Trailers
The three trailer types that cover the large majority of dry freight movement, with their real standard dimensions.
Great Dane, Wabash, Utility, Hyundai Translead, Vanguard
Dry Van
The most common trailer type on the road. It is an enclosed box for palletized general freight that doesn't need temperature control.
Standard length
48' or 53' (53' is most common today)
Width
102" (8.5')
Interior height
~110" (varies by spec)
Typical payload capacity
Up to ~45,000 lb
Dry van is the default spec most shippers and brokers expect. So it's also the most competitive (and often lowest-paying) equipment type. Flatbed and reefer typically earn a premium because fewer carriers run them.
Great Dane, Wabash, Utility, Hyundai Translead
Reefer (Refrigerated)
A dry van's enclosed structure plus a refrigeration unit and insulated walls. It is required for perishable freight (produce, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals).
Standard length
48' or 53'
Width
102" (8.5')
Height
~13.5' overall
The reefer unit itself is a major maintenance line item most dry-van owner-operators don't have to budget for. Fuel, PM intervals, and unit repair/replacement all add real cost on top of the trailer itself.
Fontaine, Doonan, Trail King, Great Dane
Flatbed
An open deck with no walls or roof, for oversize, oddly shaped, or top-loaded freight. Examples are building materials, machinery, steel, and lumber.
Standard length
48'
Width
~102"
Deck height
60–62" (leaving 8'4"–8'6" of legal load height)
Flatbed freight almost always needs tarping and load securement (chains, straps, edge protectors) that a dry van or reefer never needs. Count that real labor and equipment cost when you decide if the flatbed rate premium is worth it for your operation.
More truck specs
Spec'ing trailers for your next truck? Let a dispatcher help.
Grow Trucking finds loads, negotiates rates and does the paperwork for owner-operators and small fleets. Tell us about your truck and we will show you how its trailers fit the freight we book.
Also: About Grow Trucking · Refer a carrier · Trucking blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the standard length for a dry van trailer today?+
53 feet is the modern standard for most over-the-road freight. But 48-foot trailers are still in service, especially in older fleets or specific regional/LTL uses.
Why does reefer freight typically pay more than dry van?+
Reefer trailers cost more to buy and maintain (the refrigeration unit itself is a major ongoing expense). Perishable freight also has tighter delivery windows. Both push rates higher than the more commoditized dry van market.
Do I need special training or endorsements to haul flatbed?+
No CDL endorsement is required just for flatbed. But you do need to learn load securement rules (chains, straps, edge protection) and tarping that dry van and reefer never involve. Many owner-operators treat their first few flatbed loads as a real learning curve.
Trailers specs show common current factory options. They can change by model year or region. Always confirm exact figures on the manufacturer's current build sheet before you buy or plan maintenance.
Free tools for your truck
Decode a VIN, look up fault codes and keep service on schedule for the trailers on your truck.
- VIN Decoder & Recall CheckDecode any truck VIN and check NHTSA recalls for the model you are reading about in trailers.
- Diesel Fault Code Lookup (SPN/FMI)Decode the SPN/FMI fault codes your truck reports on a trailers problem.
- Preventive Maintenance SchedulerTrack service intervals by odometer, including trailers items.
- Breakdown Cost EstimatorEstimate what a trailers breakdown costs in repairs and lost revenue.