Used tractor trailers for sale

If you have recently taken the plunge and gotten your CDL to drive semi-trucks, you may wonder how to get started in the owner/operator trucking business. Many companies will finance your endeavor, if your credit is good enough and if you have a large amount of money to put down on a rig. If, however, you are not in the latter group, you may think about a tractor-trailer rental to get you started.

1- A look through the local yellow pages or a quick search online will reveal a number of tractor-trailer rental companies. Every type of truck, from Mack to Freightliner, from a small moving truck to a big 53-foot trailer or flat bed trailer is available for rent. The most important question for you to answer is what do you need the truck to do for you? What are you looking to accomplish?

2- When you have successfully answered these questions, it is time to go rental shopping. Speak with other truck drivers, the instructor at your school, perhaps even someone at the Department of Motor Vehicles, any of these sources will be able to recommend a rental company based on their past experiences.

3- Call the companies that you would like to do business with to make an appointment with a salesman. This is not like renting a car, there is a lot of money involved and you need to make sure that you are going to be happy with the transaction. The salesman can help with demonstrating features of a truck, letting you test drive it and arranging for delivery of the truck.

4- If you are interested in owing a truck in the future, speak with your salesman about any rent to own options that they may have. The tractor-trailer rental company may also be able to help you with financing if you choose this particular rental option.

5- Even though renting a semi-truck isn’t exactly like renting a car, there are some similarities. For example, trucks come with many of the same options as their smaller passenger car counter parts. Many of these options such as, air conditioning, leather seats, and heated mirrors are nice, but also raise the price and most people can live without them.

6- You may be able to get a special rental rate depending upon the length of time that you need to have the tractor-trailer rental for. The more time you can commit to renting the truck, the more the price goes down. Many rental companies will rent by the week, month or even by the year.

7- These tips should give you some insight as to how to rent a tractor-trailer that will suit your wants and needs. The most important thing that you can do is to shop around, get the best price and the best truck that you can afford that will meet your needs.

If you are just starting out in the trucking industry, you will need to determine the type or types of available semi trailers. There are numerous types of semi trailers with various manufacturers. The type of cargo you will haul will determine the type of semi trailer needed. Specializing in one specific type of cargo will allow you to purchase a new or used semi trailer that will accommodate your needs.

A tanker trailer is used for hauling liquids and fuels. Milk and other similar dairy products are transported in tanker trailers. There are specific cleanliness and refrigeration requirements that will need to be known before moving this type of merchandise. The upkeep of this semi trailer is very important. Fuel is also transported in tanker trailers and usually ships to gas stations or truck stops. Tanker trailers can be more difficult to drive due to shifting liquids. The driver should be aware of how to drive these effectively before embarking.

Flatbed trailers are a very popular type of semi trailer and are quite versatile. These trailers can be used to haul heavy equipment, construction items and machinery. The merchandise can be loaded from the rear, sides or the top with the use of a crane. Drivers will need to be aware about how to secure the items for transporting safely and if there are any requirements for protecting the items from the elements. Use of tarps can assist in protecting the equipment. Loading, unloading and securing the items can be strenuous work.

Van semi trailers are another widely popular type of semi trailer that can be used to transport most types of merchandise. Adding a cooling unit to the compartment will allow for the transportation of perishable items. Most van trailers have rear loading doors and will need the assistance of a forklift to fill the container. Some van trailers have side doors which can add ease to the loading process. Shipments of food items will typically occur to grocery stores and warehouses.

Livestock trailers are used to move animals. They are designed to allow air to circulate, keeping the animals alive. There may be loading and unloading requirements for the driver as well as periodic checks to ensure they are upright and not trampled. Shipment may be to farms and ranches or to meat markets. Typical shipments are for cows, horses, sheep, and hogs.

Deciding on the type of cargo you prefer to haul will help determine the type of semi trailer that should be purchased. Semi trailers can be purchased new or used; however, used trailers are generally more affordable. There are a number of manufacturers available to choose from such as Great Dane trailer, Wabash National trailer, Fontaine trailer, Fruehauf trailer, Utility trailer, Trailmobile trailer, Wilson trailer, Strick trailer, Dorsey trailer, Reitnouer trailer, Lufkin trailer, Stoughton trailer and Dragon trailer. Choose the make and model of the semi trailer that best suits your needs.

