Understanding the 7 Most Common Types of Trailers Used in the Trucking Industry

After more than 25 years in the trucking business, one truth stands out: the trailer you choose can make —or break— your shipment.

If you’re a growing business moving freight across North America, selecting the right trucking trailer can significantly impact your bottom line. The trailer you choose affects not only what you can ship—but also how efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively it arrives. This guide will walk you through the most common types of trucking trailers, when to use each, and how to make the best choice based on your cargo’s size, weight, and destination.

Whether you’re new to logistics or scaling your operations, understanding trailer types is essential for navigating cross-border or regional ground transport across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Overview of Common Trucking Trailer Types

In the trucking industry, choosing the right trailer type is critical to ensure your cargo is transported safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations. Each trailer serves a specific purpose depending on what you haul — be it bulk liquids, oversized equipment, or temperature-sensitive goods. Below, we break down the most widely used trailer types and when to use them.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers (also commonly known as Flat Decks) are open-deck trailers without sides or a roof, ideal for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. They come in a variety of lengths and axle configurations, allowing flexibility in accommodating different weight distributions and freight dimensions.

• Best for: Construction equipment, steel beams, machinery, lumber.
• Pros: Easy loading/unloading from any angle; accommodates oversized cargo; available in various axle configurations for heavier loads.
• Cons: No weather protection; requires secure strapping/tarping.
• Example: A construction firm in Alberta shipping large excavators to Texas for a cross-border project.

Step Deck Trailers (Drop Deck Trailers)

A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer, is a variation of standard flatbed trailers that features a lower deck, making it ideal for moving taller freight that would otherwise exceed height restrictions. Frequently used in the agricultural, industrial, and construction sectors, step decks offer added clearance without the need for special permits.

• Best for: Agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, tall construction materials.
• Pros: Allows for taller cargo; easier compliance with height regulations.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than standard flatbeds.
• Example: A Quebec-based equipment supplier moving harvesters to clients in rural Ohio.

Dry Van Trailers

One of the most common trailers used in the trucking industry, dry van trailers are enclosed units designed to protect cargo from the elements during transit. These trailers are widely used for a variety of freight types and offer a secure environment for general goods.

• Best for: Palletized goods, packaged items, non-perishable consumer products.
• Pros: Excellent weather and theft protection; ideal for general freight.
• Cons: Limited to dock loading/unloading; not suitable for oversized or irregular cargo.
• Example: A U.S. retail wholesaler shipping household goods from Chicago to Guadalajara.

Pro Tip: Dry vans can be adapted with flexitanks to ship non-hazardous bulk liquids—an affordable alternative to ISO tanks for specific routes and commodities.

Reefer Trailers (Refrigerated Trailers)

A temperature-controlled equipment type, reefer trailers are a key category of trailers in the trucking industry designed to ship perishable goods in a controlled environment. They function as mobile refrigerators, preserving product quality over long hauls.

• Best for: Produce, dairy, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods.
• Pros: Precise climate control; protects sensitive goods.
• Cons: Higher cost; requires regular maintenance.
• Example: An Ontario-based distributor moving organic berries to Florida during summer.

RGN Trailers (Removable Gooseneck Trailers)

RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers are specialized units with a detachable front that allows self-propelled equipment to be driven on and off. Known for their versatility in handling heavy-duty cargo, they come in various trailer size configurations—including extendable options for oversized cargo. These trailers are commonly used to haul freight such as cranes, bulldozers, and other massive industrial equipment across long distances.

• Best for: Heavy and self-propelled equipment like bulldozers or cranes.
• Pros: Enables self-loading; handles extremely heavy and long loads.
• Cons: High cost; requires skilled handling.
• Example: An energy company shipping turbines from Houston to Monterrey for installation.

Double-Drop / Lowboy Trailers

A variation of drop-deck trailers, Double Drop trailers feature two drops in deck height—one behind the front deck and one before the wheels. These are ideal for shipping tall or oversized machinery while remaining within legal height limits. Many lowboy trailers are equipped with additional axles to handle the extreme weight of heavy machinery while complying with axle weight regulations across North America.

• Best for: Tall industrial equipment, large tanks, transformers.
• Pros: Lowest possible deck height; avoids the need for special permits in many cases; often built with additional axles for heavy-duty hauling.
• Cons: Limited deck length and weight capacity compared to standard RGNs.
• Example: A mining operation in Nevada shipping a large crusher to a site in northern Mexico.

Tanker Trailers / Bulk Transport Trailers

 A specialized trailer designed for hauling liquids, chemicals, or powders, tankers play a critical role in transporting freight that cannot be loaded into standard enclosed trailers. This category includes both traditional cylindrical tankers and ISO tank containers, which are intermodal-compatible and meet strict global safety standards.

• Best for: Bulk liquids (chemicals, fuels), food-grade products, or powders.
• Pros: Safe containment; multiple configurations for different liquid types; ISO tanks offer flexibility for intermodal transport.
• Cons: Requires specialized equipment and regulatory compliance.
• Example: A chemical supplier shipping bulk solvents from New Jersey to Mexico City.

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing Between Different Types of Trailers

• What are the dimensions and weight of your cargo? Oversized or overweight loads may need a flatbed, step deck, or RGN.
• How many axles are needed for your load? The number of axles can impact weight distribution and permit requirements, especially for heavy or oversized cargo.
• Does the cargo need protection from weather or theft? Dry vans and reefers provide enclosed environments.
• Is temperature control required? Perishables or pharmaceuticals require a reefer trailer.
• Are there regulatory requirements? Bulk liquid transport or cross-border shipments may need compliance with U.S. DOT or Canada’s Transport Canada rules. Additionally, provinces like Ontario and Quebec have their own permitting systems and axle weight regulations that shippers must follow—especially when hauling specialized or oversized freight.
• How will you load/unload? If your cargo requires cranes or involves large, irregularly shaped items, open-deck trailers like flatbeds or step decks may offer better flexibility—especially when side loading is needed. These trailer types simplify handling when dock access is limited or when standard forklift loading isn’t practical.

Pro Tip: If you’re uncertain which trailer suits your cargo, route, or destination, consult with a logistics provider early in your planning process. It can save you time, money, and headaches.

Regional and Cross-Border Considerations When Shipping Freight Across North America

Shipping freight across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico involves more than just picking a trailer—it’s about understanding regulations, road conditions, and logistics networks.

• Canada-U.S. Corridor: Flatbeds and dry vans dominate manufacturing and retail shipping between Ontario, Michigan, and the Northeast U.S.
• Mexico-U.S. Trade: Tankers and reefers are common for cross-border shipments of chemicals and food products between Texas and northern Mexico.
• Western Canada-U.S. Routes: Step decks and RGN trailers are used for transporting mining and energy equipment to regions like Alberta and North Dakota.

Working with a logistics partner that understands these lanes and compliance issues can help you avoid delays and reduce costs.

Make the Right Trailer Choice for Your Cargo With Expert Support

Choosing the best trailer type isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategic decision that affects everything from delivery timelines to cargo safety and cost efficiency. With so many options—flatbeds, step decks, dry vans, reefers, RGNs (including extendables and double-drops), tankers, and ISO tanks—it’s crucial to understand what each trailer offers and when to use it.

At Latin American Cargo, we specialize in matching the right equipment to your shipping needs—especially for cross-border and specialized freight. Whether you’re scaling your operations or venturing into new markets, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to receive expert advice and a tailored solution for your next shipment.