Types of Trailers in Australian Trucking

The Australian transport industry is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of truck trailers hauling goods across some of the longest trips in the world. From standard flatbeds to heavy duty trailers, semi trailers and specialised tank trailers, the various trucking trailers all serve a unique purpose and are designed to addressing the specific needs of different industries.

If you’re a business owner looking to expand your fleet but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the various trailer options, their uses, and what you might expect to pay.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed Trailers | Image courtesy of TEC Equipment

Flatbed trailers are the workhorses of the Australian trucking industry. With their open design, they are perfect for goods that aren’t affected by weather or need quick loading from any side, and are typically used for transporting heavy loads like machinery and building materials, flatbed trailers offer great versatility.

On average, the cost of a new flatbed trailer can range from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on the size and specifications. Many businesses in construction and agriculture invest in flatbed trailers, and they are commonly bought both new and used, offering options for companies with varying budget ranges.

If you’re on the hunt for a second-hand flatbed trailer, explore the range of flat top trailers for sale at OnlyTrailers.

Drop Deck Trailers

Drop Decks — Image courtesy of Tuff Trailers

Drop deck trailers, or step deck trailers, are designed with a lower deck to accommodate taller items, making them ideal for transporting items like tall machinery or high equipment without exceeding road height restrictions. This feature is particularly valued in industries such as heavy equipment manufacturing and construction, where the height of cargo can often pose logistical challenges.

With prices for new models ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 for entry level options, and well into six figures for larger models, drop deck trailers represent a significant but necessary investment for businesses needing to transport oversized items safely and efficiently.

If you’re searching for a second-hand drop deck trailer, explore the range of drop deck trailers for sale at OnlyTrailers.

Drop Deck Wideners

Drop deck widener | Image courtesy of OnlyTrailers

Building on the utility of drop deck trailers, drop deck wideners offer even more flexibility by featuring extendable sides. This functionality is crucial for transporting wide construction equipment or oversized cargo that requires additional space. Such trailers are indispensable in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, where varying load widths necessitate adaptable transport solutions.

The investment in new drop deck wideners, which can range from $100,000 to $150,000, is often justified by the significant versatility and capacity enhancements they provide.

Low Loader Trailers

Low Loader Trailers | Image courtesy of TRT Australia

Low loader trailers, known for their low bed design, are specifically designed for hauling very heavy loads, such as construction machinery like bulldozers and excavators. This design keeps the centre of gravity low, enhancing stability during transport, which is crucial for the heavy machinery used in construction and mining industries.

The cost of new low loader trailers in Australia, which ranges between $70,000 and $120,000, reflects their specialised construction and the critical role they play in heavy industries.

Extendable Trailers

Extendable Trailer for long loads | Image courtesy of Nooteboom Trailers

Extendable trailers offer the ability to transport exceptionally long loads by extending their length to suit the cargo, such as wind turbine blades or long steel beams. These trailers are vital in industries where transporting long components is regular, such as in construction or renewable energy projects. The flexibility and adaptability of extendable trailers, which can cost between $80,000 and over $150,000, make them a strategic asset for projects that involve complex logistical requirements.

If you’re looking to add an extendable trailer to your fleet, browse the selection of extendable trailers for sale at OnlyTrailers.

Refrigerated Trailers

Reefer Trailer | Refrigerated Trailer | Image courtesy of MaxiTRANS

Refrigerated trailers, or reefers, are designed to maintain a controlled temperature environment, essential for transporting perishable goods such as food products and pharmaceuticals. The ability to control temperature ensures that these sensitive products reach their destination without spoilage, making reefers critical to the food industry and medical supplies sector.

Prices for these trailers in Australia generally range from $80,000 to $120,000, a worthwhile investment for businesses that require reliable long-distance transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. If your business is in need of a refrigerated trailer, explore the range of refrigerated trailers for sale at OnlyTrailers.

Tank Trailers

Tank Trailer | Image courtesy of ATE Tankers

Specialised for transporting liquids and gases in bulk, tank trailers are used predominantly by the chemical and fuel industries, and must meet stringent safety and regulatory standards due to the potentially hazardous nature of their cargo.

Depending on their construction and the specific safety features they include, new tank trailers in Australia can cost between $80,000 and $200,000 – a significant investment, but one that is crucial for businesses that need to ensure the safe and compliant transport of dangerous or sensitive materials.

Whatever the needs of your business, you can find a great selection of tank trailers for sale at OnlyTrailers.

Tipper Trailers

Tipper Trailer | Image courtesy of Modern Transport Engineers Australia

Tipper or tipping trailers are equipped with hydraulic mechanisms to allow you to easily unload bulk materials such as gravel, sand, and agricultural produce by tilting the trailer bed. This functionality is especially valued in sectors like construction and agriculture, where efficiency in loading and unloading materials can significantly affect operational timelines.

Tipper trailers can vary drastically in size to suit a range of industries and applications, and new trailers in Australia start around $50,000, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses looking for practicality and efficiency in their operations.

Luckily, if you’re searching for second-hand tipper trailers, OnlyTrailers has a great selection of tipper trailers for sale that is well worth a look for any budget-conscious buyers.

Car Carriers

Car Carriers | Image courtesy of Top Start Trailers

Car carriers (or car trailers) are designed to transport cars and other non-specialist or industrial vehicles, reducing costs and improving delivery efficiency from manufacturers to dealerships or directly to customers. Car carriers are an integral part of the automotive industry and allow companies to safely and efficiently transport multiple vehicles in a single trip.

With prices ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 depending on size, car carriers are a fundamental part of the automotive distribution chain, offering scalable solutions that match the volume demands of vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

If you’re looking to expand your fleet with a car carrier, explore the selection of car trailers for sale over at OnlyTrailers.

Start Your Trucking Career with Credit One

If you’re looking to start a career in trucking, we can help. At Credit One, we offer a range of finance options and truck loans such as chattel mortgages, finance leases, and unsecured business loans that are designed to help new drivers like yourself kickstart their careers.

With extensive access to a broad range of lending providers and competitive interest rates, we make it easy to get your first truck or trailer and get out on the road. Use our truck loan calculator to find out just how affordable financing can be, or contact us for more information and to get a quick quote.

And if you’re wondering what your first truck should be, why not find inspiration by browsing the range of trucks for sale at Only Trucks today!