Logistics MarketEnclosed 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
01Which 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.
02What 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.
03When 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.
04How 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.
05Can 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.
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