Trailers, Load Types and Trailer Dimensions

Conestoga and Roll Tite Trailers-  A flatbed trailer equipped with an accordian style rolling tarp system that allows for faster, easier tarping of a flatbed load.  The system has a tarp stretched over a rolling frame that can be pushed to the front or back of the trailer allowing for the loading.

Dry Van Trailer - See van trailer.

Exclusive Use/Dedicated - an agreement that the use of a trailer hauling a load is dedicated to one shipper. Freight belonging to other shippers will not be loaded on the trailer resulting in the trailer being devoted exclusively to the original shipper.

Legal Loads- Loads that are less than 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, and meeting the length requirements for the routes travelled.

LTL - abbreviation for "less than truckload" shipments. LTL shipments are shipments that are not full truckloads. As such, these partial loads can be combined with other shipments resulting in saving for all shippers involved.

Open Deck Trailers - a classification of trailers including flatbed, stepdeck, double drop and RGN trailers.

Overdimensional Loads-  Flatbed, stepdeck or RGN loads that exceed allowable height, weight or length limits.  Loads exceeding the legal limits can be transported but require permits granting authority to transport.  While the permits grant authority, various restrictions will be placed on travel. These restrictions may affect hours of transport, routes for travel as well as flagging or marking of the load.  Escort cars may also be required.

Oversize Loads - See Overdimensional  loads

Padded Van Trailer - Air ride Van trailer equipped with generally 100+ pads, 15+ straps, decking and load bars.  Used for transporting unboxed furniture, fixtures and equipment that need protection. 

Partial Loads - Shipments that do not require use of all the deck space on a trailer. These shipments can be combined with other shipments resulting in reduced costs to ship freight.

Permit Loads- Also called permitted loads. This is another term for an overdimensional load.

Reefer Trailer -  Same shape and dimmensions as a dry van, but with a refridgeration unit on the outside front of the trailer that can heat or cool keeping the contents of the trailer at a constant temperature, and a rigid aluminum floor inside. 

Sidekit Trailers - a flatbed trailer equipped with either fiberglass or plywood panels mounted in a vertical fashion giving a sidebody effect. This allows for the shipment of loads that may not be crated or packaged such as scrap metal, steel or aluminum coils, and engine blocks.  These trailers generally equipped with a tarp and bow system designed to keep the freight dry.

Tarp -  A tarp is a large piece of heavy vinyl fabric used on flatbed and stepdeck trailer loads to protect the freight from rain, snow and road grime.  The term "tarp" is also used as a verb to describe the act of using the tarp to cover a load.

Van Trailer - an enclosed trailer most readily identified by the fact that it has doors on the rear. Also known as box trailer or dry van.  Inside dim.s are typically 52Lx110Hx100W.

Trailer dimensions are approximate and will vary between manufacturers.