A Complete Guide to Trailer Types: Dry Vans, Flatbeds, and More

A brief introduction

When it comes to moving freight, picking the right trailer isn't just a small detail — it's one of the most important decisions you'll make. The trailer you choose directly impacts how safely your products arrive, how much you'll pay, and how smoothly your supply chain runs. With so many options out there, it can get confusing pretty fast

I'm Drew Kirkman, Director of Brokerage Operations and Sales at Badger Logistics, and I've spent years helping shippers find the right equipment for their needs. One thing I've learned is that choosing a trailer should be a conversation, not just checking boxes on a form. The right trailer isn't just about what physically fits your product — it's about understanding your entire shipping process from start to finish.

In this guide, I'll walk you through all the trailer types you'll encounter in today's freight market — from the everyday dry vans to specialized heavy haul equipment. Whether you're shipping boxes of consumer goods, manufacturing equipment, food products that need refrigeration, or oversized machinery, understanding what each trailer can (and can't) do is crucial to making smart shipping decisions.

Remember that specific requirements may vary based on cargo characteristics, origin/destination, and current regulations. Contact Badger Logistics for personalized guidance on your transportation needs.

Dry van trailers

Dry van trailers are the backbone of shipping in America. These fully enclosed box trailers are what most people picture when they think of semi-trucks on the highway. They handle the largest percentage of freight moving across the country, and for good reason — they're versatile, secure, and work well for most general cargo that doesn't need temperature control or specialized handling.

In my experience, dry vans handle about 70-80% of all freight moved in the country. They work for everything from packaged consumer goods to manufacturing parts. But what makes them really valuable is that they're everywhere — when other specialized trailers get hard to find during busy seasons, dry vans stay relatively available.

The enclosed design of dry vans keeps your products safe from rain, snow, and sun, while also providing better security than open trailers. This makes them perfect for finished goods, packaged products, and items that need protection from the elements. The standard dimensions also make loading and unloading straightforward at most facilities.

One of the most common mistakes I see with dry vans is poor weight distribution. Shippers sometimes put too much weight toward the front or back of the trailer, which can cause handling problems and even legal weight violations. We always recommend balancing the load throughout the trailer, keeping heavier items toward the center when possible.

At Badger, we maintain a modern fleet of 53-foot dry van trailers for our asset-based operations throughout the Midwest and eastern United States. Our trailers feature late-model equipment with plate walls (giving you the maximum 101.5" interior width), logistic posts for flexible cargo securement, and clean, debris-free interiors that are crucial for sensitive products like paper and packaging goods.

Our brokerage operation connects you with thousands of vetted carrier partners with nationwide dry van capacity for shipments beyond our asset coverage areas. We specialize in matching the right equipment to your specific needs, whether that's standard dry vans or specialized configurations for unique cargo requirements.

What truly sets us apart in the dry van space is our attention to detail. We understand that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach doesn't work. We take the time to understand exactly what your freight needs—whether it's sensitivity to debris, special securement options, or particular loading processes—and match you with the right equipment and carrier to ensure successful delivery.

Our trailer selection process includes a detailed analysis of:

• Your product's specific handling requirements
• Best loading and unloading configurations
• Securement needs for safe transit
• Facility limitations at both origin and destination
• Seasonal capacity considerations

Learn more about our dry van services and get a competitive rate quote.

Flatbed trailers

Flatbeds are basically open platforms on wheels for hauling freight that's too big, tall, wide, or oddly shaped for enclosed trailers. The big advantage is access. You can load and unload from any angle using forklifts, cranes, or other equipment. That's why they're perfect for industrial materials, construction equipment, machinery, and bulky items.

This is where transportation gets really specialized. Each flatbed type solves different challenges – whether you're dealing with height issues, heavy weights, or weird dimensions. It's not just a one-size-fits-all platform; it's a whole family of equipment options designed for specific needs.