A utility trailer is an engine-less and a motor-less trailer used to carry items. It is pulled by a powered vehicle with engine. It might be your car or might be a truck. . Utility trailers are used all over the world for transportation of heavy goods for long distances. Trailers can carry large number of goods at a time. Utility trailers are used for transporting almost anything. They can be used as tractor trailers, bike trailers, car trailers, truck trailers or snowmobile trailers. Let’s discuss some aspects of utility trailers here.

Types of Utility trailers
Utility trailers are basically available as enclosed and open utility trailers. Open utility trailers are the one which do not provide coverage to the cargo from external elements. If weather is not a problem for you, buying an open utility trailer would be a wise and economical choice. These open trailers usually range from about $900 to $2500.

You can buy a utility trailer if you are planning to start a small landscaping business. You can carry your essential equipments quite easily in this trailer. Open utility trailers are also lighter as compared to enclosed trailers. On the other hand enclosed utility trailers provide security to your cargo. They combine essential features of weather protection and theft protection. These trailers are lockable to give your cargo maximum protection. These trailers cost around $1600-$5000. There are several other types of utility trailers available to you.

Boat Trailers
Small Box Trailers
Flat Bed Trailers
Stock Trailers
Van Trailers
Semi Trailers– if pulled by a power unit of less than 26,000 GVW
Pole Trailers– if pulled by a power unit of less than 26,000 GVW
Horse Trailers

Utility trailers are made, keeping in mind some basic things like strength, towing stability, versatility and flexibility. By versatility of a utility trailer we mean that it should be able to accommodate various load equipments like snowmobile, automobiles and much more. By flexibility we mean that it should be adjustable to varying hauling requirements. Basically a trailer should have enough strength and durability to carry the requisite amount of load which is required, without too many hassles.

Utility Trailer- sizes and elements
Utility trailers are available in different sizes and shapes as per your needs. The sizes of utility trailers vary extensively such as 5 x 8/10, 5.3 x 8, 6.4 x 16 and many more. Manufacturers from all over the world make 5x 10 utility trailers for general usage.

The size of the trailer bed is 5 ft. x 8/10 ft long. Maximum capacities of trailer beds vary. A general capacity of a 5 x 10 utility trailer is 3500 pounds. The capacities of trailers vary as they differ in size. It could go up to 24,000 pounds. This weight is inclusive of the trailer weight.

Utility trailers are made up of steel or aluminum. They have a floating axle, which allows them to adjust to different load requirements. It also contains a long tongue for vehicle maneuverability and spacing. A utility trailer also includes heavy-duty spring suspensions, wheels, tires, safety chain and side lighting. A utility trailer has an essential back bumper. Trailer brakes form an essential part of utility trailers. Though the usage of a trailer is dependent on load and the tow vehicle, still they make a considerable part of utility trailers. Trailer lights, rear lights and running lights are also an important component of utility trailers.

For flatbed trailers, dry van trailers, reefer trailers, electronic van trailers, and more, Dorsey trailers offers sturdy, reliable trailers that truckers can trust with their most important cargo. Since 1911, this company has been producing some of the most popular and reliable trailers on the market. Currently, the company’s wide selection of products will satisfy even the most conscientious owner-operators.

For dry van drivers, Dorsey’s products are both stylish and structurally sound. Six inch white aluminum radius corners decrease several trailers’ weights, in addition to increasing their stylish appearance. Corners are strengthened by stringent reinforcements, and additional posts and equipment insure the durability of the product. Additionally, the “Dorsey exclusive” pick-up angle allows for an easy and safe latch-on to the tractor.

But more than dry van owners will be impressed by Dorsey Trailers. Reefer owner-operators will appreciate the Dorsey Liteguard, with its innovative design that reduces weight, improves insulation, and reduces leakage. Intended to improve upkeep and decrease maintenance costs, these trailers are called the strongest in the industry by the company’s web site. With specially designed reinforcement and ventilation, the product also comes standard with theft-reduction technology.

Although these are just two of the products offered by Dorsey Trailers, their excellence in appearance, durability, and features speaks to the product line. Truckers can be sure that their cargo will arrive at its destination safely with Dorsey, and they can give this same assurance to their clients. Available used and new in a variety of models and style, Dorsey trailers are just the product for truckers looking for a smooth, stylish ride for their cargo.

A  tractor-trailer is the term given to a combination of a trailer and an on-road tractor, or truck. A tractor-trailer is comprised of two entirely separate units so that the truck can be hooked to other trailers and the trailer can be hooked to other trucks. They are connected both with hardware and electronically so that the truck can control the brakes and all the lights on the trailer.

