If you’re in the transportation business, there are some different types of trucks and trailers that you may need to use daily. While these vehicles serve the same purpose (moving people or materials), each has its unique features.
Here are different types of trucks and trailers so that your company can be prepared for whatever comes your way!
Flatbed Trailer
In flatbed trailers, the flat part is on the ground. These flatbeds are usually constructed of metal, with the sides being roughly nine feet high. Unfortunately, these flatbeds don’t have any protection from the elements or debris that may hit them while they’re on the road.
Van Truck
A van truck is a flatbed trailer usually 13 feet high and 26 to 32 feet long. These flatbeds are constructed of metal, with the sides being roughly nine feet high. Van trucks may or may not feature a protective cover.
Flatbed Truck
In flatbed trucks, the flat part is on the top of the vehicle. These flatbeds are usually nine to twelve feet high and up to 46 feet long. Flatbed trucks also typically have a protective cover for added protection from both debris and weather conditions.
Dry Van Trailer
Dry vans are flatbed trailers for rent designed to carry dry goods such as glass, paper, bulk food items like grains and powdered sugar, and flat items like furniture and carpets. These flatbeds are usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than 13 feet.
Tractor-Trailer
A tractor-trailer is a flatbed that has a trailer hitch that attaches to the flatbed. This flatbed is usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than 13 feet. Tractor-trailers are typically used for carrying flat items like furniture and carpets.

Flatbed Trolley
Flatbed trolleys are designed to carry small loads such as car parts or machinery. These flatbeds are usually six to eight feet high and up to 21 feet long.
Dry Bulk Cargo Trailer
Dry bulk cargo trailers are flatbed trailers designed to carry large quantities of grain, powdered sugar, or other flat goods. These flatbeds are usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than nine feet.
Heavy-Duty, Hydraulic Flatbed Trailer
Heavy-duty flatbed trailers are flatbeds that can be hydraulically lifted. These flatbeds are usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than nine feet.
Flatbed Dump Truck
A flatbed dump truck is a flatbed that can be hydraulically lifted and then tilted to unload its contents. These flatbeds are between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than nine feet. Flatbed dump trucks carry dirt or other construction materials such as brick dust or gravel; they may or may not have flatbed covers.
Stake Bed (or stake body) Trucks for Sale
Stake bed flatbed trucks are flatbeds that have a stake body. These flatbeds usually carry lumber and other materials in the back, with only the front of these flatbeds being open to accommodate driver seating. Stake beds have heights between eight and fourteen feet high; they also tend to be 26 or 28 feet long.
Heavy Duty Truck Crane
Heavy-duty flatbed trucks are flatbeds that carry heavy construction equipment such as cranes and backhoes. These flatbeds can be anywhere between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than nine feet; they also have flat covers over the flat surface of their beds.
Flatbed Tow Truck
A flatbed tow truck is a flatbed that has been modified to carry cars. These flatbeds are usually 26 feet long and eight or nine feet high.
Flatbed Tilting Trailer
A flatbed tilting trailer is a flatbed that can be hydraulically tilted. These flatbeds are usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a height of no more than nine feet. Flatbed tilting trailers carry construction materials.
Flatbed Gooseneck Trailer
A flatbed gooseneck trailer is a flatbed that has a curved coupler at the bottom. These flatbeds are usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with heights less than nine feet.
Flatbed Semi-Trailer
A flatbed semi-trailer is a flatbed that has been designed to attach to the bottom of another vehicle.
There are many types of truck and trailer combinations that can be used for various purposes. As explained by the experts at Hale Trailer, if you need help figuring out which type of vehicle best fits your needs, contact them today!