Welcome to TEC Equipment&#;s all-encompassing guide to semi-trailers.

With competitive price and timely delivery, HOWO sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

This guide is designed to cater to both beginners in the trucking industry and seasoned professionals. We aim to provide you with valuable insights into:

Understanding the Basics of a Semi-trailer

A semi-trailer is a specialized type of trailer that is towed by a tractor unit or a semi-truck. It&#;s a crucial component of the logistics industry, facilitating the transportation of goods and materials over long distances. A semi-trailer differs from a full trailer in that it lacks a front axle and relies on the tractor unit for support and propulsion.

Key components of a semi-trailer include:

• Frame: The structural backbone of the trailer, typically made of steel to withstand heavy loads.
• Axles and Wheels: Several axles and wheels distribute the weight evenly, ensuring stability while the semi-trailer is in motion.
• Suspension System: Helps absorb shocks and vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride for the cargo.
• Braking System: Connected to the tractor unit, it allows the driver to slow down or stop the trailer when necessary.
• Body: The cargo-carrying section of a semi-trailer, which can be either enclosed or open, depending on the type of goods being transported.

Semi-trailers come in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of cargo, such as dry goods, refrigerated goods, or bulk materials. They play a vital role in the supply chain, enabling efficient and reliable transportation of goods across the country.

Exploring Different Types of Semi-trailers

The world of semi-trailers is diverse, with various types designed to cater to different transportation needs. There are four common types of trailers: flatbed trailers, dry van trailers, refrigerated trailers, and vocational trailers.

• Flatbed trailers are versatile and widely used in the logistics industry. They consist of a flat, open deck with no walls or roof, which facilitates easy loading and unloading of goods from any side. Flatbed trailers are commonly used for transporting large and heavy items such as construction materials, machinery, and vehicles.
• Dry van trailers provide a secure and weatherproof environment for transporting goods. These trailers have walls and a roof, protecting the cargo from external elements and potential theft. Dry vans are commonly used for transporting sensitive or valuable goods like electronics, furniture, or pharmaceutical products.
• Refrigerated trailers, or &#;reefers&#;, are designed to transport perishable goods at controlled temperatures. These trailers are equipped with a cooling system that maintains a consistent temperature throughout the journey, preserving the freshness and quality of the cargo. Refrigerated trailers are essential for transporting food products, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items.
• Vocational trailers cater to specific industries or applications with unique transportation requirements. These trailers are designed to handle specialized cargo or equipment, making them indispensable in various sectors such as construction, agriculture, and energy. Vocational trailers can include dump trailers for hauling bulk materials like gravel or soil, tanker trailers for transporting liquids such as fuel or chemicals, and utility trailers for carrying equipment and tools to job sites.

At TEC Equipment, we provide a wide range of semi-trailers from top brands like Wabash, BWS, and MAC Trailer. Whether you need a flatbed, a dry van, a refrigerated trailer, or a vocational trailer, our team is committed to offering top-quality trailers that are reliable, durable, and efficient.

Choosing the Right Semi-trailer

Selecting the right semi-trailer is a critical decision that can significantly impact your operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your trailer:

• Type of freight: The first factor to consider is the type of freight you plan to haul, as different trailers are designed to accommodate specific types of cargo. If you need to haul cargo that needs to be protected from the elements, a dry van is the way to go. However, if you&#;re hauling an oversized load with large dimensions, a flatbed is the right choice. Understanding your specific hauling requirements will help you determine the most suitable trailer type.
• Weight Capacity: It&#;s vital to ensure that the chosen trailer can handle your cargo&#;s weight without being overloaded, which can lead to safety hazards and potential damage to your goods. Compliance with local regulations and weight limits is also essential to avoid legal complications.
• Axle Type: The axle type determines the trailer&#;s weight capacity and stability, making it crucial for transporting your cargo safely. For lighter loads, single axle trailers are great because they are generally more maneuverable and easier to tow. For heavier cargo, multiple axles are needed to distribute the weight evenly, providing better stability and preventing strain on the trailer and towing vehicle.
•  Loading and Unloading: Loading and unloading processes are also important to consider, as certain trailers may have features that facilitate these operations.
• Other Factors: Other factors include the trailer&#;s durability, maneuverability, and compatibility with your existing fleet. It&#;s crucial to choose a trailer that can withstand the demands of the road, is easy to handle, and integrates seamlessly with your current equipment.