The Tractor-Trailer is used for transporting goods and materials from one place to the other. It is how groceries find their way to the shelves of the grocery store, for one example.

The truck portion of a tractor-trailer must have enough engine power to pull a significant amount of weight. The weight of the trailer can vary greatly depending on what type of freight it contains. A trailer loaded with empty plastic bottles, for example, will weigh much less than a trailer full of bottled water.

Sometimes the passenger cab of the truck includes a compartment large enough for a bed. This is so the driver of the tractor-trailer can sleep in the truck when delivering freight over long distances. It is common for a driver to own his truck and contract out to companies to transport freight in the company trailers. One driver may haul freight for a number of different companies over a wide geographic area and spend weeks at a time living in his truck.

The trailer portion of the tractor-trailer combination can be one of a variety of designs to serve a variety of different purposes. Probably the most common style is the box trailer. It can vary in length from about 28 feet to 53 feet (8.5 to 16.2 meters) and is totally closed except for the door at rear end and sometimes on the sides.

Another style of trailer is known as a flat bed trailers, which is basically a platform on which freight is strapped. A tractor-trailer with a flatbed is often used to transport lumber, bricks or other construction materials. A third common type of trailer is a tanker trailer, which carries liquids such as water or milk or dry goods such as flour or grain.

Other terms used to describe a tractor-trailer are “eighteen wheeler” and semi-trailer truck.” The term “eighteen wheeler” is sometimes used because there is often a total of eighteen wheels in the combination. The term “semi-trailer truck” refers to a trailer in which one end is supported by the truck that it is connected to. The other end of the trailer has its own set of wheels.

Trailers can be used to carry snowmobiles, motor cycles or some other heavy vehicles. They come in different configurations to serve different purposes. They may be enclosed in order to serve storage purposes or may be used even as a temporary office. Since they serve varied purposes, they can be expensive. Hence trailer financing is often desirable.

There are various types of trailers for sale. Car carriage trailer is one among them which are used to transport cars from one place to another. Car carrier trailers are vitally important for some companies that require transporting multiple cars. They can be used to carry some other vehicles also. They are rugged and strong in order to haul multiple cars. However their specialized nature and durability make them extremely expensive. Hence car carriage trailer financing is often desirable.

Flat bed trailer for sale is yet another useful vehicle which comes in different configurations. They perform the same function of other trailers. But they ensure additional safety of the heavy loads since it disperses the load evenly. It is a favorite vehicle among business people. It comes in various sizes also. A small flat bed trailer can be used in landscaping applications whereas large trailers can be used to carry heavy loads.

Open trailers are used to carry heavy loads. They help in easy hauling of heavy goods and payloads. They offer enhanced safety to the goods. Though they have no roof, they have facility to prevent sliding of good in the sides. Due to the extreme cost, many companies look for open trailer financing.

Enclosed trailers perform the similar functions of other trailers like hauling heavy goods and payloads. But they have added feature of protection for goods against outdoor environment. The goods in the enclosed trailer can be prevented well from rain, wind, sunlight and other factors. Since the goods can be kept safe, the enclosed trailers are favorites among more business people. The extra feature and convenience adds o the cost. So many business people consider trailer financing to acquire them.

Gooseneck trailer helps in transporting heavy vehicles from one place to another like all the other trailers. But it is attached to the cab instead of bumper to enhance more stability. Businesses prefer it to haul valuable loads or animals. They are highly expensive and financing the trailer is required.

Low boy trailer for sale is yet another useful type of trailer which performs similar function of other trailers. They have their body close to the ground to offer great protection and stability. It is rugged and strong. Hence it is pricey and trailer financing is often needed.

The companies that want to acquire trailers can seek the help of reliable financing companies having experience in the field of equipment financing. They can offer financial assistance at low interest rates. They also provide fast approval and so the companies can acquire the trailer at any time they need.

If you have recently taken the plunge and gotten your CDL to drive semi-trucks, you may wonder how to get started in the owner/operator trucking business. Many companies will finance your endeavor, if your credit is good enough and if you have a large amount of money to put down on a rig. If, however, you are not in the latter group, you may think about a tractor-trailer rental to get you started.

1- A look through the local yellow pages or a quick search online will reveal a number of tractor-trailer rental companies. Every type of truck, from Mack to Freightliner, from a small moving truck to a big 53-foot trailer or flat bed trailer is available for rent. The most important question for you to answer is what do you need the truck to do for you? What are you looking to accomplish?

