Equipment

Hey!
My friend said, “The trailer is easy to select.” But in fact, you need to know the rules to choose a trailer. Each rule is money.
What are the different types of the trucks?
How to choose the type of trailer?
What documents are needed to avoid a fine?
All these things are important for truck selection and today we are going to speak about it!
Let’s start! 

What 

When you’re in the market for a new commercial trailer, you have many options.

The most common type of equipment is a Dry van. Dry box trailers are by far the most popular freight truck on highways anywhere around the world. Dry goods such as electronics, clothing, groceries plus option dry goods are hauled inside these trailers. The regular industry standard lengths are 28, 32, 34, 46, 40, 45, 48 and 53 feet.

Next type are flatbeds. In flatbeds you can haul anything that may be stacked and strapped down. They are usually either 48 or 53 feet in length. Some flatbeds have side kits which can be employed to secure the load or for hauling goods such as create.

A step deck trailer is a commercial trailer designed to carry tall cargo that exceeds the legal height limit if transported on a traditional flatbed trailer. 

There is also a reefer (short-hand for refrigerated trailer). It is a Dry Van Box with a cooling/heating unit attached above the cab. The reefer trailer looks just like a dry box trailer but with the exception of having a cooling device mounted on the front. The sides and doors are insulated. This trailer is most commonly selected for hauling perishable items including ice cream, dairy plus create.

Power only trucking is a full truckload capacity solution that occurs when a carrier provides only a driver and a tractor (also known as a “power unit”). In power only trucking, the driver does not bring a trailer, but instead hooks up to and hauls a trailer that is either leased or owned by a 3PL or shipper. 3PLs (and sometimes shippers) specifically engage the carrier for power only capacity. By decoupling the carrier and the trailer, 3PLs can create extremely flexible truckload capacity solutions, whether they lease trailers on the shipper’s behalf, or move the shipper’s owned equipment.

A cement truck or concrete mixer is a truck that has a concrete mixer hooked up to it. It carries around the mixing equipment to deliver it to the places that need it. The cement is usually discharged from the rear and the drum it’s mixed in is made out of steel or fiberglass

Dump trucks are also referred to as production trucks and are used to transport gravel, sand, dirt, and other loose materials that are used in construction. In addition, dump trucks can be used to carry waste to landfills. 

When a cargo load is extremely large, an extra duty truck is often utilized to carry the large freight. These massive loads include things such as houses or otherwise enormous items being carried. Truckers operating extra duty trucks must carry a special license to do so legally.

The semi-trailer trucks are the most popular types of trucks. They are capable of catering to most of your transportation needs. The truck can be loaded from either the back, the side and from the top, but only after removing the tent cover. The truck is suitable for transporting palletized cargo.

A lowboy trailer is a specialized trailer that’s designed to carry oversize or heavy loads. 

Tanker trucks get their name due to the large tank that is used to store gases and liquids. These trucks only carry liquids and gases and are therefore extremely dangerous in the event of a collision. Tanker trucks are typically associated with the hazardous materials in the loads that they carry.

Of course, there are many more types of trucks, we talked about the most common.

When 

When you decide to select a truck, always start with an honest evaluation of how you plan to use your new truck. Then, choose the options that will best meet those needs. (And don’t forget the auto insurance.)

How

Here are some important factors for the right selection of trucks. 

You should think about how large of a vehicle you really need.  If you don’t plan to tow or haul heavy loads on a regular basis, a mid-size truck may be the best choice. 

Next you should choose the cab and bed size. Determine how much space you need both inside and out. Most truck cabs are available in regular (two doors, no back seat), extended (two or four doors, small back seat) and crew (four doors, large back seat). Pickup bed options include short (about 5 feet), regular (about 6.5 feet) and long (about 8 feet).  

Drivetrain: most pickups are available with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. They also come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive.  You’ll need to balance the trade-offs between price, horsepower and fuel economy. 

When you purchase a new vehicle – don’t forget about safety ratings. It is more important than price. You should be sure that everything is okay. 

Finally you should decide if you want a new or used truck.

When

Before you select a truck you should also know about the documentation. Because it’s money too.To operate commercial vehicles in USA, the following documents must be carried and shown to enforcement personnel when requested:

• Drivers license documents and any related certificates.
• Registration documents (cab cards, permits, etc.).
• Proof of insurance.
• Special permits for oversize and overweight loads, if required.
• Hazardous materials shipping papers, if required.
•  Fuel tax permits.
•  Hours of service records (log book).
•  Bills/Invoices etc. showing content and origin of agricultural products, if required.
•  Proof of sales tax payment if applicable.