How the Construction Industry Utilizes Commercial Trailers

In the construction industry, commercial trailers are relied upon for a variety of transportation needs. They are utilized to haul everything from heavy equipment to construction materials. Due to the array of work that these trailers perform, there are different styles of trailers used to meet the requirements for each job.

For fleet managers, business owners, and vehicle operators, it is imperative that the right trailer is chosen for the specific job at hand. This ensures that goods, materials, and equipment are transported safely and helps to create a smoother, more efficient job site.

In this guide, we’ll break down the use of trailers in the construction industry by the work they perform, highlighting some of the top choices for the construction industry.

Hauling Equipment

One of the difficulties that the construction industry faces is transporting heavy equipment and machinery. Often, this equipment is too large to be placed on a normal trailer. This is particularly true of tall equipment, which can cause issues with state and federal height regulations.

This is where the lowboy trailer shines. A lowboy trailer is designed with a unique profile that features a drop-in deck height in the middle of the trailer. This type of semi-trailer is vital in the construction industry, where it is utilized to haul large equipment and machinery.

The benefits of a lowboy trailer are numerous. First, it makes rolling construction equipment on and off the trailer bed simpler as the deck is located low to the ground. In some cases, these trailers are even designed to be placed under a load, and mechanisms then lift the load up.

Not only do these trailers improve the loading and unloading process, but they are ideal for transporting equipment that cannot be broken apart into smaller loads. The low height of the deck on a lowboy means that even when transporting tall equipment, you can still safely navigate under standard bridge and power line heights. This can also prevent the need for special permitting.

Popular picks for trailers that can do these jobs include the N2022 Liddell AP-60-F, which features air ride suspension and three axles, and the 2021 Trail King TK 110HDG Advantage Plus, which features ample trailer space and a length of 53 feet. 

Best for Hauling

• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Compactors
• Excavators
• Graders
• Loaders
• Pile Driving / Boring Machines
• Skid Steers
• Tower Cranes
• Wheel Tractor Scrapers

Hauling Construction Materials

Beyond just the equipment that is needed on a construction site, numerous materials help make a job possible. These materials are often bulky, heavy, and cumbersome. One of the top picks for hauling construction materials is the classic flatbed trailer.

Flatbed trailers are designed to handle heavy loads, with hauling capacities ranging from 48,000-to 65,000 pounds depending on the number of axles on the trailer.

With their open flat trailer bed, they are incredibly versatile in their use. They range in length from 48 ft to 53 ft and can be quickly loaded and unloaded using a forklift, loading dock, or crane. Their level surface makes it easier to secure cargo, and their durability makes them an excellent choice for the rigors of hauling heavy amounts of materials.

The 2023 Dorsey FC48 trailer is a great example of this type of equipment. It features air ride suspension, air brakes, two axles, and a 48-foot long bed ideal for heavy-duty materials

Best for Hauling

• Brick/Masonry
• Concrete
• Ceramic
• Lumber
• Rods
• Scaffolding
• Steel Beams
• Stone
• Textiles

Hauling Debris

During demolition or after a project has been completed, a vital part of a construction job is to clean up the job site and haul away debris. When hauling debris, the key to safely transporting materials is to ensure that the load is secure. This becomes particularly difficult in the case of loose aggregate materials.

This is where a dump trailer plays a vital role. End dump, bottom dump, and side dump trailers are all popular choices for the construction industry. Generally, end dump trailers are a good match for heavy loads and large demolition debris. They are easy to load and unload and can handle bulky materials.

Bottom dump trailers are ideal for precise unloading. They are often used to haul aggregate materials that need to be laid down on a job site in a particular manner. Side dump trailers are similar to bottom dump trailers, and by using hydraulics, they make it easy to tilt the trailer to the right or the left to precisely unload materials.

When hauling debris, we’d recommend trailers like the 2022 Trail King TK60SSD-402, which features 21 cubic yards of capacity and side dump unloading, or the 2023 Armor Lite SBD-40, which has 23 cubic yards of capacity and bottom dump unloading for precision.

Best for Hauling

• Asphalt
• Crushed materials
• Dirt
• Gravel
• Junk
• Refuse
• Sand
• Stone

Choosing Your Fleet

When putting together the right fleet of commercial trailers for your construction business, it is important to ensure that your team has the equipment they need to get their work done safely and efficiently.

Building a fleet starts by shopping quality manufacturers. Leading names, such as Trail King, Amor Lite, Liddell, and Dorsey, offer premium choices backed by the latest in technology and safety features. These trailers are designed to be durable and reliable, allowing you to spend more time getting the job done and less time worrying about breakdowns and repairs.

Additionally, working with the right team to procure a new or used commercial trailer will go a long way in making the process easy and efficient. At Transwest, we pride ourselves on our quality customer service. Our goal is to help you locate the ideal trailer for your needs.

Stop by one of our locations to learn more or browse our inventory online. If you have any questions about purchasing a new trailer, trade-in values of an existing trailer, or service needs, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. In addition to a premium inventory of commercial trailers, we also carry replacement parts for repairs and offer financing options on your next rig.

We look forward to becoming your trusted partner for commercial trailers.