5 Types of Freight Trucks and Which Is Best for Your Shipments

The United States trucking industry is responsible for moving 70% of goods across the country. When shipping goods, there are a variety of freight trucks available to get your products from point A to point B.

When you’re responsible for transporting goods, the trucks you use play a large role in the efficiency of your business. Continue reading to discover five types of freight trucks and their uses.

1. Dry Van

A dry van is also known as a box trailer and is one of the most popular forms of highway shipping. Workers load goods into these trailers on pallets or boxes, where they’re safe from the elements.

Loading docks are commonly equipped for this type of shipment. Dry vans carry truckload shipments going to the same place, or less than truckload (LTL) shipments are combined in the trailer and shipped to multiple locations.

Learn more about less than truckload services at kaiserlogistics.com.

2. Flatbed

A flatbed trailer is an open bed trailer that works best for durable freight that can withstand the elements. Flatbed shipments can be loaded without a loading dock and are a more convenient method for bulky items that are hard to get into a standard trailer.

Common types of freight loaded onto flatbeds are construction equipment, vehicles, piping, and beams.

3. Conestoga

Trucks with a Conestoga trailer use a rolling tarp to cover and uncover the trailer to protect your goods. A Conestoga trailer makes loading and unloading easier by giving you the option to do so from the side, rather than the rear of the trailer.

These trailers offer the best of both flatbed and dry bed freight trucks. They are capable of transporting more bulky items while still protecting them from the elements.

4. Removable Gooseneck

Removable gooseneck trailers, also known as RGN trailers, come with a detachable front end that lowers to the ground to create a ramp. These trailers can transport heavyweight, tall, or long items like heavy machinery.

RGNs are more expensive than other trailers. However, if you’re regularly shipping heavy or oversized items, they’re an excellent investment for your business.

5. Refrigerated Trailer

If your goods are perishable, refrigerated freight trucks keep your goods fresh. These trucks have refrigerated trailers that allow you to keep the conditions inside temperature-controlled.

No matter what the outside weather conditions are, you’ll be able to maintain the ideal temperature for your items to last the journey.

When using a refrigerated trailer to ship your goods, bear in mind that you will incur some added costs. When refrigerated, a cooling mechanism maintains the temperature, and it needs more fuel to run.

Understanding the Different Types of Freight Trucks

When your business centers around the transportation of goods, the types of freight trucks you’ll use is an important decision. These trucks are a big investment, and it’s crucial to look at your transportation needs to decide which trucks will be the most efficient for your goods.

Looking for more information to help your business? Check out some of our other articles covering a range of topics from automobiles to finance.