Choosing the right method to transport products is a critical logistics decision for any business. Factors such as freight size, shipping distance, delivery time, and cost all influence the best transportation option. Companies often choose between enclosed trailers, flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, and specialized freight equipment depending on their cargo requirements.
Understanding how each transport option works—and when to use it—can help businesses reduce shipping costs, protect products, and improve supply chain efficiency.
Transporting your products from here to there involves some thoughtful planning. You’ll want to consider the cost, delivery time, and quality of the travel mode. Some methods are more preferred than others. It helps to review the types of items you need to transport first. After that, determining the best option will be an easy decision.
Table of Contents
Cube Trucks
A cube truck carries the load on one chassis. The motor and cab share the same chassis as the load. A cube truck is also referred to as a cube van, box van, box truck, or straight truck. For businesses utilizing these vehicles, effective Work van customization can significantly enhance efficiency and organization for various trades.
Cube trucks are good for hauling:
- Furniture
- Other small and large home goods
- In the city, frequently transporting goods on small roads
Standard Flatbed Trailers
Flatbeds are versatile. They feature no sides and are fully open which makes for easy loading of large, non-standard shaped products.
The flatbed shipping method works well for:
- Items that aren’t easily damaged by the weather or road debris
- Large products that won’t fit in a standard semi
Step Deck or Drop Deck Trailers
Step decks, step decks, drop decks, and drop decks are references to the same style of trailer. They can be considered modified flatbeds because the deck area drops down to accommodate taller freight.
Use step decks trailers for hauling:
- Items that aren’t affected by road fragments or the weather
- Tall machinery
- Other taller than average freight
Comparison of Common Freight Trailer Types
| Trailer Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | Retail goods, packaged items | Weather protection, secure | Limited size capacity |
| Flatbed | Construction materials, machinery | Easy loading from sides | Cargo exposed to weather |
| Reefer | Food, pharmaceuticals | Temperature controlled | Higher cost |
| Step Deck | Tall machinery | Extra height capacity | Limited protection |
| Lowboy | Heavy equipment | Handles heavy loads | Specialized permits needed |
Dry van trailers are among the most widely used freight options because they protect cargo from weather and theft while accommodating many types of goods.
Dry Van Semi Trailers
Dry van semi-trailers offer clean product delivery every time. This is because dry vans are designed to protect items from moisture and safeguard product quality. Dry vans are enclosed which means the door is on the rear and all sides of the van are sealed tight to keep air, moisture, and road debris out. Another benefit of using a dry van is that it can feature a step deck to function as one in a step-deck trailer. With a dry van, you can get two types of transportation features in one hauling vehicle.
New or used dry van semi trailers are excellent for transporting:
- Flowers
- Food
- Pharmaceuticals
- Any other items that must be preserved to stay fresher longer
As explained by the experts at Hale Trailer, “Dry vans are fully enclosed and sealed to protect cargo.” A dry van may be a good option to transport items safely.
Stretch Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)
The standard RGN may not support the load’s weight or length. That’s where stretch trailers come in. This type of trailer has a long center that supports heavy, long loads. Three or more axles may be required depending on how weighty the load.
Use Stretch RGN’s for:
- Heavy equipment
- Items that can withstand elements in the weather
- Long and heavier than average loads
Average Freight Transport Costs
Freight costs vary depending on equipment type and shipping distance.
| Shipping Method | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | Lowest cost option |
| Flatbed | Moderate cost |
| Refrigerated (Reefer) | Highest due to temperature control |
Dry van shipping often offers the most economical option for general freight, while refrigerated trailers usually cost more due to specialized equipment and fuel consumption.
Lowboy Flatbed Trailers
Consider this transporting product option if your freight is very tall. The center of the flatbed sits low nearer to the ground to accommodate the extra height.
Also, realize that the weight of your load makes a difference. You may need to have the trailer modified with more axles to support the weight, a permit, or both. State weight limitation policies usually apply.
Lowboy flatbed trailers are suitable for:
- Extra tall cargo
- Freight yard loading to and from loading docks
Conestoga Trailers
A Conestoga trailer is a covered trailer with a mechanical, accordion-like tarp covering system. The tarp protects the cargo during transport. The front and trailer’s back door are enclosed. The tarp can be removed to expose the sides and the trailer’s top. This feature offers drivers the flexibility of removing cargo from either side.
Use a Conestoga trailer for:
- Easy loading and unloading heavy cargo from the sides
- Protecting cargo from weather elements
When Should Businesses Use Each Freight Option?
[Use Dry Van Trailers when]:
-
shipping palletized goods
-
transporting retail products
-
cargo needs weather protection
[Use Flatbed Trailers when]:
-
shipping oversized freight
-
transporting construction equipment
-
cargo requires crane or side loading
[Use refrigerated trailers when]:
-
transporting food
-
shipping pharmaceuticals
-
shipping temperature-sensitive products
Different trailer types exist because freight varies widely in size, weight, and handling requirements.
How Businesses Can Find Reliable Freight Carriers
Businesses can transport products through several logistics channels:
Freight Brokers
Companies like logistics brokers connect shippers with trucking carriers.
Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PL)
3PL providers manage transportation, warehousing, and supply chains.
Freight Marketplaces
Online platforms allow companies to compare shipping quotes.
Direct Carrier Contracts
Large businesses may contract directly with trucking companies.
This section greatly improves practical value.
Factors Businesses Should Consider Before Shipping
Before choosing a transport method, businesses should evaluate:
-
cargo weight and dimensions
-
delivery distance
-
product sensitivity
-
shipping timeline
-
cost constraints
-
regulatory restrictions
Large shipments often use full truckload (FTL) shipping, which dedicates an entire trailer to one shipper’s cargo.
Reefers or Refrigerated Trailers
Refrigerated trailers are commonly called reefers. This type of specialized trailer is temperature-controlled to keep products cold.
Refrigerated trailers work well for:
- Dairy products
- Fresh meats
- Products that must be frozen or continually chilled
Dry vans, flatbeds, and other road transportation delivery options are available to get your products where they need to be. The best option for your business is the one that ensures your type of product will arrive in perfect condition.