Most Common Types of Truck Loads for Freight Shipping
The success of shipping operations relies on more than just the route—it begins with selecting the right freight truck. Whether transporting temperature-sensitive food, oversized machinery, or everyday commercial goods, using the appropriate truck type can make all the difference in keeping cargo safe, secure, and on schedule.
Below is a look at the most common types of freight trucks, their applications, and a guide to choosing the best option for any freight requirement.
7 Most Common Types of Freight Trucks
1. Dry Van Trailers
Dry van trailers are the most widely used freight trucks in the industry. These enclosed trailers are perfect for hauling non-perishable goods, raw materials, and items that require protection from weather conditions but not temperature control.
- Uses: Dry van trucks are ideal for transporting commercial items such as clothing, electronics, and boxed goods.
- Advantages: The enclosed structure keeps cargo secure and protected from rain, wind, and debris.
- Who Uses Them: Retailers, distribution centers, and businesses moving general freight over long distances.
With over 2.05 million on the road, dry van trailers remain a versatile and readily available option.
2. Reefer Trailers
Reefer trailers, also known as refrigerated trucks, are equipped with temperature control systems to transport goods that need specific temperature conditions.
- Uses: Reefer trucks transport items that need to be kept cool, such as ice cream, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable items.
- Advantages: These trailers maintain a consistent environment to prevent spoilage.
- Who Uses Them: Grocery stores, pharmaceutical companies, and food suppliers rely on reefer trailers for their temperature-sensitive cargo.
3. Step Deck Trailers
Step deck trailers, also known as drop deck trailers, are open-deck trailers designed to transport taller cargo that exceeds the height limits of standard flatbed trailers.
- Uses: Commonly used to haul construction equipment, heavy machinery, and oversized loads.
- Advantages: The lower deck height allows for taller loads without the need for special permits in many cases.
- Who Uses Them: Construction companies and equipment manufacturers.
Step deck trailers are often the go-to solution for oversized cargo that needs easy loading and unloading.
4. Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers are commonly used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. Their open deck design is perfect for goods that can’t fit inside a standard trailer.
- Uses: Flatbed trucks transport construction materials, raw materials, and heavy machinery.
- Advantages: The open-deck trailer allows for easy access during loading and unloading, accommodating items like steel beams, lumber, and large pipes.
- Who Uses Them: Flatbed haulers and flatbed drivers specializing in construction and industrial freight.
5. Tanker Trailers
Tanker trailers are specifically designed to carry liquids or hazardous materials safely. These trailers come in various configurations to handle specific loads.
- Uses: Tanker trucks transport liquid goods such as fuel, chemicals, and food-grade liquids.
- Advantages: Secure transport design reduces the risk of spills or leaks.
- Who Uses Them: Oil companies, chemical manufacturers, and trucking businesses that handle liquid tankers.
Tanker trailers are a crucial part of the supply chain, especially for industries requiring liquid transportation.
6. Hotshot Shipping
Hotshot shipping involves using smaller, heavy trucks to deliver time-sensitive loads over short distances. Often, these trucks use a gooseneck trailer or flatbed to haul the freight.
- Uses: Transporting smaller loads of construction materials, heavy equipment, or machinery parts.
- Advantages: Quick and efficient delivery for urgent shipments.
- Who Uses Them: Construction crews and businesses with short-distance, time-critical freight needs.
Hotshot shipping is a fast and flexible option for smaller loads needing prompt delivery.
7. Double Drop/Lowboy Trailers
Double drop trailers, also known as lowboy trailers, are designed to transport extremely heavy and oversized loads that exceed height limitations.
- Uses: Transporting construction equipment, large machinery, and oversized cargo that requires special permits.
- Advantages: Their design accommodates heavy and tall loads, with the deck sitting close to the ground for added stability.
- Who Uses Them: Companies transporting oversized loads over long distances.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Freight Truck
Choosing the right freight truck ensures your freight is transported safely and efficiently. Focus on these key factors to make the best decision:
#1 Type of Cargo: The nature of your goods is the primary consideration for the truck you need. For example:
- Perishable items: Opt for reefer trailers to maintain proper temperature control.
- Oversized or irregular loads: Flatbed or step deck trailers are best.
- Liquids: Tanker trailers provide the necessary safety and security.
#2 Weight and Dimensions: Match your cargo’s size and weight with the truck’s capacity. Different trucks have specific weight limits and height restrictions.
- Consider trailers like lowboys for oversized, heavy loads or hotshot trucks for smaller, lighter shipments.
Learn How to Determine Freight Classifications
#3 Distance and Route: The length and type of route play a significant role.
- For long-haul deliveries, dry vans or reefer trailers are ideal.
- For local or short distances, hotshot trucks provide quick and cost-effective delivery.
#4 Loading and Unloading Requirements: Choose a truck that matches your loading needs:
- Open access (flatbeds or step decks).
- Enclosed protection (dry vans or reefers).
#5 Budget and Efficiency: Balance cost with functionality.
- Specialized trucks like lowboys or tankers can be more expensive than standard dry vans.
- Consider fuel efficiency for long-distance shipments to control operating expenses.
Working with a freight broker or a trusted trucking company can help you navigate these considerations and find the right solution for your needs.
Partner with Instant Freight for Shipping Success
With so many options available, it helps to have an experienced partner by your side. At Instant Freight Solutions, we provide tools and services that make finding the right shipping option faster, easier, and more cost-effective. With our Intelli-Freight platform, you’ll have instant access to a range of customized freight solutions:
- Get Quotes Instantly: Enter shipping details and receive customized shipping quotes from a trusted carrier network.
- Easily Compare Options: Evaluate carriers, freight rates, and transit times in one convenient platform.
- Ship with Confidence: Our carrier network guarantees reliability and quality for all types of freight truck loads.
Our goal at Instant Freight is to provide efficient, logistics solutions that help your business thrive. Tasks that once required hours—gathering quotes, comparing carriers, and negotiating rates—are completed in seconds. No matter what you need to be shipped, we connect you with the right freight truck to meet your needs.