2- When you have successfully answered these questions, it is time to go rental shopping. Speak with other truck drivers, the instructor at your school, perhaps even someone at the Department of Motor Vehicles, any of these sources will be able to recommend a rental company based on their past experiences.

3- Call the companies that you would like to do business with to make an appointment with a salesman. This is not like renting a car, there is a lot of money involved and you need to make sure that you are going to be happy with the transaction. The salesman can help with demonstrating features of a truck, letting you test drive it and arranging for delivery of the truck.

4- If you are interested in owing a truck in the future, speak with your salesman about any rent to own options that they may have. The tractor-trailer rental company may also be able to help you with financing if you choose this particular rental option.

5- Even though renting a semi-truck isn’t exactly like renting a car, there are some similarities. For example, trucks come with many of the same options as their smaller passenger car counter parts. Many of these options such as, air conditioning, leather seats, and heated mirrors are nice, but also raise the price and most people can live without them.

6- You may be able to get a special rental rate depending upon the length of time that you need to have the tractor-trailer rental for. The more time you can commit to renting the truck, the more the price goes down. Many rental companies will rent by the week, month or even by the year.

7- These tips should give you some insight as to how to rent a tractor-trailer that will suit your wants and needs. The most important thing that you can do is to shop around, get the best price and the best truck that you can afford that will meet your needs.

If you are in a business producing products, you have to get them to the market. Dry shipping is the most common method of doing this today.

Dry trucking refers to the type of trailer that is used to haul the trucks cargo. There are several different types of trailers in use on the highways and each serves a different basic purpose. Tanker trailers for sale and flat bed trailers for sale are two examples of alternate trailer types. The most common trailer, by far is the dry van trailer. An estimated 41% of all trailers in use are of this type.

The dry trailer is essentially a large box on wheels and can be used to haul just about any type of non-liquid freight. The only limitation on dry and non-perishable freight is that it not be too big to fit inside the trailer. The normal dry van trailer for sale is around fifty three feet long, and attaches to the tractor by use of a fifth wheel. The trailer does not have a front axle and the fifth wheel coupling is a round ball and socket type attachment that supports the weight of the trailer on the back axle of the tractor. The ball and socket connection allows it to pivot for turning. The trailer has front support legs that are lowered to support the uncoupled trailer.

The major advantage of the fifth wheel coupling of the dry van trailer is that it may easily be transferred from one tractor to another. It may also be uncoupled, and parked until needed. It is estimated that there are almost three tractor trailers for sale in use.

A modern dry van trailer is likely to have a translucent roof to allow outside light. This feature makes loading and unloading safer. Most have tracks along the inside that are used to secure the loads to prevent shifting during transit. Air ride suspension systems are becoming more common on dry van trailers as more and more delicate electronic items are being shipped in large quantities by dry van trailers. New trailers are also equipped with locking devices to prevent “walking” or shifting when being loaded or unloaded after being detached from the tractor. Many trucking companies offer only dry van services while others have dry vans as an integral part of their trailer fleet. They are the most common and easily recognizable of the trailer types, and they carry the widest variety of products. There is no doubt that the dry van trailer is the workhorse of the trucking industry.

Tarpaulins, often called tarps, are frequently used to cover and secure loads in different types of trucks.  Truck tarps can make carrying loads in pickup trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, and other types of trucks much easier.  Having a truck tarp is also safer, with less likelihood of the load falling off the truck and causing problems for the driver or for other vehicles on the road.

Truck tarps for pickups typically cost around $40.  Truck tarps for full size pickup beds are about $5 more.  These tarps are made to cover a full load in the bed of the truck, securing it and protecting it from the elements.  Good truck tarps come with hook and straps to secure the tarp to the truck bed and eliminate the need to tie complicated knots with rope to secure the tarp.

Truck tarps are also available for flatbed trailers.  Cargo such as lumber and steel cables are often carried in flatbed trailers.  Truck tarps covering a 48-foot long trailer with 8-foot drops can be purchased for about $400 online.  Usually, two tarps are needed, bringing the total price to around $800.  These truck tarps are waterproof and have grommets through which cables can attach the tarp to the truck.

Dump trucks also need to be covered with tarps to secure their load.  Roll up tarps are usually used on dump trucks.  These tarps roll up into a cylinder for storage up behind the cab of the truck, and can be pulled out and secured to the other end of the bed to cover the truck’s cargo.  Tarps for dump trucks usually start at $300 for basic models, with bigger or more elaborate models costing more.

Covering truck beds is one of the many uses of tarps.  There are a variety of other applications for tarpaulins.