Key Specifications of Semi-trailers

Semi-trailers come in various dimensions and weight limits, each designed to meet specific transportation needs. Understanding these two specifications are crucial when selecting the right trailer for your business: dimensions and weight limits, and payload capacity.

Dimensions and weight limits of semi-trailers:

In the United States, semi-trailers typically adhere to standard dimensions to ensure compatibility with highways and loading docks. The maximum legal length for a semi-trailer is 53 feet, with a maximum width of 8.5 feet. The height limit is usually about 13.5 feet. These limits ensure compliance with transportation regulations and safe passage.

Weight limits vary depending on the type of trailer and the number of axles. A standard tandem axle trailer can typically carry up to 40,000 pounds of cargo. However, individual states may have specific weight restrictions, making it essential to consult local regulations to ensure compliance.

Payload capacity of semi-trailers:

The payload capacity refers to the maximum weight of cargo a semi-trailer can carry. This capacity is determined by subtracting the trailer&#;s tare weight from its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For example, if a trailer has a GVWR of 80,000 pounds and a tare weight of 20,000 pounds, its payload capacity would be 60,000 pounds.

Considering the payload capacity when selecting a semi-trailer is critical to avoid overloading, which can lead to safety hazards, fines, and potential damage to the trailer or goods being transported.

Maintaining Your Semi-trailer: Essential Tips

• Conduct regular inspections of your semi-trailers, including checking the tires for wear and correct inflation, inspecting the brakes for signs of damage or wear, and examining the lights and electrical system to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Routine maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, greasing moving parts, and checking and replacing any worn-out parts, is also essential. Regular maintenance not only enhances the performance of your trailers but also helps identify potential issues before they turn into major problems.
• Ensure cargo is secure during loading and unloading, using straps, chains, or other appropriate restraints. Distribute the weight evenly to maintain balance and stability. Adhere to weight limits and avoid overloading the trailer as it can affect handling and braking capabilities.
• Follow proper loading and unloading procedures. Use equipment such as dock plates or ramps for a smooth transition between the trailer and the loading dock. Train your employees on safe loading and unloading techniques, including handling hazardous materials if relevant.

By following these maintenance and safety tips, you can keep your semi-trailers in optimal condition, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect your drivers and cargo.

Why Choose TEC Equipment for Your Trailer

With over 48 years of industry experience, we are known for providing our customers with top-notch full-service care. From sale to service we are here to be your partner throughout the entire lifetime of your equipment.

The TEC Network: When you buy with TEC, you instantly gain access to the TEC network. With over 35 locations across 8 states, a trusted TEC location is never too far away. Our size and reach allow us to offer high-quality equipment at competitive prices and convenient locations. From sales to parts and service, we are truly a full-service solution for all of your trailer needs.

Top Brands: Our long-lasting relationships with trusted manufacturers ensure we offer trailers from reputable brands like Wabash, MAC Trailer, BWS, and Cottrell known for their quality and performance.

Parts and Service: Our after-sales support is second to none. From helping you choose the right trailer, stocking the parts you need, warranty coverage, and offering maintenance and repair services, we&#;re committed to your satisfaction.

Financing: TEC Equipment also provides flexible financing options to make your purchase more affordable. Our finance specialists can help you find the best financing solution tailored to your budget and needs.

Choosing TEC Equipment as your dealership means you&#;re investing in a reliable semi-trailer supported by the expansive TEC network.

Comparing The Different Semi Truck and Trailer Types

What do you know about semi-trucks and trailers? Can you name the different types and what they might be used for? If you&#;re shopping for a rig and the different terms have you feeling a bit lost, here&#;s a brief introduction to the different types of trucks and trailers you see on the road.

Trucks, Trailers, and 18-Wheelers

You might hear the terms truck, trailer, and 18-wheeler used interchangeably. While that&#;s generally fine, in practice, it&#;s valuable to be familiar with a more specific definition for each term.

Semi-Truck: Semi-truck is the term that refers to the front of the truck, also known as the tractor or the cab. The semi-truck houses the engine and the driver, plus possibly some amenities for the driver, depending on the type of semi-truck it is. Semi-trucks will have limitations surrounding what they can pull based on their weight limits, towing capacities, and horsepower.

Semi-Trailer: The semi-trailer is the part of the truck that hauls the load. Semi-trailers are detachable from the semi-truck and come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations to fit the load.