With flatbeds, you've got to think about things dry van shippers don't – like weather protection, proper tie-downs, and specialized handling. You'll need tarps for many loads, strategic load planning, and drivers who really know their stuff when it comes to securing different types of cargo. It's more hands-on, but that extra effort gives you flexibility that enclosed trailers just can't match.

Let’s quickly break down the different kinds of flatbeds on the road today.

Standard flatbeds

Standard flatbeds are your basic open trailer — just a flat deck without sides or a roof. They're the starting point for all open-deck shipping and handle a huge variety of freight. The beauty of standard flatbeds is their simplicity. You've got a flat surface that gives you complete access from any angle.

I call these the workhorses of industrial shipping. They'll move everything from steel coils and lumber to machinery and construction materials. The 360-degree access is what makes them so useful – load from either side, the rear, or even drop something in from above with a crane.

They're more than just accessible, though. With stake pockets, rub rails, and multiple tie-down points all over the deck, you can secure just about anything. That's why they're staples in construction, manufacturing, agriculture — basically anywhere people need to move big stuff without the constraints of a box.

Proper cargo securement is the most critical aspect of flatbed shipping. The Department of Transportation has very specific requirements for different freight types, and failure to follow them can result in fines, delays, and potential cargo damage. We always recommend working with carriers who understand these regulations and have experience with your specific type of freight.

While Badger's asset-based operation specializes in dry van transportation, our brokerage division offers extensive flatbed capabilities through our network of specialized carrier partners. We maintain relationships with hundreds of quality flatbed carriers throughout North America, giving our customers access to standard flatbed equipment when and where they need it.

What sets us apart in the flatbed space is our vetting process. We don't just look at a carrier's safety scores and insurance—we evaluate their experience with specific freight types. A carrier that's great at moving steel might not be the best fit for machinery or building materials. We match carriers with the right expertise to each specific load.

Our flatbed service includes:

• Access to carriers with extensive flatbed experience
• Equipment options including aluminum and wood deck trailers
• Availability of specialized securement gear based on freight type
• Tarping services when required
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit
• Thorough understanding of dimensional restrictions and permit requirements
• Strategic planning for weather-sensitive shipments

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Step deck (drop deck) trailers

Step deck trailers (also called drop decks) are basically flatbeds with a smart twist: they've got two levels. There's a short upper deck near the tractor, then the main deck "steps down" 18-20 inches lower. This simple design change makes a huge difference when you're dealing with tall stuff.

Height is one of the biggest headaches in shipping, and step decks are the aspirin. That 18-20 inch drop can be the difference between standard shipping and needing expensive height permits. When a manufacturer calls me about moving tall equipment, step decks are usually the first thing I suggest because they save time, money, and permitting hassles.

Step decks do more than just handle tall freight. The design makes it easier to load certain equipment from the rear using ramps — you can drive or winch machinery right up onto the lower deck. This combo of height advantage and loading flexibility makes them go-to trailers for manufacturing, construction, and ag equipment.

The key with step decks is exact measurement and planning. I often run into situations where shippers measure their equipment height but forget to calculate the total height once loaded. Understanding exactly where your freight will sit on the trailer and how that affects overall height is crucial for successful transit planning.

Through our extensive brokerage network, Badger Logistics provides access to step deck equipment throughout North America. Our expertise in dimensional freight allows us to properly match your cargo with the right step deck configuration, whether you're moving construction equipment, agricultural machinery, or industrial components.

We don't just ask for the length, width, and height of your freight—we discuss exactly how it needs to be positioned, where the weight is concentrated, and what loading/unloading requirements exist at both origin and destination. This allows us to match your freight with the perfect equipment and carrier.

