Semi Trailer Dimensions

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 01/13/23 •  6 min read

Semi Trailer Dimensions

What are the Types of Semi Trailers?

Semi trailers, also known as shuttle trailers, utility trailers, mobile homes and mobile office trailers are a type of semi-trailer truck. These types of trucks are usually used to carry building materials or in the case of utility trailers they can be used to transport cargo and even vehicles.

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These semi-trailers are manufactured from the ground up to be built for one purpose and one purpose only, which is to be an all-purpose trailer. They are built to have the best construction and to have a set of features that make them more useful than most other types of trailers.

The major features that make these trailers so useful are their open designs, their ease of use, and their maneuverability. Here are some of the types of semi-trailers:

Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are designed to transport long, heavy, or oddly proportioned products, creating challenges when loading and unloading enclosed trailers. The open nature of the trailer allows loading and unloading from the rear, sides or top. Forklifts and cranes can be used to lift loads smoothly. Flatbeds are great for loading and unloading from the ground rather than from a dock.

Step Deck Trailer

Step deck semi-trailers, also called drop decks, are designed to transport products that are too tall for standard flatbeds. The trailer consists of two decks, upper and lower. A lower deck or chute allows you to legally carry cargo up to 10 feet high while offering the same loading and unloading capabilities as a standard flatbed.

Double Drop Trailer or Lowboy

Double drop trailers are designed to transport oversized cargo legally and with a permit/escort. They consist of three decks: top, bottom and well. The low profile of the well allows it to legally carry cargo up to 12 feet high. There are several trailer variations, for example, an extendable deck, double drop allows transportation of various oversized cargoes.

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What is the Dimension of Semi Trailers?

Trucking accounts for over 70% of all freight shipped in the United States and is the preferred delivery method for most goods. If your truck is your engine, your trailer will carry your load, so choosing a compatible trailer to get the job done is important.

With a wide range of trailers to choose from, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, depending on your load and cargo. Finding the right trailer for your job can make a big difference to the success of your project and the safe arrival of your goods.

Dimensions of semi trailers can be different, depending on the trailer you choose. Here are some of the types of semi trailers with their dimensions.

Semi Trailer Dimensions

Reefer Trailers

Reefer trailers, also called refrigerated trailers, are built with insulation and temperature control. These trailers typically use refrigeration to allow transportation of fresh, chilled or frozen products, but can also protect temperature-sensitive goods from the cold outside.

Usually, this type is used for meat, poultry, fish, dairy, pharmaceuticals, plants and florals. These are the specifications of this type.

Reefer Trailer Maximum Freight Weight: 42,000 lbs. – 45,000 lbs.

Reefer Trailer Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Maximum Trailer Length: 48 ft. – 53 ft.

Maximum Trailer Width: 8.2 ft.

Maximum Legal Trailer Height: 8 ft.

Dry Van Trailers

Dry van trailers, also known as closed trailers or box trailers, are completely enclosed and are used to transport non-perishable goods. There is no temperature control, but the load is protected from rain and road surfaces.

Cargo is loaded into the rear of dry delivery truck trailers and loading docks are commonly used. Some dry haul truck trailers also allow cargo to be loaded from the side of the trailer.

You can use this type for non-perishable food and beverages, clothing and household goods, building products, and LTL shipping. Here are the specifications.

Dry Van Trailer Maximum Freight Weight: 42,000 lbs. – 45,000 lbs.

Dry Van Trailer Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Maximum Trailer Length: 48 ft. – 53 ft.

Maximum Trailer Width: 8.2 ft.

Maximum Legal Freight Height: 8 ft.

Tanker Trailers

Tank trailers are typically used to transport liquids and are made of aluminum or stainless steel. Distinguished by their distinctive shape, tank trailers are cylindrical, and for good reason.

The tank truck is made cylindrical, which makes the tank itself lighter, lowering the center of gravity, preventing liquid surges, and facilitating removal and cleaning.

If you bring materials, such as asphalt, chemicals, petroleum/fuel, dry food, or beverages, you might want to choose this trailer. Below are the specifications.

Tanker Trailer Maximum Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs.

Tanker Trailer Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Maximum Trailer Length: 48 ft. – 53 ft.

Maximum Trailer Width: 8.5 ft.

Maximum Legal Freight Height: 13.5 ft.

What are Semi Trailers Used For?

Semi trailers are non-self-propelled road vehicles which are used to transport various types of items. All kinds of goods can be transported by semi-trailers. The structure of the semi-trailer is based on cooperation with the car. The parts and goods are put on this vehicle and pulled while driving.

There are many types of semi trailers you can find on the market. Shippers use their characteristics and equipment to plan the entire shipment and manage the entire supply chain.

Semi-trailers are one of the key factors in logistics that affect the time and type of transport used. The right choice of semi-trailer not only allows you to get your cargo to its destination faster, but also allows you to combine different transport modes or even use round-trip transport.

The semi-trailer’s simple design allows it to accommodate a large number of goods and fill every inch of its space.

It is popular as it has a flexible design that allows for universal use. However, if someone needs to move oversized or perishables, there are many types and different designs on the market.

Flexibility is a basic principle of freight transportation, and proper standardization is also important. For the semi-trailer, we also considered design versatility and the possibility of mounting on different types of tractors and rail platforms.

Semi-trailers open up road transport possibilities and offer significant cost savings. Money always plays an important role in logistics.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.