Semi-trailer types and their use in the transportation industry

The semi-trailer is a standard mode of transportation used frequently in the trucking business. Semi-trailers are increasingly taking on a significant role in the global supply chain, helping to ensure that goods are carried to their destination with priority, diverse transportation of goods in huge volumes and reaching their goal quickly and safely. There are many distinct sizes and varieties of semi-trailer schematics utilized in the road transportation sector today, and each form has unique and noteworthy applications. Read the article below to learn more about each sort of semi-trailer.

Flatbed semi-trailers

Flatbed semi-trailers also known as "flatbeds," are designed to carry cargo that cannot be transported inside enclosed trailers due to their size or shape. They have a flat, open platform without walls or a roof, making them ideal for hauling large, heavy, and oversized loads. Flatbed semi-trailers are typically constructed with a steel frame and a wooden or metal floor. The structure consists of two main beams running the length of the trailer, with cross-members connecting the two beams to support the cargo. Flatbed semi-trailers come in sizes such as 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet. They are commonly used to transport construction equipment, steel products, lumber, machinery, etc. Flatbed semi-trailers are subject to various regulations regarding weight limits and height limits for cargo securement.

Skeletal semi-trailers

Skeletal semi-trailers also known as chassis trailers, are trailers designed to transport shipping containers. The skeletal structure consists of vertical and horizontal beams that form a grid, with locking mechanisms on the corners to secure the container.
Skeletal semi-trailers come in various sizes, depending on the size of the container they are designed to carry. The most common size is the 40-foot trailer, which can carry a standard 40-foot shipping container, other sizes include 20-foot
Skeletal semi-trailers are explicitly designed to transport shipping containers. They are commonly used to transport goods in intermodal transportation, where containers are moved between different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, and trucks.

Gooseneck semi-trailers

Gooseneck semi-trailers are trailers designed to mainly transport reefer containers or heavy equipment and machinery. They have a unique design that allows them to carry taller loads than other types of trailers. Gooseneck semi-trailers are typically constructed with a steel frame and a low-profile gooseneck design extending from the trailer's front. The gooseneck is a curved beam that attaches to the tractor unit and provides additional support for the trailer. Gooseneck semi-trailers come in various sizes, ranging from 20 to 48 feet. The height of the trailer is determined by the height of the gooseneck, which can be adjusted to accommodate different loads.

Dump semi-trailers

Sand, gravel and construction debris can all be transported and dumped using dump semi-trailers. They have a hydraulic lifting system that enables the cargo to be discharged from the back of the trailer while it is elevated. The conventional design of a dump semi-trailer has a steel frame and a box-shaped body that may be rotated to eject the load. The box-shaped body is steel and designed to hold loose materials. Dump semi-trailers offer several advantages over other types of trailers, including the ability to transport and dump flexible materials quickly and efficiently, increased stability when hauling heavy loads, and versatility in the types of cargo they can carry.

Tanker semi-trailers

The purpose of tanker semi-trailers is to transport liquids or gasses, such as gasoline, petroleum and chemicals. Tanker semi-trailers are typically constructed of stainless steel or aluminum and are designed to withstand the pressure and weight of the cargo they are carrying. They are typically cylindrical in shape and have a series of baffles inside to prevent the liquid from sloshing around.

Lowboy semi-trailer

The legal height and weight restrictions for ordinary trailers are exceeded by large machinery, heavy equipment, and building materials and lowboy semi-trailers (also known as double drop trailers) are trailers explicitly made to transport these types of this oversized and overweight goods. Compared to conventional trailers, they are built with a lower deck height, enabling the transport of taller cargo.
There are several rules governing the weight, height, and cargo securement of lowboy semi-trailers. Drivers must be informed with the local laws and requirements because these restrictions differ from one country to the next.

Drop deck semi-trailer

Drop deck trucks, commonly referred to as step deck trailers, are open trailers comparable to flatbed trailers but differ in a few ways. Step deck trailers feature two deck levels, the upper and lower decks, whereas flatbed trailers only have one class.
The upper deck, located above the tractor unit, is between 10 and 13 feet long. The bottom tier is only three feet and three inches above the ground and is approximately 38 and 40 feet long. Step deck trailers can tow taller loads thanks to their lowered deck.

Enclosed semi-trailer 

Enclosed semi-trailer  (with other names such as box semi-trailer, cage trailer, fence trailer) is a type of semi-trailer designed as a flat floor in the form of a crate, used to hang goods and equipment such as agricultural products and ornamental plants,...

Loading Ramp

An inclined plane used to load and unload cargo from a car or container is called a loading ramp. Loading ramps make it easier to move large things from the ground to the truck bed or trailer, or vice versa. Ramps can be utilized outside during shipping or within warehouses. Although steel makes for the strongest and longest-lasting ramps, a loading ramp can be formed of any material and is available in any size.
Heavy duty loading ramps are made to last a very long time and to carry a great deal of weight. Due to their high level of safety, these heavy duty ramps require less maintenance and have a variety of applications.

Conclusion: Above are all popular and licensed semi-trailers in the trucking industry. But for drivers to choose a semi-trailer product with quality and long service life is a relatively tricky problem. Tan Thanh Container is a company with a long history of establishment with more than 28 years of experience in designing and manufacturing semi-trailers. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recognized quality as a product that has achieved the National Brand in 2022. We believe we will provide our customers and partners with the best products and services.
Tân thanh Container has launched "The program of Semi-trailers Installment Service" with an alluring loan period of up to 24 months only at Tân Thanh Container in order to specifically create favorable conditions for customers and partners to easily buy semi-trailer equipment to serve transportation for 2023. For the fastest service, we ask any customers interested in the aforementioned installment option to get in touch with us right away. Tân Thanh container is pleased to serve you!
>> See more here

Tân Thanh Container - Always leading in high quality