Our step deck services include:

• Access to various step deck configurations (48', 53', aluminum, wood deck)
• Experienced carriers with specialized securement expertise
• Strategic load planning to optimize freight positioning
• Comprehensive route planning accounting for height restrictions
• Coordination of loading equipment when needed
• Tarping services for weather-sensitive cargo
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Conestoga trailers

Conestoga trailers are one of the smartest innovations in flatbed transportation, bridging the gap between the accessibility of flatbeds and the protection of enclosed trailers. Named after the covered wagons used by American pioneers, these specialized trailers feature a rolling tarp system that can be pulled out to fully cover the cargo or pushed back to allow complete side access for loading and unloading. This gives you the best of both worlds for freight that needs both side-loading capability and protection from the weather.

Conestogas are the Swiss Army knife of the flatbed world. They solve one of the biggest headaches in flatbed shipping—the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous process of manually tarping loads. With a Conestoga, one person can cover or uncover a load in minutes, compared to the hour or more it might take to manually tarp a standard flatbed

The value of Conestogas goes beyond just saving time. By providing consistent, reliable protection from the elements, these trailers are perfect for weather-sensitive materials that still need the loading flexibility of a flatbed. Industries such as building materials, millwork, and certain manufacturing sectors particularly benefit from this hybrid approach to transportation.

Conestogas deliver tremendous value for the right freight scenarios. While they typically cost about 15-20% more than standard flatbed rates, shippers often find this investment pays for itself through reduced product damage, eliminated tarping labor, and faster loading/unloading cycles. For weather-sensitive products like millwork or finished lumber, they're often the most cost-effective option when you look at the total picture.

Through our specialized carrier network, Badger Logistics provides access to Conestoga equipment for shippers requiring the unique combination of flatbed accessibility and weather protection. Our team has extensive experience matching the right Conestoga configuration with specific freight requirements.

What truly sets our approach to Conestoga service apart is our understanding of the value proposition," I explain to customers. "We don't just look at the immediate transportation cost—we help our customers evaluate the total cost picture, including potential product damage, labor requirements, and operational efficiency.

Our Conestoga service includes:

• Access to both standard and step deck Conestoga configurations
• Experienced carriers familiar with proper Conestoga operation
• Strategic planning to maximize the equipment's benefits
• Consultation on cost-benefit analysis for specific freight types
• Coordination with loading and receiving facilities
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit
• Contingency planning for specialized equipment

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Double drop trailers

Double drop trailers take the height solution to another level with their three-section design. They have a raised section over the fifth wheel, a dramatically lowered middle "well" section, and another raised section over the rear wheels. The middle well section sits just 18-24 inches off the ground — way lower than any other trailer type.

When height is your biggest headache, double drops are the prescription. I recommend these for machinery or equipment standing 10-12 feet tall where even a step deck won't cut it. That super-low deck height can be the difference between standard routing and a whole mess of permits, pilot cars, and route restrictions. For really tall stuff, double drops are sometimes the only practical solution.

There's more to double drops than just the height advantage, though. The three-level design lets you place cargo strategically based on weight distribution. The well section can also handle concentrated weights better than other trailer types. For specialized industrial shipping — especially big machinery, manufacturing equipment, and oversized components — double drops are often the perfect fit.

The key challenge with double drops is matching the freight to the specific well dimensions. Unlike step decks, where you have more flexibility, the well section on a double drop has very specific length, width, and weight capabilities. I've seen situations where freight is a perfect fit for the height advantage but exceeds the well length, forcing a move to more specialized equipment. Precision in measurement and planning is absolutely critical.

Through our specialized carrier network, Badger Logistics provides access to double drop equipment throughout North America. Our experience with height-sensitive and oversized freight allows us to properly match your cargo with the right configuration and carrier for successful transit.

