The following guide answers the popular question – What trailer types are used in the Agriculture and Construction industries?
We are surrounded by different types of trailers every single day. As we drive down the interstate, at any given moment, you can look around and spot multiple different types of trailers and trucks that are hauling goods and services from Point A to Point B. The construction and agriculture industries require lots of hauling of materials and goods. The construction industry brings materials to a job site and the agriculture industry transports goods to and from the fields. In this article, we outline the different types of trailers that are commonly used for transport in the agricultural and construction industries.
Agriculture Trailers
Whether it’s the large farm machinery or the transport of crops after harvest, there are many different types of trailers that are used in the agricultural industry.
Tractors and other farming equipment are transported to and from the fields via multiple different types of open-deck trailers, including:
- Flatbed trailers – A flatbed is a trailer with a flattened hauling platform. Most flatbed trailers can be loaded from the top, sides, and rear.
- Step-deck trailers – A step-deck trailer has no sides, roof, or doors, resembling a platform. This type of trailer is a semi-trailer that has two deck levels, with the higher, shorter one positioned closer to the front.
- Lowboy trailers – Also known as a step-deck or drop-deck trailer: a lowboy trailer is specially designed to transport taller cargo exceeding the maximum height. It is retractable, has two deck levels (upper and lower), and has no roof, sides, or door.
To learn about the differences between these three agricultural trailers (with photos), read this article by Hale Trailer.
Construction Trailers
Many construction materials are hauled on open-deck trailers:
- 48 and 53-foot flatbed trailers
- Step-deck trailers
- Lowboy trailers
- Standard RGNs (for height-sensitive, heavy, freight)
- Expandable trailers (flatbed, RGNs, etc.)
Outside of the standard flatbed and step-deck trailers, construction materials are also transported on Standard RGN trailers. RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck. RGN trailers are unique because the front part of the trailer is removable, converting into a ramp for ease of loading and unloading. To learn more about RGN trailers, read this article by NTS Logistics.
Finished products or breakable materials are typically hauled in an enclosed trailer or a dry van. A dry van is a type of semi-trailer that is fully enclosed to protect the cargo from the outside weather elements.
Be Mindful of the Axles
No matter the type of trailer you are using for hauling, every trailer comes equipped with axles. Axles endure a lot of wear and tear and exposure to the elements over time. Importantly, regular axle maintenance maintains the quality of your axle. If you start to notice these 3 signs, take your trailer to a repair shop right away.
BlueSwift Axles offers fast 48-hour axle replacements. Choosing BlueSwift Axles means choosing quality, American-made components designed to last and keep you on the road for years to come.