As a business owner, you already know that the economy relies on the consistent shipment of goods across the country by 18-wheelers. But what you might not know about is how the size of the truck trailer can influence how you meet your shipping needs. After all, just how big is a semi-truck trailer?
The size and shape of these trailers affect how much they can carry, how they navigate roads, and how quickly they can deliver goods. Keep reading to learn more about the types and sizes of semi-truck trailers.
Types of Semi-truck Trailers
Semi-truck trailers come in different types and sizes, each designed for specific kinds of cargo. Below are the five most common types of semi-truck trailers you should know about:
- Dry Van Trailer: Also called a shipping container, this is a fully enclosed trailer that’s used to transport non-perishable goods and building products. These trailers can protect your goods from harsh weather conditions and road hazards.
- Flatbed Trailer: This is a type of semi-truck trailer with no sides or roof. They are used to transport heavy, bulky items like construction equipment.
- Refrigerated Truck: These trucks are climate-controlled and are meant for carrying food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods.
- Lowboy Trailer: Also known as a low-bed trailer, this trailer has a very low deck. It’s designed to carry heavy and tall items that exceed 10-12 feet and are too high for regular roads.
- Stretch Single-Drop Deck Trailer: This trailer is also known as a step-deck trailer. It has a lowered deck in the middle that allows it to transport loads that are too tall for a flatbed trailer.
- Stretch Double-Drop Trailer: A stretch double-drop trailer is a special type of trailer designed to transport extremely long and heavy loads. It's like a lowboy trailer, but even longer.
How Big Are Semi-Truck Trailers?
There are tons of different types of semi-truck trailers, and each type is designed with a specific dimension in mind. Here’s a brief overview of each trailer size:
How Big Is a Semi-Truck Flatbed Trailer?
- Length- 48 ft – 53 ft
- Width- 8.5 ft
- Height- 8.5 ft
- Maximum Weight- 48,000 pounds
How Big Are Shipping Containers and Refrigerated Trucks?
- Length- 48 ft – 53 ft
- Width- 8.2 ft
- Height- 8 ft.
- Maximum Weight- 42,000 to 45,000 pounds
How Big Is a Lowboy Trailer?
- Length- 24 ft – 29.6 ft
- Width- 8.5 ft
- Well Height- 18 in – 24 in
- Well Length- 24 – 29.6 ft
- Legal Freight Height: 11.5 ft – 12 ft
- Legal Overall Load Height: 14 ft
- Maximum Weight- 40,000 to 95,000 pounds
How Big Is a Stretch Single-Drop Deck Trailer?
- Width- 8.6 ft
- Length- 35 ft – 63 ft
- Height- 10 ft
- Maximum Weight- 45,000 pounds
How Big Is a Stretch Double-Drop Trailer?
- Length- 29 ft – 65 ft
- Width- 8.5 ft
- Height- 11.6 ft
- Maximum Weight- 45,000 pounds
Manage Your Shipping Needs With Lean Cargo Logistics
At Lean Cargo Logistics, we are committed to providing dependable freight and logistics services that our customers can trust to manage their supply chain. We utilize a range of semi-truck trailers that suit all types of shipments, and our team can handle your unique transport needs, both intrastate, interstate, and international.
If you need a freight and logistics company that will go above and beyond to find the best shipping solutions, you need Lean Cargo Logistics. No matter what sorts of shipments you handle, we’re here to help.
