How to Ship Freight: Equipment Types and Services

Types of trailers, planes and containers used to transport goods

When you think about shipping freight, the focus is often on the cargo itself - what needs to be delivered and where it's going. But behind every successful shipment is the equipment that makes it happen. Whether it's a dry van for general freight or a specialized flatbed for uniquely sized loads, choosing the right option helps ensure everything arrives safely and efficiently.

Explore the different equipment types used in each transportation solution, then check out our infographic to learn more.

Full truckload equipment

Have a large shipment or need exclusive use for your freight? Full truckload shipping may be right for you. Choose from a variety of equipment options to fit your freight needs:

Dry vans

Dry vans are enclosed trailers that protect freight from weather and other environmental elements. They are typically used to transport dry goods and other nonperishable items.

Flatbed trailers

Flatbed trailers allow cargo to be loaded or unloaded from the top, sides or back. There are several kinds of flatbed trailers - step deck/drop deck, double drop, removable gooseneck, Conestoga and curtainside - each with unique dimensions to accommodate the needs of any shipment. Tarps may be used to cover the freight while in transit.

Refrigerated trailers

A refrigerated trailer (also known as a reefer trailer) is a specialized piece of equipment used to transport temperature-sensitive freight. The temperature inside the trailer can be set to stay within a particular range, regardless of outdoor elements.

Intermodal containers

These containers are designed to move goods across different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains and trucks. They come in standard sizes like 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, making them easy to stack, transfer and fit on different vehicles.

Power only

Power-only trucking is used when you already have a trailer but need to hire a driver to move your freight. If you have limited warehousing space, this can be a good way to manage your supply chain.

LTL equipment types

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are typically moved in:

Pups

Pups are 28-foot semi-trailers. Their smaller size makes moving through cities easier, which is beneficial for picking up and delivering to residential and business addresses. Some pups are specially equipped with liftgates for ground delivery and pickup.

Doubles (pup sets)

Doubles refers to two pup trailers that are joined with converter gear and pulled by a single tractor and driver. This setup allows for greater freight capacity while maintaining flexibility in maneuvering, especially for routes with multiple stops.

Options for time-sensitive shipments

If time is of the essence, you need equipment that's readily available and built for speed:

Cargo vans

Cargo vans are commercial vehicles with space for two passengers and room for freight in the back. These are frequently used to expedite smaller shipments.

Straight trucks

Straight trucks are a great pickup and delivery option for shipments that are too big for a cargo van or that require a liftgate.

Airplanes

Passenger, charter and cargo planes are used to quickly transport freight domestically or internationally. Shipping by air is ideal for high-value items that need fast transit or specialized handling.

Explore our time-sensitive solutions

FAQs about freight shipping equipment

What does exclusive use mean?

Exclusive use means your freight is the only freight transported on the trailer.

What's the difference between a tractor and a trailer?

Tractors (aka trucks) have an engine and can operate separately from the trailer. Trailers are the cargo areas attached to the tractor and are configured on single, tandem or triaxles.

Why is it called a straight truck?

Straight trucks (aka box trucks) are trucks that have the cab and liftgate van body on the same frame. "Straight" likely refers to the fact that the trailer can't be disconnected from the engine, meaning there's no separation on the vehicle.

Where do the terms semi and 18-wheeler come from?

Because freight trailers don't have a front axle, they're considered semi-trailers. The terms semi and semi-truck are just shortened versions of the full "semi-trailer truck" name.

18-wheeler refers to the number of tires a typical semi-truck has: 10 on the tractor and 8 on the trailer.

Why are 28-foot trailers called pups?

28-foot trailers are often called pups because they're smaller than standard semi-trailers (making them seem like "puppy" trailers).

Ship with ArcBest

Along with a full suite of supply chain services, ArcBest offers access to each of these equipment types for seamless shipping anywhere in the world.

Contact us today to learn more about our logistics solutions and how we can improve your supply chain.

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