Container Transport Trailer Types

We offer a variety of trailer types to ship your container throughout the U.S. Learn more about the best trailer to move your container now!

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Trailer Types for Container Moving

When moving containers, you can choose from several trailer types, including the RGN, Flatbed, and container chassis, among others. As expert shipping container movers, Container Transport understands the varying client needs in this field and offers solutions uniquely designed to handle various types and sizes efficiently.

Moving containers can be hectic without our qualified and licensed team. Our expertise in container transport helps us move your cargo to any location nationwide. As we endeavor to provide our excellent services, we also understand the different container transport trailer types and their specific use, and we will guide you in picking the best, including:

Oversize container load on a trailer.

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Container Chassis Trailer

This transport trailer, commonly called a container chassis, is designed to handle shipping containers. It mainly facilitates the movement of containers between distribution points, ports, and terminals since it meets the required regulatory requirements. Most states in the United States have set bridging laws that require a specific distance between the front and rear wheels for heavy-duty carriers.

The key features of the container chassis trailer include:

  • Twist locks
  • Kingpin and Fifth wheel
  • Frame structure
  • Landing gear
  • Multiple axles and Suspension
  • Braking system

Our reliable shipping container movers use this trailer type for efficient transportation. It's usually excellent for intermodal transport, supply chain logistics, international hauling, transloading, and customs inspection.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbeds are the most common trailer for hauling containers due to their versatility. As the name connotes, the flatbed trailer has flat cargo space, making it convenient for hauling any container type. Also, the flat surface makes loading, securing, and offloading containers simple. They have two strong and longitudinally spaced aluminum or steel beams connected by welded cross-sills, providing adequate strength.

Since the flatbed trailer is open, loading and offloading containers from its sides, tops, or rear end is easy. They are also 48 to 53 feet long, making it possible to haul oversized loads. The flatbed can conveniently transport loads weighing up to 48,000 pounds.

Side Kit Trailers

Side kit trailers are like flatbed trailers with removable fiberglass panels or plywood and stakes protecting the cargo. The removable side panels also provide flexibility in cargo handling, allowing for both side-loading and top-loading of containers.

Side kit trailers also protect shipments from weather conditions like sun and rain, making them suitable for transporting crops, powdered materials, moisture-sensitive building materials, and other products sensitive to weather elements.

These trailers have a length of 48 to 53 feet and a width of 8.4 feet, allowing them to haul over-dimensional loads. Also, side kit trailers have a maximum capacity of 45,000 pounds, making them convenient for oversized containers.

Hot Shot Trailers

These trailers are mostly utilized in the hotshot trucking industry. This field mainly deals with shipping smaller and time-sensitive cargo. The trailers can handle expedited and less-than-truckload (LTL) transport. The main features of hot shot trailers include:

  • Tri-axle or Tandem configurations
  • Toolboxes and Storage
  • Gooseneck hitch
  • Dovetail or ramps
  • Drop axles
  • Lightweight design

These pieces of equipment usually range between 30 and 40 feet long, less than the conventional flatbed. However, they can only transport cargo up to the trailer length.

When moving containers, a hot shot trailer is ideal for expedited hauling, transporting smaller cargo or equipment, specialized cargo, LTL transportation, and more. The trailer also provides flexibility, and it's cost-effective.

RGN Trailers

RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers are designed to haul tall and long container shipments. Its dropped deck makes this trailer convenient for carrying taller containers and saves you the hassle of getting height permits since the cargo can fit without exceeding the legal maximum height.

The gooseneck can be detached at the front, allowing for easy loading and unloading of large containers that are challenging to haul using other trailer types. These trailers will also enable you to add extra axles to safely haul containers that are too heavy.

RGN trailer's key features include:

  • Detachable front section
  • Low deck height
  • Versatility
  • Multiple axles
  • Equipped with loading ramps
  • Fitted with hydraulic systems

Lowboy Trailers

The lowboy trailers are mainly used and suitable for hauling oversized and tall loads such as containers, industrial equipment, heavy machine construction components, etc. The low deck design makes moving heavy and tall loads easy, which is ideal for container transport.

