What is the difference between a semi trailer and a full trailer?

Pretty simple – a full trailer is fixed to the tractor unit whereas the semi is detachable, and certainly on American roads semi trailers dominate.

But why?

Semi Trailer Advantages

The major advantage of a semi trailer is flexibility, but there are several reasons why semi trailers have this flexibility and some you may not already know:

Semi trailers can be coupled and detached easily and fast, which provides for shunting during loading and for trailers to be trunked between loading depots;

If the tractor breaks down then another tractor can be coupled and the load continue on to destination without lengthy delay (it takes just as long as is needed to get a replacement tractor unit to the broken down units location);

A semi trailer can be attached to another semi trailer using a dolly – this is more common overseas in countries such as Australia where several trailers will be attached to form a road train;

Tugs, yard dogs or shunts can be used to shift semi trailers around loading and docking facilities – these are not full tractor units for use on the road, but they are far cheaper and easier to handle than a full tractor unit;

A semi trailer is easier to reverse than a full trailer as there is only one turning point at the coupling compared to a full trailer which has two;

A semi trailer also has a smaller turning circle compared to a full trailer;

The used semi trailer market is substantial compared to the pre-owned fixed trailer market;

Semi trailers have longer cargo beds which means they can transport longer loads;

Semi trailers generally can haul a greater load than a full trailer;

Semi trailers provide a better load ratio between tare and laden weight; and

In snow, a semi trailer tends to have more weight on the drive axles of the tractor unit which gives better traction and road handling characteristics in adverse weather conditions.

The Bad News

Semi tractor trailers have a center of gravity which tends to be higher than full trailers which makes them prone to tipping over compared to rigid trailer construction;

Semi trailers are prone to jackknifing because they are articulated, i.e. do not have a fixed but movable attachment between tractor and trailer; and

Semi tractor units have zero use on their own.

You’re in the market for a replacement trailer – do you buy a new one or go for a used trailer?

The decision has wider implications than simply cost, so we’re going to look at the pros and cons of each and give you some advice in the bargain.

Buying a New Trailer

Buying a new piece of equipment has several distinct advantages. First of all, you get to maximize the depreciation deductible against your tax profits which means the IRS gets to subsidize your purchase. You also get equipment which no-one else has used before, so wear and tear is going to be non-existent which means maintenance issues should be zero too. Buying new means you can source equipment which is specifically fitted with the options you specify for your business needs, and also you will enjoy the full benefit of any manufacturer’s warranties and financing deals. You also get equipment which looks new and this helps your industry image, especially with customers who like to see shiny new trucks and trailers hauling their goods around the country.

The flip side of buying new is that it is more expensive. You will have to fund all of the price or raise more credit/lease finance which either will drain your cash reserves or leave you with a higher operating cost base to work from.

Buying a Used Trailer

The advantages of buying a used trailer are really the flip side of buying a new one.

First of all, you will not need to pay as much for used as you will for new.  if you are buying a five year old trailer, you will be acquiring an asset which has lost most of it’s depreciable value and typically this means you can acquire the trailer for a fraction of the cost of a new one (take a look at this used truck for sale as an example).  Another benefit is that at this moment in time, the used truck and trailer market is a buyer’s market, and there is a lot of equipment available which is at a depressed price but is also in very good condition.  Arranging financing and leasing is typically as easy as for a new unit (don’t believe the stories about new trailers being easier to get financing on).

The downside of buying a used trailer is that you will not enjoy the full manufacturer’s warranty, though this can be offset by buying equipment with a service and maintenance history and ensuring you put in place service contracts.  You will also not benefit from such a large tax deductible, but then you will not be outlaying anywhere near as much money as for a new trailer.

At the start of 2010, the outlook looked bleak and the economic prospects for the used trailer market were just as grim as for the rest of the economy. While 2010 has been a hard year for many businesses and workers, there have been some bright spots.

Used trailer sales enjoyed some of the lowest prices on record as surplus units found their way to a market where there were few buyers. The market was generally illiquid as equipment owners held onto to equipment to defer additional capital purchases. In turn, this placed a brake on new trailer prices which has filtered down into the broader market.

The trailer market is typified by a five year lifecycle and replacement strategy by national carriers who buy in new equipment every 5 years – smaller, regional carriers are the main purchasers of these nearly new units, though there are significant numbers of other purchasers too, depending on the trailer specialization. Regional carriers typically hold the units for 5 years before onward sale to local distribution operators, the typically small operation customer with many trailers finding themselves living out their lives as storage units after 20 years.

That was the bad news: depressed new and used trailer purchases, increasing price competition for operators, reducing return on investment and hitting profitability.

Now for the good news as we welcome in 2011

The economy is getting better and there are definite signs of improvement. Manufacturers and distributors are finally investing in higher stock and capital equipment levels. The Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday retail sales numbers are now around pre-recession levels of 2008, having rebounded with the year-on-year numbers and demonstrate between 10% and 15% growth levels. This means consumers are once again spending money much more freely than a year ago at the peak of the crisis, and retailers and manufacturers are once again gearing up to cater to demand.

All this means more work for the trucking industry, but there is also a relatively unique window of opportunity for equipment purchasers. Used trailer prices are depressed and effectively it is a buyer’s market. On the other hand, demand for trucking services is now increasing and this means a much higher return on investment for the buyer and in turn, enhanced profitability.

The bottom line: now is the time to make capital asset purchases to maximize financial performance in 2011. Used trailer prices are still depressed as supply exceeds demand, however used prices will rise as we go into 2011 and demand increases.

