Whether you started a trucking company or want to expand your fleet to take better hauls, you're now in search of the perfect truck for your business. Choosing the right truck is a crucial step for your trucking company. Here, we show you what vehicles are out there and what your best option is for equipping your fleet.
As you read, keep in mind the market, your needs, and the type of loads you transport. This information will surely help you with this important decision.
Semi-Trailer Trucks
A semi-trailer truck consists of two units: a truck and a semi-trailer. The truck unit, also known as a tractor unit, is designed to pull semi-trailers. It is equipped with a fifth wheel to attach them. They go by several names, such as tractor unit, truck unit, lorry unit, power unit, prime mover, ten-wheeler, semi-tractor, semi-truck, semi-lorry, tractor cab, truck cab, lorry cab, big rig tractor, big rig truck, big rig lorry, or simply a tractor, truck, lorry, semi, big rig, or rig.
A semi-trailer is a commercial trucking trailer that has wheels on the back. The trailer is supported by a vehicle that can pull it: the truck or tractor. There are different types of trailers, including dry vans, flatbeds, refrigerated trailers, and more.
Semi-trailer trucks are commonly called 18-wheelers because, most of the time, there is a combined total of 18 wheels with the truck and the trailer. A used semi-trailer truck, or 18-wheeler, can cost $80,000 - $120,000, whereas brand-new semi-trailer trucks cost $130,000 - $200,000+.
If you were to purchase the truck or tractor solo, you could find it at $40,000 - $80,000 used and $100,000 - $160,000+ new. The price of a semi-trailer, on the other hand, will depend significantly on the type you want.
Types of Semi-Trailers
Flatbed Trailer
A flatbed trailer is a semi-trailer with a wooden slatted bottom and no sides—a flatbed trailer costs around $15,000 - $25,000 used or $30,000 - $50,000 new. The flatbed trailer is the most common for general freight hauling. You can also haul oversized freight with a flatbed trailer, adding more value to your trucking company. However, oversized cargo—freight exceeding 80,000 pounds or 53 feet in length and 12 feet in height—requires additional permits from local authorities to haul.
Best For: Construction materials, machinery, and oversized loads.
Step Deck Trailer
Step deck trailers are more expensive than flatbed trailers, costing around $25,000 - $45,000 used or $50,000 - $70,000 new. The higher cost is due to their lower deck height compared to standard flatbed trailers, which allows for transporting taller loads while still complying with height regulations. In other words, this trailer allows for more clearance for the height of a load. You also have two levels that accommodate various haul types, such as oversized freight.
Best For: Tall or large machinery, equipment, and large crates.
Dry Van Trailer
A dry van trailer conceals weather-sensitive freight and cargo. For example, if you have a trucking contract with a paper mill or food service industry, you may need a dry van trailer. This type of trailer costs between $20,000 - $30,000 used or $30,000 - $60,000 new.
Best For: General goods, paper products, and non-perishable foods.
Learn more: Turn Your Cash Flow Into a Competitive Advantage
Reefer Trailer
A refrigerated trailer is a dry van trailer with a reefer unit attached to keep cargo chilled, such as frozen foods. A reefer truck trailer is $40,000 - $60,000 used or $70,000 - $100,000 new due to the technology involved with this temperature-controlled trailer.
Best For: Perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive items.
License to Drive a Semi-Trailer Truck
To drive a semi-trailer truck you need a commercial driver's license (CDL). This license is issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), with local offices in each state distributing CDLs. To obtain a CDL, drivers must pass a CDL exam and complete entry-level driver training as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, new drivers must have a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a diploma or certificate, to qualify for a CDL.
Tanker Trailer
A tanker trailer is a round metal vessel that holds chemicals, liquids, and gases. The use of a tanker trailer tends to be for truckers in the oil and gas industry and dairy transport. You'd need an additional endorsement on your CDL to operate a tanker trailer. It is called the tank vehicle endorsement by the DOT and FMCSA.
