Dimensions and types of semi-trailers

There is a wide selection of semi-trailers available on the market, which differ in design, purpose and dimensions. Knowing these details allows you to choose the right transport solution to meet your specific requirements. In this article, we will take a look at the most popular types of semi-trailer and their technical parameters.

The dimensions of semi-trailers mentioned in the article may slightly differ from the actual dimensions, so before taking an order, it is worth asking the carrier about specific parameters.

Learn about the most popular types of semi-trailers:

1. Standard semi-trailer

A standard semi-trailer is one of the most common semi-trailers on the roads. They are also called tautliners in the industry. They consist of an open platform, covered on the sides with a flexible tarpaulin, which allows easy loading and unloading of goods from the side, back and top. There are also so-called curtainsider semi-trailers, where it is possible to move the side walls and roof. It is suitable for both general cargo and pallet transport.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 13,6 m
Width: 2,45 m – 2,5 m
Height: 2,7 m – 3 m
Capacity: About 24 tons
Volume: 33-34 europallets (about 90 m³)

2. Mega semi-trailer

A mega semi-trailer is similar to a standard one, but it has an increased internal height, which is usually about 3 meters. Thanks to the lowered floor, the mega semi-trailer offers more loading space, which allows for the transport of larger goods.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 13,6 m
Width: 2,5 m
Height: 3 m
Capacity: About 24 tons
Volume: 33-34 europallets (about 100 m³)

3. Container semi-trailer

Container semi-trailers are designed to transport sea containers of standardized sizes (most often 20 and 40 ft). They make it possible to transport containers between different modes of transport, such as vessels, trains and trucks.

Standard dimensions:
Trailer length for a 20-foot container: 7,3 m
Trailer length for a 40-foot container: 12,2 m
Width: 2,5 m
Height: Depends on the height of the container (usually 2.6 m)

4. Refrigerated semi-trailer

Refrigerated semi-trailers are specialized semi-trailers equipped with cooling systems that keep a constant temperature inside the trailer, which is crucial for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as food, medicines, or chemicals.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 13,3 m – 13,6 m
Width: 2,45 m – 2,5 m
Height: 2,6 m – 2,7 m
Capacity: About 24 tons
Volume: 33-34 europallets

Refrigerated semi-trailers are mainly used in the transport of food products such as meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, as well as medicines that require a controlled temperature.

5. Tipper semi-trailers

Tipper semi-trailers are designed for transporting bulk materials such as sand, gravel, soil or grain. Thanks to the tipping mechanism, they enable quick unloading by tilting the semi-trailer.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 8 m – 12 m
Width: 2,45 m – 2,5 m
Height: Depends on the type of tipper (usually 1-2 m)
Capacity: Depends on the model (usually 24-30 tons)

6. Low loader semi-trailer

Low loader semi-trailer has a lowered loading platform, which allows for the transport of large and heavy loads, such as construction machinery, vehicles or structural elements.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 8 m – 12 m (with the possibility of extension)
Width: 2,5 m – 3 m
Height: 0,4 m – 0,9 m
Capacity: Up to 60 tons (depending on the design)

7. Tanker semi-trailer

Tanker semi-trailers are designed for transporting liquids, gases and bulk materials in a liquid form, such as fuels, chemicals, milk or other food products in liquid form. They are made of corrosion-resistant materials and are intended for the safe transport of hazardous substances.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 10 m – 13,6 m
Width: 2,5 m
Volume: 30 000 – 45 000 liters
Capacity: Depending on the material being transported (typically up to 27 tonnes)

8. Platform semi-trailer

Platform semi-trailers, also known as open semi-trailers, have an open loading space, without side walls and roof. This kind of semi-trailers are designed to transport loads of non-standard dimensions, such as steel beams, pipes or industrial machinery.

Standard dimensions:
Length: 12 m – 13,6 m
Width: 2,5 m
Capacity: About 24-30 tons

Choosing the right semi-trailer is a key part of road transport planning. Knowledge of standard dimensions and capabilities of semi-trailers allows for better adaptation of means of transport to the transported loads, which translates into the efficiency and safety of logistics operations.

Types of semi-trailers in Goodloading

Goodloading is an application which helps you to plan loading in various modes of transport, including road transport. Goodloading offers different types of semi-trailers such as solo, mega, standard or double trailer. The user can also add the dimensions of any space they want to plan loading.

For each vehicle, you can add: