An Overview of Semi-Truck Trailer Sizes & Styles

Flatbed Trailers: Dimensions & Capabilities

Flatbed trailers are among the most common trailer types used in semi-trucks, as they offer a simple but versatile design that is suited for many applications. These types of trailers are distinct for their flat open-topped design, which makes them ideal for transporting cargo that is large or awkward in shape.

In terms of size, flatbed trailers come in a variety of lengths, typically ranging from 28 to 53 feet in length. These trailers can carry from 10 to 24 tons of weight capacity depending on their size and construction. What’s more, some flatbeds can be further customized with features such as side kits and tarping systems to keep cargo secure during transit. This type of trailer is best for transporting large items like industrial equipment that don’t require specialized protection or temperature control. Read More about semi truck dimensions here.

Curtain Side Trailer: Dimensions & Benefits

Do you need a trailer that can carry large, oddly-shaped items without compromising on space inside? Then you’ll want to take a closer look at the curtain side trailer. This type of semi-truck trailer is typically larger than an enclosed box van and is most often used for carrying goods that can’t fit in a standard, enclosed box.

So how big is a curtain side trailer? The average size of these semi-truck trailers range from 53 feet to 57 feet in length, 13 feet 6 inches to 14 feet in height, and 8 feet 6 inches to 8 feet 10 inches in width. That’s quite large! And the benefits don’t stop there:

  • Its top and sides are fully opened when loading while remaining secure while driven.
  • It’s easy to maneuver and access on the sides so loading and unloading is quick and efficient.
  • It offers superior protection against dust and other debris during transit compared to open flatbeds.
  • Its reinforced steel frames are extremely durable, making them ideal for heavy goods over long distances.

Drop-Frame Semi-Truck Trailers: Dimensions & Attributes

Drop-frame semi-truck trailers are some of the largest types of trailers on the road, measuring in at 53 feet long. They have a unique design, with a frame that’s dropped down about 8 inches lower than other trailer types. This is beneficial for taller loads, because it gives the driver easier access to what’s on the trailer.

Drop-frame trailers have a width of 102 inches and a height of 13.5 feet—an impressive size! They also typically have an interior height of 110 inches and interior widths ranging from 96 to 102 inches.

There are different types of drop-frame semi-truck trailers depending on what your cargo needs are. For instance, you can find:

  • Flatbeds: great for construction materials
  • Dry Vans: perfect for smaller items like boxes or pallets
  • Step Decks: ideal for heavy, tall items like transformers
  • Lowboy Trailers: perfect for carrying big equipment and machinery
  • Double Drop Trailers: perfect for oversize loads that need extra clearance.

In addition, you can even customize these trailers with additional features and technologies to improve the safety and performance of your shipment. With their massive size and capacity, drop-frame semi-truck trailers can handle almost any type of shipment imaginable!

Container Chassis Trailers: Dimensions & Utilities

If you’re looking for something a little bigger than a dry van, container chassis trailers might be the way to go. These trailers come in a variety of dimensions, from 28 feet, to 48 feet and 53 feet, making them big enough to fit massive shipments.

Container chassis trailers come equipped with their own suspensions and landing gears, and they’re designed to work with containers of various sizes. They provide easy access to the freight within the container, so loading and unloading is a breeze.

Plus, these trailers are flexible enough for multiple transportation modes—they can be towed by standard tractors, shipped on boats or transported in intermodal units.

When considering the right trailer size for your needs, consider both internal and external measurements:

  • Internal Measurements: length, width & height of the inside space
  • External Measurements: length (including drawbar overhang), width & height of the entire trailer from decking to roof-line

Step Deck Semi-Truck Trailers: Dimensions & Capacity

You might have seen step deck semi-truck trailers around—they’re the ones with two levels. Step decks are usually used to transport long and tall loads.

The lengths of step deck semi-truck trailers differ, ranging from 48’ to 53’. Here are some other details about this kind of trailer:

  • The lower deck of a step deck semi-truck trailer is usually 8’6” tall, while the upper deck is 4’-5’ high.
  • The capacity of these trailers can range from 45,000 to 50,000 pounds.
  • They typically have two sections: an upper and a lower section. The lower section can be up to 30 feet in length and the upper section can be as long as 12 feet.
  • Step decks have slightly sloping sides and a tarping system that helps secure your cargo for transit and protect it from weather conditions like rain or snow.

Step deck semi-truck trailers are great for transporting cargo that’s too tall for traditional dry vans, so if you need something extra sturdy for large shipments, this might be a good option for you!

Lowboy Semi-Truck Trailers: Dimensions & Functions

If you’re looking for a semi-truck trailer that can handle heavier loads, then a Lowboy may be your best bet. This type of semi-truck trailer typically has two axles and can range in length from 40 to 53 feet. It is typically used to haul heavy construction equipment or oversized items that are too tall to be transported on regular trailers.

Benefits of Lowboy Semi-truck Trailers

The lowboy design helps to achieve a low center of gravity, allowing the trailer to carry heavier loads than other trailers and disperse the weight evenly across both axles, resulting in a more stable ride for your cargo. Additionally, the low bed platform makes it easier to load tall items onto the trailer than it would be with regular semi-truck trailers. These trailers also offer greater maneuverability due to their shorter length and reduced weight as compared to standard semi-trailers.

Advantages & Drawbacks

The primary benefit of lowboy semi-truck trailers is their ability to haul heavy loads with relative ease. However, they are also limited by their size—they are not suitable for transporting lighter goods or goods that do not require extra strength or height clearance. Additionally, since these trailers do not have any walls or sides, you will need to secure your goods so that they don’t shift during transport.