Want more information on Semi-trailer tractor? Feel free to contact us.

18-Wheeler: An 18-wheeler is a semi-truck and a semi-trailer fitted together. You might also hear these referred to as tractor-trailers since they are, in fact, tractors and trailers attached together. Semi-trucks can be attached to almost any trailer.

Now let&#;s look at the different types of tractors and trailers you can find at Arrow Truck Sales.

Semi-Trucks

What kinds of tractors are available for your rig? Talk to Arrow Truck Sales, your local reputable semi-truck dealer, about your options, which include the following:

Day Cab

Day cab tractors are made for short-haul trips that last a day or less. These trucks have no place for the driver to sleep and are smaller with fewer axles, and less expensive than tractors used for long-haul trucking.

Sleeper Cabs

Long-haul truckers need a place to sleep while traveling. Sleeper cabs on semi-trucks provide the driver with, at minimum, a bed but may be equipped with many additional amenities, depending on the make and model. Drivers have three basic options for sleeper cabs: Flat Roof Sleepers, Mid-Roof Sleepers, and Raised Roof Sleepers. All three provide the driver with a place to sleep on long trips, but the increasing roof heights provide more room (at a higher cost) which can be more comfortable on particularly long routes. The headroom difference between a flat roof sleeper and a raised roof sleeper is anywhere from 12-18 inches. Drivers looking for maximum space and flexibility opt for raised roof models.

Slope-Nosed versus Conventional Nose

Another option drivers have when choosing a semi-truck is the nose shape. A slope-nosed truck has a rounded front end that protrudes from the cab. This shape lends itself to good maneuverability and hauling particularly heavy loads. Conventional-nosed semi-trucks look like a bus; the front end is basically flat from top to bottom. Trucks were designed with this shape to provide easy access to the engine, but they&#;re becoming less and less popular due to a reputation for poor fuel economy.

When it comes to the semi-truck, the length of the route and the preference of the driver play a large role in selecting the best model.

Semi-Trailer

When it comes to selecting a semi-trailer, the cargo is the primary consideration. Each type of trailer is best suited to a specific type of cargo.

• Flatbed. A flatbed trailer is a flat, open trailer that can carry secured loads of carrying size and shape.

• Lowboy. Lowboys are flatbed trailers mounted below the level of the wheels. The low mounting position makes it possible to haul exceptionally tall equipment. These also come in removable gooseneck models that make attaching the trailer to the truck easier.

• Reefer. A reefer is slang for a &#;refrigerated&#; trailer. Reefers carry cargo that needs to stay cold during transit.

• Conestoga. Conestoga trailers are open trailers with a full-length tarp system.

• Dry Van. A dry van is a standard rectangular shipping container.

• Stretch Double Drop. These trailers can be extended in order to haul long, oversized equipment

• Multi-Car. This trailer has multiple cars for hauling extra loads.

• Sidekit. A sidekit trailer is equipped with plywood or metal sides to keep the contents contained as well as metal arches for attaching covers.

• Dumps or tippers. These trailers tip to disperse their contents.

• Tankers. These trailers are equipped with tanks for hauling large amounts of liquid or gas.

Other Considerations

In addition to considering the length of your hauls, driver comfort, and cargo, there are a few other things to consider prior to purchasing a semi-truck and trailer.

• What type of geography and weather conditions will you travel in?

• Will your truck need the power to climb mountains?

• How much will your cargo weigh?

• Is resale value important to you?

• What are your horsepower and fuel efficiency needs?

By answering these questions, plus identifying your driver and cargo needs, you can narrow down your options and find a semi-truck that will get you and your payload where you need to go.

Which Truck and Trailer Should You Buy?

At Arrow Truck Sales, we love trucks. We could talk about trucks all day long. We&#;re in the business of helping our customers find exactly the semi-trucks they need. We&#;ve got outstanding choices in our inventory, so you&#;re sure to find the make and model you&#;re looking for. And, if you&#;re a bit uncertain about what you need or want, our team is available to walk you through your options. We&#;ll help you find what you need, sort out the financing, identify tax breaks, get you insured, and keep you going with exceptional warranties and roadside assistance. When it comes to trucking, we&#;ve got you covered.

If you&#;ve got cargo to haul, we&#;ve got the truck you need to haul it in. Give us a call today to see what Arrow Truck Sales can do for you.

Are you interested in learning more about Commercial vehicle dealers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!