Logistics MarketTrucking companies by equipment
Pick the trailer type you need. Each guide covers what the equipment is best for, typical freight, and a state-by-state lane rate tool.
Enclosed 53-foot trailers used for non-perishable freight. The most common equipment type in North American trucking.
Open-deck trailers for oversized, heavy, or oddly shaped freight that needs to be loaded from the side or top by crane or forklift.
Refrigerated trailers for temperature-controlled freight. Used for perishables and pharmaceuticals that must stay within a set temperature range.
Straight trucks (typically 16 to 26 feet) used for last-mile, LTL, and short-haul freight where a full 53-foot trailer is overkill.
Trailer type & equipment FAQ
Which trailer type is cheapest to ship with?+
Box trucks and dry vans generally carry the lowest per-mile rates because equipment supply is deepest. Flatbed and reefer command a premium for specialized handling and equipment cost.
What is the difference between a dry van and a reefer?+
A dry van is an enclosed trailer with no temperature control. A reefer is a refrigerated trailer that maintains a set temperature range for perishables and pharmaceuticals, which costs more per mile.
When do I need a flatbed instead of a dry van?+
Use a flatbed when freight is oversized, extremely heavy, or must be loaded from the side or top by crane or forklift — steel, lumber, pipe, machinery, and construction materials.
How much does a box truck cost per mile?+
Box truck freight typically runs near $1.85 per mile nationally, though short local moves are usually priced as a flat minimum rather than by the mile.
Can I compare rates across trailer types?+
Yes. Run the same lane through the free rate tool with different equipment selected to see how dry van, flatbed, reefer, and box truck pricing compares.
Still guessing what your lane should cost? Get a free market freight rate in seconds.
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