Commercial Trailers in the Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, trailers play a vital role in ensuring that equipment, materials, and liquids are transported to and from the job site. When choosing a new or used commercial trailer for your oil and gas fleet, you need to be sure to select a trailer that will stand up to the daily rigors of this kind of job.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the common types of commercial trailers used in the oil and gas industry, examples of leading makes and models, and cover a few key tips for adding new trailers to your fleet.

Vacuum Tank Trailers

From chemicals utilized in rig operations to the raw products that need to be hauled away, vacuum tank trailers implement a secure, enclosed tank to transport liquids of almost any type. These trailers feature a cylindrical-shaped tank that is permanently mounted to a durable trailer body.

Vacuum tank trailers are often used to collect and transport wastewater from drilling operations. These trailers feature a built-in pump, allowing an operator to pull liquids from an area quickly. Next, this liquid is sealed in the tank, ensuring the safe transportation of toxic or caustic liquids.

The critical differences between vacuum tank trailers are the type of materials they can transport, the size of their tank, and what equipment is included with the trailer.

Vacuum Tank Trailer Example: The 2020 Galyean Steel 160 BBL Trailer

The 2020 Galyean Steel 160 BBL is a prime example of a quality trailer that offers extreme durability with a steel body. This trailer makes pumping and hauling liquids from job sites more efficient with air ride brakes and high-quality equipment.

Lowboy Trailers

One of the most widely used trailers in the oil and gas industry for hauling equipment is the lowboy trailer. With a bed that sits lower to the ground than a standard flatbed trailer, this trailer-style makes it easy to transport oversized equipment that would otherwise create issues with height restrictions.

Most lowboy trailers are loaded from the front or rear of the trailer, with specialized models allowing you to place the trailer underneath a load to lift it. Options also include fixed-necks, goosenecks, and removable goosenecks (RGN).

Lowboy Trailer Example: 2023 Peerless Scona LB70-TRLRSOW-4A

If you are looking for the prime example of a quality lowboy trailer, look no further than the new 2023 Scona LB70-TRLR SHOW-4A. This specialized oilfield low bed trailer features air ride brakes and a high-strength frame. Backed by the trusted names of Peerless and Scona, this quality trailer is capable of handling heavy axle loading and rugged on and off-road operating conditions.

Flip Axle and Booster Trailers

Another common style of commercial trailers utilized in the oil and gas industry are booster and flip axle trailers.

Flip axle trailers work by allowing for custom use of the trailer based on the load being hauled. A complete axle assembly can be removed from the trailer when it is not necessary for use. When a heavy load is being hauled, the flip axle is attached to the rear of the trailer and helps redistribute the weight of the load. This is highly beneficial in states where per axle weight limit regulations exist.

A trailer booster works similar to a flip axle. This mechanism allows additional axles to connect with the ground, spreading out the load of a trailer. However, a booster often contains hydraulics and a small motor, which makes the operation of the extension easier.

Both flip axle and booster trailers play a vital role in oil and gas industry fleets. Because these units can be adapted to specific needs, they make it more efficient to haul equipment of almost any size.

Booster Trailer Example: 2023 Peerless Scona Model TAT-20-2ASS

If you are looking to add a booster trailer to your fleet, look no further than the brand new 2023 Scona TAT-20-2ASS. This heavy-duty oilfield trailer is designed to make it easy to quickly adapt the trailer based on haul needs. The rugged and innovative design of this trailer makes it a quality pick for oilfield applications.

Jeep Trailers

Similar to the purpose of a flip axle or booster trailer, a jeep trailer is used to increase the payload capacity of an oilfield trailer. The jeep trailer is placed between the truck and the existing trailer. With a fifth wheel and one to three axles, this trailer helps to redistribute the load being carried.

This allows teams to meet state regulations regarding weight per axle limitations, as well as to ensure a safer haul. Additionally, when using a jeep trailer for moving large oil and gas equipment, you can help to extend the life of your existing trailer.

Jeep Trailer Example: 2023 Peerless Scona Model JP-40-LRT-2A

A top example of a quality jeep trailer is the 2023 Scona JP-40-LRT-2A. This trailer can help you quickly adapt your operations. With a heavy-duty design, this trailer is designed to allow you to maximize payloads while minimizing the impact on your trailer.

3 Tips for Adding New Trailers to Your Fleet

If you are ready to add new commercial trailers to your fleet, use the following tips to make sure you acquire the ideal trailers for your needs.

#1: Do your research.

Before you head to the sales floor, make sure you research the specific types of trailers you will need. Create a detailed list of your requirements and pay careful attention to the size and weight of the equipment you will be hauling, as well as state-specific regulations regarding axle weight limitations.

#2: Choose from trusted manufacturers.

For the oil and gas industry, there are specific trailer manufacturers that are trusted across the industry. These manufacturers have long-held reputations for their rigorous and innovative designs. Galyean and Scona are two top manufacturers that have established themselves as industry leaders.

#3: Work with a quality team.

Not only is the quality of the trailer you purchase important, but so is the quality of the team you work with. At Transwest, we carefully select the oil and gas trailers for our inventory. Our goal is to make sure that the trailer you purchase not only meets your specific needs but continues to operate with the least amount of downtime possible over the years. Stop by one of our locations to learn more about our current inventory, or give us a call to discuss your needs.