a reefer

than it is to use a dry van.

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