Key features of the lowboy trailers that make them reliable for moving containers include:

  • Detachable RGN
  • Hydraulic lifts and ramps
  • Multiple axles
  • Low deck height

This trailer type allows our reliable shipping container movers to haul designs about 12 feet tall. Since their design is lower to the ground than conventional trailers, the multi-axle configurations help distribute the weight for stability and compliance with hauling regulations.

Container Tilt/Tipping Trailer

A container tilt or tipping trailer is another commonly used trailer by shipping container movers. Since the bed can tilt, unloading is easy without requiring additional equipment. These trailers have unique features that make them efficient and convenient for moving containers.

These features include:

  • A tilting mechanism
  • Controlled unloading of containers
  • It is fitted with a hydraulic system that provides power to lift and tilt the loaded container.
  • Versatile in handling different types of shipping containers

Shipping containers provide an incredible solution for transporting goods and equipment across long distances. However, choosing the right trailer can be daunting for many companies. You should rely on a reliable container transport company to haul your cargo. At Container Transport, we have suitable trailers for carrying any type and size of container throughout the US and beyond. Contact us and learn more about the best trailer to move your container now!

A better b2b shipping experience

Container Transport offers all business container shipping solutions. Transport your valuable business assets locally, nationwide, or even overseas. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of ensuring every detail is done correctly. We treat your container move as if it were our own.

24/7 Customer Support

Dedicated 24/7 customer support with one of our 120+ logistics agents ensures your business moves seamlessly, anytime, anywhere.

Customs Clearance

Our B2B freight shipping services include expert customs clearance, ensuring your shipments arrive smoothly and without delay.

Credit line

We offer a credit line with monthly billing statements for easy and stress-free container transport.

container Trailer types

Frequently aSKED questions

To get a quote for moving containers, you can call Container Transport or visit our website. Click the get quote tab, usually at the bottom of the home or about us page. Sometimes, the tab is on the menu section. Give details of what you want to ship, in this case, a container. Next, you need to give information on the final destination of your container. Before you get the quote or estimate, submit your personal information, including your name, phone number, and email, to receive your free quote for moving containers.
Moving containers requires the best trailers that can handle heavy or wide loads. The choice of a suitable trailer depends on the container size, 20 feet or 40 feet, and weight. Our container transport company has numerous types of trailers that handle oversized, heavy, or wide containers. Our logistic agents can recommend lightweight and high-strength chassis trailers because of their outstanding maneuverability, flexibility, and ability to carry 20-foot, 40-foot, and extended containers. We also use flatbed trailers that have adequate strength for container hauling. Another trailer option to hire is the Gooseneck, which can carry light to heavy containers.
Loading a container on a trailer or truck requires specialized equipment or tools. Shipping container movers first ensure the container is in perfect condition, free from damages, holes, or issues that can damage the things inside. Next, the shipping specialists moving the containers ensure the trailer is parked in the best position for proper loading. It should have all the required tie-downs to hold the container securely for safe transportation. Our container transport company uses cargo lifters, such as top pickers, driverless AGVs, forklifts, and cranes, to lift the cargo and properly position it in the trailer for securing and transportation.
Yes, permits are a vital requirement when shipping a container locally or internationally. Some local, state, international, and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws require you to have permits based on the type of goods you are transporting and the final destination of your cargo. As a renowned legitimate transportation company, we navigate the shipping industry and regulations to ensure our clients get all the necessary permits to ship their containers safely without legal issues.
Yes, we have cranes that help us load and offload your container from trailers and other means of transportation. The numerous cranes for loading and unloading include crawler, tower, overhead, floating, and gantry cranes with different applications. Tower cranes are state-of-the-art equipment that can lift containers to and from trailers during intermodal shipping. Overhead cranes help in lifting heavy containers in our shipyards.