Did you notice when you were driving this morning all the different trucks on the road? Before working in logistics, I never paid attention to all the trucks on the road. Now, it is all I look at. Then I began to realize, hey all these trucks don’t all look the same. With the different types of cargo moved within the United States, each type of cargo can require a different trailer type. Here we will break down the different trailer types used in truckload transportation.
Within the category of truckload transportation, there are three primary truckload types. They are dry van, refrigerated (known in the industry as reefer), and flatbed. The cargo that moves within each category can vary only a little bit or very significantly.
Some cargo that can be loaded on a reefer trailer can be loaded on a dry van, but not a flatbed. And some cargo that can be loaded on a flatbed can be loaded on a dry van, but not a reefer. Each trailer type has a different cargo requirement, weight capacity, dimensions, and special requirements to deliver the freight.
Dry Van Trailers
Dry van trailers are the most common truckload transportation type. What drivers are moving in a dry van is any commodity that needs to be protected from the outside elements such as snow, wind, and rain. Besides weather, a dry van also protects the cargo from dust particles and debris that could get on the product that could containment or spoil.
Most of the cargo that moves on dry van trailers have the fewest special handling requirements. This is why most new drivers coming into transportation begin hauling these trailers. Drivers do not need to have as much advanced knowledge or special training that comes with the other trailer types.
Refrigerated Trailers
Refrigerated trailers or reefer trailers as they are commonly referred to are trailers that maintain a certain temperature from the time the cargo is picked up through delivery. The main difference between these trailers and dry vans is the refrigeration unit on the front of the trailer. Also, refrigerated trailers have insulated floors, walls, and ceilings to maintain the right temperature.
These trailer types are able to maintain temperature by having the cold air from the refrigeration unit blown into the trailer through a ceiling-mounted chute. The chute forces cold air to the back of the trailer and down the walls to ensure the cargo is properly cooled. Drivers pulling a refrigerated trailer must have knowledge of the temperature requirements of the cargo. And knowledge of how to set and monitor the refrigeration unit.
Flatbed Trailers
The last type of trailer used in truckload transportation is a flatbed. Flatbed trailers are used specifically for oversized cargo that would not fit into a dry van trailer or product that is not affected by the elements such as snow, wind, and rain. Another advantage of utilizing a flatbed is that there are multiple ways to load cargo onto this trailer type. You can load it straight on from the tail of the trailer or from the sides. This makes a flatbed trailer perfect for any cargo that needs to go to a construction site. Where there is no loading dock and the cargo has to be offloaded from the side.
Drivers pulling a flatbed trailer must have knowledge of the type of cargo they are hauling. As well as how to properly secure the cargo. Since there are no walls on the trailer to hold the cargo in place.
Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of truckload transportation, which truckload would you look for when you are on the road? My favorite are flatbed trailers because the type of machinery and cargo that can be moved amazes me. For more logistics information, please visit www.why-logistics.com.
