Freight hauling in the U.S. isn't just "load it up and go." Every load requires a specific type of equipment, and choosing the wrong trailer can cost thousands of dollars. As a dispatcher, you're the link between the freight and the equipment.
The industry has a clear classification of trailers by purpose: enclosed (Dry Van, Reefer) for protected freight, open (Flatbed, Step Deck) for oversized and heavy loads, and specialized (RGN, Tanker, Auto Hauler) for unique jobs. Each type has its own limits on weight, dimensions, and loading method.
Federal law limits the total weight of a truck with freight to 80,000 lbs (36.3 tons) on Interstate highways. With the truck itself weighing ~35,000 lbs, that leaves ~45,000 lbs for the freight. Exceeding it = a fine of up to $10,000+ and the driver being put out of service.
Standard trailer dimensions are 53 feet (16.15 m) long, a maximum height of 13'6" (4.11 m), and a width of 8'6" (2.59 m). Dry Van capacity: 26 standard pallets. Knowing these numbers is a must for every dispatcher.
6 truck types that cover 95% of all freight hauling in the U.S. Each with a description, specs, and typical loads.
A standard 53-foot enclosed trailer. Protects freight from weather and theft. Used for packaged goods: electronics, clothing, food (that doesn't require temperature control), furniture, appliances. Loaded through the rear doors, sometimes through the sides.
A refrigerated trailer with a cooling/heating system. Holds temperatures from -20°F to +70°F. For perishable goods: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, flowers. Rates run 20-40% higher than Dry Van because of the cost of the equipment and the fuel to run the reefer unit.
An open platform with no walls or roof. For freight that won't fit in an enclosed trailer: building materials (lumber, steel), machinery, pipes, concrete blocks. Requires tarping (covering with a tarp) and strapping (securing with straps). Flatbed drivers earn more — the work is physically harder.
A platform with two levels: an upper deck (11') and a lower deck (37-41'). The lower section sits below a standard flatbed, which allows hauling taller freight without special permits. For construction equipment, generators, and industrial machinery.
The driver shows up with only a tractor and hooks up the customer's trailer on site. Used when the shipper has their own trailers (drop trailers). Popular with Amazon, Walmart, and large retailers. Less wear & tear on your own trailer, but a limited choice of loads.
A truck with a body on a single frame (it doesn't detach). Sizes: 16-26 feet. For local and regional deliveries, smaller loads, and last-mile delivery. Doesn't require a CDL for trucks up to 26,000 lbs GVWR. Popular for e-commerce and small carriers.
Beyond the main 6 types, there's specialized equipment for unique freight. These types come up less often, but the rates are significantly higher — because there's less competition and specialization is required.
A flatbed with a sliding tarp (curtainside). Combines the advantages of a flatbed (side/top loading) and a dry van (weather protection). For freight that needs protection but can't be loaded through rear doors. Rates run 15-25% higher than a standard flatbed.
Removable Gooseneck — a trailer with a detachable front section. It lets machinery drive on under its own power. For construction equipment (excavators, bulldozers) and industrial machinery. Load capacity up to 150,000+ lbs with permits. Rates: $5-15/mi.
A tank for hauling liquids: fuel, chemicals, milk, water, edible oils. Requires a Tanker endorsement on the CDL and often a Hazmat endorsement. Strict cleaning rules between loads. Rates are high due to the specialization and the risks involved.
A special trailer for hauling 7-10 vehicles. Used by dealers, auctions (Copart, IAAI), and for relocations. Requires special loading skills. Rates: $1-2 per mile per vehicle × 8-10 cars = $8-20/mi total.
A pickup (Ford F-350, Ram 3500) with a 40' gooseneck trailer. For urgent and smaller loads: oil rig parts, building materials, equipment. Doesn't require a CDL if GVWR is up to 26,000 lbs. Low barrier to entry, popular among beginners.
For hauling grain, corn, soybeans, sand, gravel. Loaded from the top, unloaded through bottom hatches. Seasonal demand: during harvest season (September-November), rates spike. Off-season — few loads.
Matching the right equipment = money. If you send a Dry Van to a load that requires a Flatbed — the driver shows up and can't load. Lost time, a TONU, and a damaged relationship with the broker. If you send a Reefer to a regular load — the driver earns less (a reefer costs more to operate, but the rate is the same as for a dry van).
Rates depend on the type of equipment. Flatbed and Reefer pay 20-50% more than Dry Van. The reason: fewer available trucks, harder work (tarping, temperature control), higher costs. If your driver runs a Flatbed — look for flatbed loads, not dry van. It's like using a Ferrari to deliver pizza.
Equipment seasonality. Reefer: peaks in spring-summer (produce season out of FL and CA). Flatbed: peaks in spring-fall (construction season). Hopper: peaks in fall (harvest). Dry Van: steady year-round, peaks in Q4 (holiday freight). Plan your drivers' loads around the season.
Weight limits by state. The federal limit is 80,000 lbs, but some states allow more with permits (Michigan — up to 164,000 lbs on certain roads). Other states have bridge formula restrictions. Always check weight limits for the specific route before booking.
8 questions on truck types, specs, and matching equipment.