Power Only” refers to a service where a truck (the tractor unit) is hired to pull a trailer that belongs to someone else. This is common in situations where shippers or brokers already own trailers and need a tractor to move them. Power only units are typically class 8 semi-trucks such as Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, or Volvo.
Owner-operators often prefer power-only loads because they don’t have to maintain or purchase their own trailers, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

Common Uses: Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed, or specialized trailers
Typical Size: Class 8 tractor — varies in dimension based on make and model

Dry Van trailers are the most common and versatile trailers in the freight industry. These are fully enclosed trailers designed to transport goods that need protection from weather, dust, or theft but do not require temperature control. They are ideal for general freight such as electronics, clothing, furniture, machinery, or non-perishable food items.

Advantages:

Weatherproof and secure

Ideal for palletized freight

Easy to load and unload from rear

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet long
Weight Capacity: Up to 45,000 lbs (depends on truck/trailer configuration)

Reefer trailers are temperature-controlled units used for transporting perishable goods such as dairy, meat, pharmaceuticals, and frozen foods. These trailers are equipped with refrigeration units that maintain specific temperatures (either chilled or frozen) throughout transit.

Advantages:

Maintains controlled temperature

Can carry sensitive or perishable goods

Sealed and weatherproof

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet
Weight Capacity: Usually around 42,000 – 44,000 lbs

A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides or roof. It is commonly used for hauling oversized or heavy loads that do not require enclosure, such as construction equipment, steel, lumber, or pipes. Cargo must be securely strapped and may be tarped for protection from elements.

Advantages:

Easy loading/unloading from all sides

Suitable for large, odd-shaped cargo

No enclosure height limits

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 48,000 lbs

This trailer type features a gooseneck hitch which connects over the rear axle of the truck (usually a pickup or hotshot truck), offering improved turning and stability. Gooseneck trailers are typically used for hauling equipment, vehicles, and medium-weight freight. They provide a strong connection and better maneuverability for regional or rural hauling.

Advantages:

Tighter turning radius

Excellent weight distribution

Suitable for off-road or tight access delivery

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet
Weight Capacity: Varies by truck setup; often 10,000–30,000 lbs

Step Deck (also known as drop deck) trailers are similar to flatbeds but have a lowered deck to carry taller items that exceed the height limits of standard flatbeds. These are commonly used for large machinery, tractors, or stacked freight that cannot be hauled legally on a standard flatbed due to height restrictions.

Advantages:

Handles taller cargo

Easier loading from ramps

Safer for height-critical hauls

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 48,000 lbs

Conestoga trailers are flatbeds with a retractable tarp system mounted on a frame, allowing for complete enclosure of cargo. This protects freight from weather and road debris, while still offering the side-loading flexibility of a flatbed. Conestoga systems are ideal for high-value or sensitive freight such as aerospace parts, glass, or machinery.

Advantages:

Protects cargo like a Dry Van

Allows side or top loading

Ideal for specialized loads needing protection

Typical Sizes: 48 feet to 53 feet
Weight Capacity: Similar to flatbeds — around 45,000–48,000 lbs

A box truck, also known as a straight truck, is a single unit where the cab and cargo box are permanently attached. It is mostly used for local or regional deliveries. Common uses include furniture delivery, moving services, and small business freight.

Advantages:

Great for urban deliveries

Easier to drive than a semi-truck

No special CDL required for smaller models

Typical Sizes: 16 feet to 26 feet
Weight Capacity: 10,000 to 26,000 lbs depending on size

Hotshot trucking refers to smaller trucks (often dually pickups) pulling trailers such as goosenecks or lowboys for fast, time-sensitive freight delivery. This is a common option for loads that are too small for a semi-truck but still require prompt delivery — such as construction parts, small machinery, or emergency freight.

Advantages:

Faster and more flexible

Great for last-minute or urgent loads

Lower fuel and maintenance costs than full-size rigs

Typical Sizes: Trailer lengths vary from 20 ft to 40 ft
Weight Capacity: 10,000 – 20,000+ lbs (depending on truck/trailer)

Cargo vans are small, enclosed commercial vehicles ideal for delivering parcels, documents, or small equipment. They are commonly used in final-mile delivery services, especially in urban settings. Often operated by independent contractors or last-mile delivery companies.

Advantages:

Easy maneuverability

No CDL required

Low operating cost

Typical Sizes:

Length: 8 to 14 feet

Cargo Volume: 200 to 500+ cubic feet

A Sprinter van is a type of cargo van that is taller and longer than standard vans. It’s popular for expedited freight services, small business deliveries, and temperature-controlled small cargo (when equipped with insulation). It can be customized with shelving, refrigeration, or sleeper units.

Advantages:

Larger cargo space than standard cargo van

Popular for fast freight and dedicated runs

Customizable interiors for specific industry needs

Typical Sizes:

Cargo length: 10 to 16 feet

Cargo volume: 300 to 600+ cubic feet

Payload: 2,000 to 5,000 lbs