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Understanding The Most Common Types of Shipping Trailers
To ship a container, you typically need a trailer equipped with a container chassis. These chassis are specifically designed to securely hold and transport containers, and are commonly found at ports. Flatbed trailers can also be used, offering versatility for various cargo types including containers.
Selecting the appropriate trailer for transporting shipping containers is crucial for cost-efficiency, safety, and compliance. Using an incompatible trailer can cause delays, regulatory issues, and increase the risk of damage or accidents during transport.
The most commonly used container sizes include 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot units. For containers up to 40 feet, standard container chassis trailers or side lifters are typically suitable. Larger or non-standard containers—such as oversized, high-cube, or refrigerated units may require flatbed trailers, Landoll trailers, or other specialized equipment.
A fully loaded 40-foot container can weigh as much as 67,200 lbs, so the trailer selected must have the right axle setup and be rated for the appropriate weight. For refrigerated containers, a trailer with a built-in power source is often required.
Choosing the wrong trailer or chassis can lead to costly delays, DOT compliance issues, and safety hazards.
Here is the most popular trailer types used in container transport:
Before selecting a trailer for your container shipping needs, evaluate the following:
Whether you’re in logistics, manufacturing, or freight services, understanding the various trailer types, their specifications, and pricing is essential for safe and efficient container transport. This guide explores container chassis, flatbed trailers, side lifters, and locking mechanisms everything you need to make informed decisions.
A shipping container trailer is specifically engineered to carry intermodal containers. It serves as one of the most reliable and time-efficient transport solutions for bulk goods. Trailer configurations vary globally to meet regional standards regarding height, weight, and load capacity. As a result, multiple designs are available to suit different operational requirements.
Shipping container trailers fall into three primary categories:
A flatbed trailer is designed to accommodate both 20ft and 40ft containers. With its flat, open surface and strategically placed twist-locks, it supports seamless intermodal transport across ships, highways, bridges, and terminals.
Specifications – Flatbed Container Trailer
Price Range
Flatbed: $7,990 – $14,500
An essential part of container trailers is the locking system, which ensures the secure attachment of the container to the chassis. These locks feature a handle, cavity, and locking mechanism that fits into container slots and secures the cargo during transit.
Selecting the right trailer for container transport is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re transporting a standard 20ft or 40ft container, or dealing with oversized and specialized loads, understanding trailer types—such as container chassis, flatbed trailers, and tilt or gooseneck options—is crucial. Container chassis remain the industry standard for port-to-depot movement, while flatbeds offer flexibility for varied cargo access points. Specialized trailers support unique logistical challenges, such as remote or off-road deliveries.
Additionally, knowledge of trailer specifications, load capacities, locking systems, and regional requirements empowers logistics professionals to make informed decisions. Features like axle configuration, suspension type, and twist-lock systems are key to both performance and legal adherence. From cost-effective standard options to advanced, high-capacity designs, the right trailer choice can significantly impact overall transport success. By aligning container size, cargo type, route conditions, and regulatory guidelines, businesses can ensure secure and streamlined container shipping operations.
Trailers used for transporting containers are commonly known as container chassis or container trailers. These trailers are engineered to match standard container dimensions and are essential for intermodal transport.
Flatbed trailers – open platform, ideal for oversized cargo.
Dry van trailers – enclosed units for general freight.
Reefer trailers – refrigerated units for perishable goods.
Lowboy trailers – for heavy, tall equipment.
Step deck trailers – like flatbeds but with lower height for taller cargo.
Tanker trailers – for liquids and gasses.
Container chassis – specifically for container transport.
A freight trailer is a type of trailer used to transport cargo. It can vary in design depending on the type of goods being moved. Examples include dry vans for boxed goods, reefers for temperature-sensitive items, and flatbeds for heavy equipment or large items.
How to Transport a Shipping Container
To move a shipping container, you’ll need the right equipment—typically a container chassis or flatbed trailer. You’ll also need a crane or forklift for loading/unloading, and in some cases, a sideloader. Transport must comply with legal weight and size regulations and may require permits for oversized loads.
For local container transport, a container chassis is the most suitable trailer. If accessibility is limited, a sideloader trailer might be required for side lifting and placement. Local regulations and route type can influence trailer selection.
What are the different types of trailers with pictures?
There are various trailer types used in freight transport, such as flatbeds, dry vans, reefers, lowboys, tankers, step decks, and container chassis. Each trailer serves different freight needs. (Pictures can be added upon request.)
Logistics operations typically use:
Dry van trailers
Refrigerated (reefer) trailers
Flatbeds
Container chassis
Lowboys
Tankers
Each type supports a specific category of freight, from general goods to specialized cargo.
Trailer types and common sizes:
Dry Van – 48ft to 53ft
Flatbed – 48ft
Step Deck – 48ft
Lowboy – 24ft to 29ft
Container Chassis – 20ft, 40ft, or 45ft
Reefer – 53ft
Sizes may vary by application and load type.
There are over a dozen trailer types used in transportation, including flatbeds, step decks, lowboys, reefers, tankers, dry vans, container chassis, and more. Each trailer type caters to specific freight requirements and industry regulations.
For pickup trucks, common trailer types include:
Utility trailers
Car haulers
Gooseneck trailers
Enclosed cargo trailers
Dump trailers
Flatbeds
Semi-trucks typically pull:
Dry vans
Flatbeds
Step decks
Reefers
Lowboys
Container chassis
Tanker trailers
These trailers enable a wide range of cargo transport across industries.
A container sideloader is a specialized trailer equipped with cranes or hydraulic arms that lift and transport containers from the side, allowing loading and unloading without external equipment like a crane.
To move a shipping container, a container chassis is ideal for standard road transport. A flatbed or sideloader may be used depending on site access and container size.
A sideloader can typically lift and transport up to 32,000 kg (about 70,000 lbs), depending on the model. It is suitable for both 20ft and 40ft containers.
A sideloader lifts and transports containers by lifting them from the side of the trailer using hydraulic arms. It enables quick loading and unloading without the need for cranes or forklifts, making it ideal for tight or uneven spaces.
A swinglift is a brand of sideloader—both refer to container handling trailers that lift containers from the side. “Sideloader” is the generic term, while “Swinglift” is a manufacturer known for designing this equipment.
To transport shipping containers, common trailer options include chassis, flatbeds, and goosenecks. Among these, chassis trailers are most frequently used due to their secure locking systems and compatibility with standard container sizes.
Flatbed trailers usually feature 8–12 twist locks that align with the container’s corner castings. These locks firmly hold the container in place during transport.
A standard container chassis sits approximately 1,500 mm (or 1.5 meters) above ground level.
Yes, containers can be safely mounted on trailers like chassis or flatbeds using locking systems or twist locks designed to keep the container stable during transit.
An empty 20-foot shipping container typically weighs between 1.8 to 2.2 metric tons (about 3,970 – 4,850 lbs), depending on its design and material.
Containers are most effectively transported using container chassis trailers or flatbed semi-trailers, both designed to handle their weight and dimensions.
Choosing a trailer depends on:
Weight Capacity: Heavier loads may need 2- or 3-axle chassis trailers.
Axles: Trailer axles range from 2 to 3, based on cargo weight.
Purpose: Flatbeds are versatile; tilt trailers help in angled loading.
Cost: Basic needs may be met with a flatbed or standard chassis, while tilt trailers offer advanced features but at a higher price.
24. What is a shipping container trailer?
A shipping container trailer is designed to haul intermodal containers efficiently. These trailers vary in size and configuration to meet global transportation standards and are a key solution for moving cargo by road, rail, or sea.