Best For: Chemicals, liquids, gases, and dairy products.
Box Trucks
A box truck is a smaller, single-unit truck with an enclosed cargo area, used for regional freight. A box truck costs $10,000 - $20,000 used or $25,000 - $50,000 new. You need a CDL to operate a box truck, but not the same license class as an 18-wheeler (usually Class B or C).
Best For: Regional deliveries, furniture, appliances, and smaller loads.
Vehicle Comparison Chart
|
Vehicle Type |
Description |
Cost (Used) |
Cost (New) |
License Required |
Best For |
|
18-Wheeler / Semi-Trailer Truck |
A large truck with a detachable trailer, typically used for long-haul freight. |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
$130,000 - $200,000+ |
CDL (Class A) |
Long-haul freight, large and heavy loads |
|
Dry Van Trailer |
An enclosed semi-trailer used to transport dry, non-perishable goods. |
$20,000 - $30,000 |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
CDL (Class A) |
General goods, paper products, non-perishable foods |
|
Flatbed Trailer |
A semi-trailer with a flat, open deck and no sides or roof, used for transporting oversized or unconventional loads. |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
CDL (Class A) |
Construction materials, machinery, oversized loads |
|
Step Deck Trailer |
A semi-trailer with a lower deck height, allowing for taller cargo. |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
$50,000 - $70,000 |
CDL (Class A) |
Tall machinery, large equipment, large crates |
|
Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer) |
A semi-trailer with a built-in refrigeration unit to transport perishable goods. |
$40,000 - $60,000 |
$70,000 - $100,000 |
CDL (Class A) |
Perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive items |
|
Tanker Truck |
A truck designed to transport liquids or gases in a large tank. |
$40,000 - $70,000 |
$100,000 - $150,000 |
CDL (Class A with Tanker Endorsement) |
Chemicals, liquids, gases, dairy products |
|
Tractor Solo |
A powerful truck unit designed to pull semi-trailers, offering fleet flexibility. |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
$100,000 - $160,000+ |
CDL (Class A) |
Various semi-trailer types, fleet flexibility |
|
Box Truck |
A smaller, single-unit truck with an enclosed cargo area, used for regional freight. |
$10,000 - $20,000 |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
CDL (Class B or C) |
Regional deliveries, furniture, appliances, smaller loads |
Seasonality of Demand
The demand for different types of commercial trucks can vary seasonally, impacting your choice of vehicle:
- Flatbed Trailers: High demand during construction seasons (spring and summer) due to the transportation of building materials and machinery.
- Step Deck Trailers: Consistent demand throughout the year but higher during agricultural harvest seasons for transporting large equipment.
- Dry Van Trailers: Steady demand year-round, with peaks during holiday seasons for transporting retail goods.
- Reefer Trailers: Peaks during summer and around holidays due to increased demand for transporting perishable goods and seasonal produce.
- Tanker Trailers: Demand can fluctuate based on the oil and gas industry's needs, with higher demand during periods of increased fuel consumption (summer travel season) and agricultural cycles for dairy and other liquids.
Choosing the right truck for your company involves understanding the different types of commercial vehicles available and matching them to your specific needs. Whether you need a versatile semi-trailer truck for long hauls, a specialized flatbed for oversized loads, or a box truck for regional deliveries, each type has its advantages. Lastly, consider the seasonality of demand for each vehicle type to optimize your fleet's performance and ensure you make the best investment for your business's growth and success.
Make Safe Investments with a Freight Factoring Program
Deciding to join the trucking industry or increasing your fleet to grow your business requires more dedication and effort in your strategy. That's why you need a financing partner that supports your growth by giving you access to your delivered load's payments within hours. With Summar's Freight Factoring Programs, you can increase your cash flow to invest with confidence and guarantee the funding you need to keep hauling in any conditions. Make the right decision. Contact Summar today, and our agents will tell you more!