Our approach to double drop shipping begins with dimensional precision. We require detailed measurements and weight distribution information to ensure the freight is properly matched to the equipment. We then identify carriers with both the right equipment and the specialized experience needed for these complex moves

Our double drop services include:

• Access to various double drop configurations
• Coordination with specialized carriers experienced in height-sensitive freight
• Comprehensive dimensional analysis and equipment matching
• Detailed planning for loading and unloading procedures
• Facility assessment to ensure compatibility
• Route planning that accounts for the trailer's unique challenges
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers are perhaps the most versatile and specialized equipment in the flatbed category, featuring a detachable front section that transforms the trailer into a ground-level loading platform. This innovative design allows the front "gooseneck" portion to disconnect from the main deck, creating a gentle slope that enables equipment to be driven, tracked, or winched directly onto the trailer without needing external ramps or cranes—a feature that revolutionizes the loading process for self-propelled equipment.

RGNs are the equipment of choice when you're moving machinery or equipment that can drive on and off under its own power. The ability to create that built-in ramp by detaching the gooseneck eliminates the need for external loading equipment in many cases. For construction companies, heavy equipment dealers, and project cargo specialists, RGNs often provide the optimal balance of accessibility, height allowance, and weight capacity.

The versatility of RGNs goes far beyond just their unique loading capability. These trailers come in numerous configurations with varying axle counts, deck lengths, and weight capacities—from standard 3-axle setups for more common equipment transport to specialized multi-axle configurations capable of handling extreme weights. This adaptability makes RGNs indispensable across construction, energy, mining, agriculture, and numerous other heavy industries.

The biggest misconception with RGNs is that they're simply 'heavy equipment trailers.’ In reality, there's tremendous variation within the RGN category. A standard 3-axle RGN is entirely different from a 13-axle hydraulic configuration designed for extreme weights. Matching the specific RGN configuration to your equipment's weight, dimensions, and loading requirements is crucial for successful transportation.

Through our specialized carrier network, Badger Logistics provides access to a wide variety of RGN configurations throughout North America. Our experience with heavy equipment and machinery allows us to properly match your specific needs with the right RGN configuration and experienced carrier.

Our approach to RGN shipping at Badger starts with understanding the equipment's specific characteristics and your facility capabilities. Loading and unloading are critical considerations with RGNs, as the equipment needs adequate space and proper surface conditions to safely detach the gooseneck. We look at all these details before recommending a specific RGN configuration.

Our RGN services include:

• Access to multiple RGN configurations (standard, hydraulic, multi-axle)
• Experienced carriers with specialized RGN expertise
• Comprehensive site assessment for loading/unloading capabilities
• Detailed weight distribution and dimension analysis
• Permit coordination when required
• Strategic route planning to accommodate specialized equipment
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Flatbed hotshots

Hotshot flatbeds flip the script on traditional flatbed shipping by using heavy-duty pickup trucks (usually duallies) instead of big semi-tractors. These rigs pull smaller flatbed trailers and fill a sweet spot for time-sensitive, smaller loads that don't need a full-sized rig.

I call hotshots the sprinters of the flatbed world. They're quick, nimble, and can get into tight spots where full-sized tractor-trailers just won't fit. While they can't haul the weight or size that traditional flatbeds can, they're perfect for smaller machinery, equipment, and those "need it yesterday" deliveries that require an open deck.

The beauty of hotshots goes beyond just speed and accessibility. They're often cheaper for lighter loads, can serve hard-to-reach areas, and make economic sense when a full flatbed would be running mostly empty. For industrial suppliers, equipment dealers, and manufacturers moving smaller urgent loads, hotshots hit that perfect balance of speed, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

The key to successful hotshot shipping is understanding what it does and doesn't do well. Hotshots excel at rapid response for smaller loads over regional distances, but they're not miniature versions of full flatbed service. Weight capacity is the biggest limitation—I've had customers try to put 25,000-pound machinery on a hotshot rated for 10,000 pounds. Knowing the exact weight and dimensions of your freight is absolutely critical.

Through our specialized carrier network, Badger Logistics provides access to vetted hotshot carriers throughout our service region. We understand the unique advantages and limitations of hotshot transportation and help customers determine when it's the right solution for their specific needs.