Flatbed Trailers For Sale

Whether you’re an owner/operator or you run a construction company that often needs to transport large materials, finding flatbed trailers can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Because they aren’t cheap, you want a flatbed trailer that will last for several years and be able to stand up to the harsh working conditions that you’ll often put it through. But luckily, there are hundreds and thousands of flatbed trailers for sale that are advertised to meet all of those requirements and more.

Unfortunately, you can’t always believe everything you see, and just because the flatbed for sale on the side of the road has a sign that reads, “great deal,” doesn’t mean you don’t need to do your homework.  A great deal of research goes into purchasing flatbed trailers-meaning you have to take the time to determine which models are best for you and who is selling these models at prices that you can afford.

Although you should still do your research no matter where you’re searching for a flatbed trailer, Used semi trailers can help make the process easier. Used semi trailers seeks to provide truckers with a large pool of inventory for buyers who want to be sure they’re getting the right trailer. In addition, UST’s mission is to help truckers get into quality Trailers quickly and easily. If you’re looking for a flatbed, you won’t have to look farther than here, where individuals and dealers can shop flatbed trailers for sale. Instead of traveling to dealerships all over the United States, spending hours on your days off checking out classified ads, or scouring a dozen different web sites, UST gives you many different flatbed choices with just one click. And because inventory is always changing, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for, especially because this site deals in all brands and types of flatbed trailers.

By viewing high resolution images of the trailer you are considering, in addition to having the option of contacting the seller and checking out the trailer’s stats online, you can do a great deal of the leg work before you actually meet the owner for a test drive. Because flatbed trailers are located across the U.S., this can save you both time and money. Why fly to Texas or Kansas to check out a trailer that will end up to be worthless? Instead, you can visit UST, narrow down your choices to a couple of finalists, and then travel to visit only those owners.

With UST and the convenience of the Internet to your advantage, searching for flatbeds from your office, cab, or home. Whether it’s 3 p.m. on a Tuesday or 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Used Semi Trailers is open, ready to let you shop for flatbed Trailers for sale.

See our entire inventory of trailers online

We have trucks too

Buying Trailers 

Whether you’re a trucker who has been hauling for a company for most of his or her life or you’re a new heavy duty truck owner looking for a trailer to do some hauling on your own, learning to buy a proper trailer is much different than the process that you went through to buy your truck or personal vehicle.

The first thing you need to think about when buying a trailer is its function. What do you want to haul, or what can you be expected to haul? Many truckers know the answer to this question already or know that they want to buy more than one trailer so that they can haul many different kinds of goods.

After thinking about what kind of trailer you need, you should consider the size of the trailer that you’ll need. When considering the size, don’t just think about the size of the goods you’ll be hauling, but also the other items that you  might be hauling. For instance, if you’re going to be hauling livestock, you also need to think about the room you’ll need for their feed,  etc. Another requirement you’ll need to consider is whether or not you need living quarters in the truck you are using to pull it. For this, you’ll need to consider the amount of time you might be on the road.

Now that you’ve considered the kind of trailer you need and its size, it’s time to think of another important consideration—weight. The weight of your trailer and your equipment is an important component for design, as the design should be able to distribute weight. You will also need to be sure that the weight of your trailer does not exceed that allowable for the road. Also, when considering weight, be sure to think about type of truck that will be pulling the trailer.

While there are many other considerations to be made when buying a trailer, such as suspension and breaks, but these three are some of the facts that you must know when you set out on the search. Hopefully, knowing them will make buying a trailer a little easier.

East Dump Trailer For Sale

2005 EAST 28′ Aluminum East Tri-Axle Trailer with tarper, 52″ sides. Spring ride,11R22.5 Rubber on Steel Wheels, Tri-Axle. **FOB Miami Florida**, Tri-Axle, Aluminum Floor, 96″ Width….Call Nathan Heather or Mike – (717)933-9792

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A Guide to Purchasing Used Trailers

Purchasing used semi trailers is an affordable option to buying new.  Trailers can get very expensive for new equipment and purchasing used is a money saving alternative.  Used trailers can be found in every make and model available at a significantly lower cost.  However, there are many factors one needs to decide before purchasing used.

Researching different manufacturers will give an idea as to the type of semi trailer needed.  Leading manufacturers such as Great Dane, Wabash National, Fontaine, Fruehauf, Utility, Trailmobile, Wilson, Strick, Dorsey, Reitnouer, Lufkin, Stoughton and Dragon are just a few.  Each manufacturer designs a variety of trailers suitable for various needs. 

The condition of the trailer should be excellent especially if using the semi trailer to haul heavy equipment.  Safety is always of prime importance, so ensure the tires, brakes and floor type are suitable.   These pieces of equipment are meant to be sturdy so most late year used models will be in good shape.  Late model trailers can be highly affordable but make sure they are thoroughly tested for safety and reliability.  Upgrading or replacing parts can make the seemingly inexpensive investment much more expensive.

Determine the type of trailer by considering what its use will be.  Gauge the type of equipment or supplies that will be transported, how it will be loaded and how it will be unloaded.  Consider where the machinery or items will be hauled and if special features will be needed to account for field conditions.

The size and capacity is highly important.  Depending on the cargo, there are different styles to meet the need.  Ensure the weight capacity is suitable for the type of load.  To safely transport items and safely secure each load, the size must also be appropriate.  Determine what conditions will be found when transporting and whether the cargo needs to be enclosed or protected from the elements. 

Shopping online for used trailers is a great way to get an idea of the type of trailer needed.  The Internet provides valuable resources for researching and purchasing used semi trailers.  Purchasing used equipment is an affordable alternative to purchasing a new or custom made trailer.  With a little research and quality assurance, used trailers are a viable alternative and will save a lot of money.