Dry Van, Liftgate, or Flatbed: Which Trailer Do You Need?

Not every load fits the same trailer, and picking the wrong one costs you time, money, or both. Here's a plain-language breakdown of the trailer types we work with most, and how to tell which one fits what you're hauling.

Dry vans: the default for most freight

A dry van is an enclosed box on wheels, and it's the right call for the large majority of general freight. Cargo stays out of the weather, off the road, and out of sight, which matters for palletized goods, retail inventory, and anything that shouldn't get rained on or picked over at a rest stop.

Our dry vans come in 48' and 53' lengths, with air ride or spring ride suspension depending on what's inside. Air ride is the gentler ride for sensitive or fragile cargo; spring ride holds up well for heavier, less delicate loads. If you're not sure which type of trailer you need at all, this is almost always the right starting question.

Liftgate trailers: when there's no dock to work with

A liftgate trailer has a hydraulic platform built into the rear that lowers cargo to ground level, so you're not stuck needing a loading dock or a forklift on the other end. That makes it the right choice for deliveries to retail stores, job sites, or any location without dock infrastructure.

If your delivery locations vary and you can't count on every stop having a dock, a 40' liftgate trailer takes that uncertainty off the table.

Flatbeds: for loads that don't fit inside a box

Flatbeds are open deck, no walls and no roof, built for cargo that's oversized, irregularly shaped, or simply doesn't need weather protection: machinery, building materials, pipe, and equipment that would never fit through a dry van's doors. Loads get secured with straps, chains, or tarps rather than just closed in, so flatbeds work best when you have the experience (or the crew) to load and secure cargo properly.

Storage trailers: when the trailer isn't going anywhere

Storage trailers are a different job entirely. Instead of hauling, the trailer gets delivered to your lot and stays put, used as on-site storage for overflow inventory, seasonal stock, or job-site materials. No truck required after drop-off. If space at your own location is tight, and rented warehouse space isn't worth it for what you need, a storage trailer is often the simplest fix.

Lease or buy?

Once you know which trailer type fits, the next question is how you want to acquire it. We cover that tradeoff in detail in Leasing vs. Buying a Trailer, but the short version: leasing keeps capital free, buying builds an owned asset, and a lease with purchase option splits the difference.

Still not sure?

Tell us what you're hauling, where it's going, and how often, and we'll help you land on the right type, size, and suspension. Request a quote and we'll get back to you the same business day.