Whether you work in the transportation industry or are interested in the education of semi-trailers, you’re in the right place! At Transport Services, we specialize in servicing and supplying class 8 trucks: dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, single-drop flatbeds, drop vans, pups, containers and chassis.
Tractor Trailer, 18 Wheeler, Semi Truck, Big Rigs, Big White Box, etc.
One thing that is evident in the transportation industry is that many words are used to describe the equipment that is used to move freight. Our purpose is to help clarify some of the common terms that you may hear and to show you how we can assist with the needs of companies that operate within transportation.
A semi-truck, also called a tractor, is the vehicle that hauls the trailer and is where the driver sits to operate the rig. Most used by our customer base is a class 8 truck:
What Is a Class 8 Truck?
A heavy-duty vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds. Typically, these trucks have at least three axles, making them capable of hauling substantial loads over long distances. To better visualize and understand axle configurations and weight distribution, check out this video!
Fun Fact: have you ever seen a semi-truck on the road with no trailer attached? Some will refer to that as a “bobtail” while others will refer to that as a “deadhead.” That’s simply a truck without its trailer companion! While Transport Services specializes in trailers, we also service and repair trucks. Why bobtail to TSI when you can bring your trailer in for repair too!
A semi-trailer is the piece of equipment that attaches to a truck and hauls freight. A trailer can fall in many classes—from a small 6ft x 4ft trailer hauled by a pick-up truck to livestock trailers, all the way up to our class 8 trailers. Our sales team can help you determine your needs and guide you in the right direction. Explore our trailer inventory to find a trailer that suits your needs!
Dry Van
The dry van is the most common trailer type seen on the road. A dry van is a fully enclosed semi-trailer with walls, a roof and floor, usually with 2 axles (sometimes 3 or more).
Dry vans are designed to haul a wide range of goods, from furniture and appliances to packages, tools and beverages. Their enclosed design protects cargo from weather and road conditions, transporting consumer goods safely and securely.
Reefer
No, not that type of reefer! A “reefer,” short for refrigerated trailer, is similar in structure to a dry van but includes a refrigeration unit in the front. This type of trailer is used to transport perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, florals and other items that require a temperature-controlled environment.
Reefers are heavily insulated to maintain consistent interior temperatures. Drivers can monitor and adjust conditions while on the road, ensuring that freight arrives in optimal condition, regardless of distance or climate.
Flatbed
Flatbed trailers are open trailers with no walls or roof, featuring a flat deck designed to haul oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that won’t fit inside an enclosed trailer.
Cargo on a flatbed is secured by straps, chains or tarp to keep in place on the open surface of a flatbed. These trailers are ideal for transporting heavy equipment, agriculture and construction machinery, cars, lumber and more.
We are proud to offer Hyundai Translead Flatbeds as well as Extreme Trailers. Extreme Trailers focus on offering the “lowest tare weight in the industry.”
Single Drop Flatbed
A single drop, also called a drop-deck flatbed, is a variation of a flatbed trailer designed to accommodate equipment or cargo that may exceed legal height limitations on a normal flatbed. The deck sits lower to the ground, providing additional clearance for taller loads.
Drop deck flatbeds are commonly used to transport large machinery and oversized equipment safely. The overall height limit—including both trailer and cargo—is usually 13–15 feet. Utilizing a drop deck can give anywhere between 1.3-3 feet of clearance for taller cargo to meet legal limitations and safe under overhead clearances such as bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
Cargo height limits vary by state—check the map to see restrictions in your area.
Drop Van
A drop van is essentially a dry van with a drop-deck design, providing extra interior cargo space for larger hauls. By lowering the floor, drop vans maximize storage capacity and improve fuel efficiency by reducing the number of trips needed.
The lowered deck also lowers the trailer’s center of gravity, enhancing stability during transit and keeping heavy or oversized cargo secure.
Drop frame vans are popular in a couple of industries — those include moving and automotive supply companies. Our customers in the Columbus, OH, Toledo, OH and Detroit, MI markets often look for these types of trailers to haul freight to supply the large auto makers in those areas.
Pup
Known as an “underdog” trailer, the pup trailer is a unique and efficient option for hauling freight. Pup trailers are shorter than standard Class 8 trailers, typically ranging from 26’- 32’ in length, and features a single axle.
They are flexible for navigating in tight areas or dense cities, especially when transporting less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. What makes pup trailers unique is that drivers can pull more than one pup at a time — usually 2-3 trailers, depending on legal limits.
Pup trailers have several benefits that make them a true underdog. Utilizing pups for LTL freight allows drivers to carry multiple loads simultaneously, decreasing fuel cost and increasing drive times and efficiencies. A single pup trailer can also be tagged onto a regular dry van to carry additional freight.
Container
Containers are unique and versatile carriers, and while they’re not a trailer, they play a critical role in overseas transportation. They are fully enclosed boxes with four walls, a roof, and a floor, designed to protect goods during transit.
Containers are commonly transported by ships across large bodies of water, on trains, or on the road, making them essential for international shipping. On the road, containers are carried on chassis (up next). Beyond transportation, containers are sometimes repurposed for storage.
Chassis
A chassis is essentially a skeleton trailer—just a frame and wheels—without walls or a deck. Chassis trailers are used to transport containers and truck bodies, providing support to move and haul them around.
Chassis are made in lower class systems to transport other trailer boxes as well. In the Class 8 world, we utilize chassis for container and truck body movement primarily.
Upgrade Your Fleet with the Right Trailer
Understanding the different trailer types is key to choosing the right equipment for your hauling needs. Whether you’re looking for a dry van, flatbed, reefer, or a specialized trailer like a drop deck or pup, Transport Services has the expertise and inventory to keep your operations moving. Browse our inventory or contact our team today to find the perfect fit for your business!