In the logistics world, the right piece of equipment can be the difference between a smooth delivery and a derailed shipment. And when there are multiple ways to move a load, choosing ideal equipment can present a challenge for shippers. We asked our team to tell us about their favorite piece of equipment and how shippers can make the best use of each one.
The workhorse on wheels: dry van trailers
“Dry van is definitely my favorite type of equipment! It’s universal and can almost always get the job done. Whether you’re moving something big or small, heavy machinery or dry food, dry van is a go-to.” – Jordan Thompson, Logistics Coordinator
Over half of the trailers manufactured in the US are dry vans – and they’re the most common combination equipment type on the road. At a standard length of 53’, these fully enclosed trailers can hold up to 45,000 lbs of cargo.
Unassuming from the outside, dry vans are incredibly versatile and can haul pallets of paper, drums of corrosive chemicals, fragile lighting equipment, and more. From a cost-efficiency standpoint, these trailers are optimal for palletized freight that’s stackable and uniformly sized.
Shaker’s team can usually source a dry van in less than an hour, making dry vans a great option for shippers looking to move a truckload of non-specialized freight as soon as possible.
Cool under pressure: reefer trailers
“Experience, attention to detail, and continuous quality control is in our genetics at Shaker, which is what it takes to manage reefer transportation. Today’s reefers are smart, and they can report important temperature information to an operations team using telematics. Modern reefers also allow for remote temperature control, so our team can monitor and correct temperature changes right from their phones.” – Jason Smith, CEO
Refrigerated trailers, or “reefers,” are high-tech pieces of equipment comprised of an insulated trailer with a refrigeration unit installed on its front panel. The reefer’s main function is to keep sensitive cargo at a specific temperature to protect it during transit.
Reefers are designed for a wide variety of freight including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, adhesives, and flowers. Today’s reefer technology helps carriers prevent major cargo loss due to a faulty refrigeration unit, making reefers a reliable transportation option for shippers moving valuable temperature-sensitive goods.
Thinking inside the box: box trucks
“Box trucks are versatile and agile pieces of equipment. They can fit most freight and are relatively easy to source, making it a good option for time-critical shipments. They can also navigate terrain that’s too tight for full tractor-trailers.” – Dan Schwerk, Operations Manager
Box trucks, also known as straight trucks, are the smaller, nimbler cousin to the dry van. Their cargo area ranges in size from 10 to 26 feet, making them an ideal dedicated option for mid-size shipments. Because the cargo box is mounted on the same frame as the cab, box trucks are highly maneuverable and the go-to piece of equipment for shippers who pick up or deliver in dense cities.
These trucks can also serve as dedicated options for fragile cargo that is too large to fit in a sprinter van. The smaller box allows the cargo to be secured with little to no room for sliding or bumping throughout the journey. Shaker has moved decorative elements and delicate displays to shows and installations via box truck for decades.
Step down to level up: step deck trailers
“Step decks offer great flexibility for shippers with taller freight without requiring oversized permits. Because of this hallmark ability, they frequently carry unique cargo.” – Justin Brown, Customer Success Manager
Like the average flatbed, step decks are open deck trailers best suited for moving heavy equipment and construction materials. But unlike a standard flatbed, these trailers “step” down into a deck that’s lower to the ground, enabling shippers to move over-dimensional freight without obtaining special permits, which often adds to shipping costs.
Heavy equipment that’s too tall to ship on a typical flatbed, like excavators and turbines, sit safely below legal height limits on a step deck. Freight can also be stacked higher on a step deck, allowing shippers to move more goods in one trip as long as the load doesn’t exceed legal weight limits. Shippers looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to move over-height freight can often rely on the step deck trailer.
Making bulk moves: tanker trailers
“Tankers are the most efficient way to ship bulk amounts of raw materials. I like how challenging and technical tanker loads are, and I enjoy solving these tough logistical puzzles so the shipper can have a stress-free experience.” – Pete Heffern, Bulk Logistics Manager
“Tanker” is an umbrella term for a range of trailers designed to carry loose, unpackaged goods in bulk. Cryogenic tankers carry liquid gases; hopper trailers transport grain and corn; smooth bore tankers transport liquids like milk or water; and pneumatic tankers use pressurized air to load and unload loose granules like sugar or plastic pellets.
Tankers typically serve the chemical and agricultural industries, though specialized trailers are often used in the green energy sector. One of Shaker’s hydrogen customers regularly uses our fleet to haul compressed hydrogen in high-pressure tube trailers (HPTT), a job that requires rigorous safety training and high-touch service from pickup to delivery.
Because of the risks and particularities involved in moving these trailers, drivers carry a tanker endorsement which shows they’ve been educated in tanker-specific driving and safety considerations. Many tanker drivers also hold hazmat certifications so they can legally handle bulk hazardous materials like chemicals and compressed gases.
Equipment solutions for any logistics challenge
The list of equipment available to shippers is incredibly extensive – sprinter vans, hotshot flatbeds, RGNs, lowboys, day cabs, Moffetts, and much more. To learn more about the right equipment for your logistics needs, reach out to our experienced team today!