Trailer Dimensions Guide

Your quick-reference guide to standard trailer specifications for planning your next shipment.

Open Deck Trailers

Flatbed

When freight length exceeds standard 53′ limits, stretch flatbeds are the solution. These trailers can extend up to 80′ or more, providing structural support for long beams, pipe, or wind turbine blades without significant overhang.

Length
Width

45′ – 53′

102″ 

Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

102″-108″ 

48,000 lbs
Flatbed trailer deck height and freight loading dimensions graphic

Stepdeck

Step decks feature an upper deck (usually 11′ long) and a lower deck (37′ – 41′ long). The lower deck sits closer to the ground, allowing for the transport of taller cargo (up to 10′ or 10′ 2″) without requiring over-height permits. Perfect for taller machinery like tractors or excavators.

Length

Width

48′ – 53′ 

102″
Max Freight Height

Weight Cap.

10′ – 10′ 2″ (Lower Deck)

48,000 lbs

Stepdeck trailer lower deck height and maximum legal load height graphic

Flatbed

Stretch Flatbed

When freight length exceeds standard 53′ limits, stretch flatbeds are the solution. These trailers can extend up to 80′ or more, providing structural support for long beams, pipe, or wind turbine blades without significant overhang.

Length

Width

48′ – 80’+

8′ 6″

Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

8′ 6″

45,000 lbs

Flatbed

Removable Gooseneck (RGN)

RGN trailers are designed for moving heavy, self-propelled equipment. The front of the trailer (the gooseneck) detaches, creating a ramp for equipment to be driven directly onto the deck. They are specialized for tall and heavy loads, often featuring multiple axles for weight distribution.

Max Length

Max Width

29′ (Well Length)

8′ 6″

Max Height

Weight Cap.

11′ 6″

42,000 – 150,000+ lbs

Flatbed

Lowboy / Double Drop

Similar to an RGN but often with a fixed neck or different configuration, Lowboys sit extremely close to the ground (18″ – 24″ deck height), maximizing the legal height available for freight. These are essential for oversized industrial components and taller heavy machinery.

Max Length

Max Width

24′ – 29′ (Well Length)

8′ 6″

Max Freight Height

Weight Cap.

11′ 6″ – 12′

40,000 – 80,000 lbs

Flatbed

Conestoga

A Conestoga combines the loading versatility of a flatbed with the protection of a dry van. It features a sliding tarp system that can retract fully, allowing side and top loading of delicate machinery or steel that cannot get wet.

Length
Width
48′ – 53′
8′ 6″
Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

96″ – 102″

44,000 lbs

Flatbed trailer deck height and freight loading dimensions graphic

Flatbed

Dry Van

The most common trailer on the road. Dry vans are fully enclosed boxes designed to protect freight from weather and theft. They are loaded from the rear via a loading dock. Ideal for palletized goods, retail inventory, and non-perishable food.

Length
Width

53′

8′ 6″
Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

9′ (110″)

44,000 – 45,000 lbs

Flatbed

Refrigerated (Reefer)

Reefers are insulated dry vans with a powerful refrigeration unit mounted on the front. They can maintain temperatures from -20°F to 70°F, making them essential for produce, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals requiring climate control.

Length
Width

53′

8′ 6″
Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

8′ 6″ – 9′

43,000 – 44,000 lbs

Flatbed

Hotshot

Hotshot trucking utilizes heavy-duty pickup trucks (Class 3-5) pulling smaller flatbed trailers (often 40′). They are nimble, cost-effective for smaller loads, and can often deliver faster than semi-trucks for regional LTL shipments.

Length
Width

20′ – 40′

8′ 6″
Max Freight Height

Max Freight Weight

Varies

16,500 lbs (Approx)

Flatbed

Straight Truck

Also known as box trucks or cube trucks, these vehicles have the cargo area attached directly to the cab chassis. They are ideal for local deliveries, residential moves, and navigating tight urban environments where a 53′ trailer cannot fit.

Length
Width

22′ – 26′

96″ – 102″

Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

96″

8,000 – 10,000 lbs

Flatbed

Sprinter Van

For small, time-critical shipments, Sprinter vans are the fastest option. They can carry 2-3 pallets and drive straight through without stopping for weigh stations or HOS breaks (under certain weights). Perfect for ‘Just-in-Time’ manufacturing parts.

Length
Width

12′ – 14′

55″

Max Freight Height
Max Freight Weight

70″

1,500 – 3,000 lbs

Have Questions or Ready to Ship?

Our logistics experts are here to help you match the perfect trailer to your freight. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.