Types of semi-trailers: what you need to know before choosing

A semi-trailer is one of the key elements of freight transport. It determines what type of cargo can be carried, under what conditions and with what efficiency.

Curtain-siders and reefers

Curtain-sided semi-trailers are the most common in international transport. The curtain design, namely the side curtains, allows for quick and relatively easy loading and unloading, especially at warehouses with side access.

Curtain-sided semi-trailers are mostly used to transport:

• palletized goods
• construction materials
• household appliances
• industrial products

Refrigerated semi-trailers (reefers) can be included in the same group, since they also carry standard commercial cargo, but with temperature control. These semi-trailers are equipped with refrigeration units and have thermally insulated body walls, which allows them to maintain a stable temperature during the transport of food, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods. For more on choosing between these two types, read here.

Tanker semi-trailers

Tankers are a specialized type of semi-trailer designed for transporting liquid or gaseous cargo. Due to their characteristic shape, they are often called "barrels." Such semi-trailers are used for transporting fuel, chemicals, gas and food-grade liquids (milk, oil, etc.)

Tankers usually have several internal compartments, which allows for transporting different liquids or stabilizing the load while driving. The material of the "barrel" body — aluminum or stainless steel — also plays an important role in transporting these liquids.

Flatbeds and container chassis

Flatbed semi-trailers are used for transporting oversized or non-standard cargo that cannot be carried in a regular body. Such semi-trailers carry construction machinery, metal structures, industrial equipment and large building elements.

Container chassis belong to the same group — semi-trailers designed for transporting standard sea containers. They are equipped with special locking devices that securely hold the container in place while driving.

The standard sizes of sea containers have made container shipping an important part of international trade. This allows a container to be transported by ship, train or truck without reloading the cargo, which is why container chassis are widely used in port and multimodal logistics, as noted by Maersk.

Tippers

Tipper semi-trailers are used for transporting bulk materials. They are equipped with a hydraulic system that raises the body and allows for quick unloading of the cargo. These semi-trailers most often carry grain, or construction materials such as sand and gravel.

These semi-trailers can be divided into steel and aluminum types. The latter are lighter and allow for carrying a larger load mass, while the former are better suited to harsh operating conditions.

Where to look?

You can find all types of semi-trailers at our tirkomis yard. We offer a of freight equipment of various types in Rivne.