Our approach to hotshot shipping is all about proper application. We help you evaluate if hotshot transportation is the right fit based on your freight characteristics, timeline, and destination requirements. When hotshot is the right solution, we connect you with professional carriers who deliver the reliability and service levels you need.

Our hotshot services include:

• Access to vetted hotshot carriers throughout our service region
• Careful matching of cargo requirements to equipment capabilities
• Insurance verification to ensure adequate coverage
• Detailed coordination of loading/unloading requirements
• Real-time tracking and communication
• Expedited dispatch for time-sensitive needs
• Competitive rates for regional shipments

Learn more about our flatbed services and get a competitive rate quote.

Refrigerated (reefer) trailers

Refrigerated trailers, commonly called "reefers," are specialized transport units designed to maintain precise temperature control for perishable or temperature-sensitive freight. These trailers look similar to dry vans from the outside but feature critical differences: insulated walls, floors, and roofs; powerful refrigeration units; and sophisticated temperature control systems. This specialized design creates a controlled climate environment essential for maintaining product integrity throughout transit.

Reefers are basically rolling refrigerators. But they're much more sophisticated than most people realize. Modern reefer units can maintain temperatures from well below freezing all the way up to 80 degrees with remarkable precision, and they're equipped with monitoring systems that track and record temperature data throughout the journey. This makes them essential for food safety compliance and protecting temperature-sensitive products.

The refrigeration capability of these trailers serves diverse industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and even certain manufacturing materials. The ability to maintain specific temperature ranges while providing the same protection from weather and security as dry vans makes reefers indispensable for a significant portion of the country's supply chain.

One of the biggest mistakes I see with reefer shipping is improper temperature management. It's not enough to just say 'keep it cold'—you need to specify the exact temperature required. A product that needs to be at 34 degrees will freeze at 30 degrees, potentially ruining the entire load. Being precise about temperature requirements is absolutely critical for successful refrigerated shipping.

While Badger's asset-based operation specializes in dry van transportation, our brokerage division offers extensive refrigerated capabilities through our network of specialized carrier partners. We maintain relationships with quality reefer carriers throughout North America, giving our customers access to temperature-controlled equipment when and where they need it.

"What sets us apart in the refrigerated space is our attention to temperature management details," I explain to customers. "We discuss exact temperature requirements, pre-cooling needs, loading patterns, and monitoring protocols before booking. This comprehensive approach ensures your temperature-sensitive products arrive in perfect condition."

Our refrigerated service includes:

• Access to carriers with modern refrigerated equipment
• Verification of proper temperature management protocols
• Pre-trip inspection of refrigeration units
• Temperature monitoring throughout transit
• Strategic routing to minimize temperature risks
• Carrier selection based on refrigerated expertise
• Coordination of proper loading procedures
• Full visibility and communication throughout transit

Learn more about our reefer services and get a competitive rate quote.

Selecting the right trailer type: key considerations

When choosing a trailer type for your shipment, consider these factors:

Partner with Badger Logistics for all your trailer and transport needs

At Badger Logistics, we offer comprehensive transportation solutions with access to every trailer type discussed in this guide. Our integrated approach combines:

• Asset-Based Trucking: Our own fleet provides reliable capacity with 53' dry vans
• Extensive Brokerage Network: Access to 15,000+ vetted carriers with all trailer types
• Expert Consultation: Guidance on selecting the optimal equipment for your specific needs
• 97% On-Time Delivery Rate: Industry-leading performance you can count on

Whether you need standard dry vans for your regular shipments, specialized flatbeds for oversized equipment, or temperature-controlled reefers for perishable products, our team has the expertise and resources to ensure your freight arrives safely and on time.

We don't just take your order and find a truck—we take the time to understand your business, your freight, and your challenges. Then we leverage our expertise and carrier network to develop transportation solutions that support your business goals.

Contact us today to discuss your transportation needs and discover how our trailer expertise can optimize your supply chain.