If you’ve ever walked onto a dealership lot or driven past a construction site, you know that trailers aren’t “one size fits all.” A family buying a travel trailer for weekend getaways has vastly different needs than a utility company moving a massive industrial generator. Consequently, the way these assets are transported must change, too.

Trying to haul a specialized industrial unit with a standard pickup truck is often a recipe for disaster. Different types of trailers require specific hauling approaches, distinct safety protocols, and the right towing vehicles to get the job done safely.

At Interstate Haulers, we’ve spent nearly 30 years mastering the logistics of moving trailers across the continental United States. Since 1997, our family-owned business has seen—and hauled—it all. From recreational vehicles to complex industrial equipment, we understand that every load is unique. In this guide, we’ll break down the different trailer types we encounter daily and how we handle the transport for each one.

Types of Trailers

Before diving into specific models, it helps to understand why trailer classification matters. The design of a trailer dictates its weight capacity, ground clearance, and aerodynamics. These factors determine what kind of truck is needed to pull it safely.

When we receive a request to move a trailer, we look at more than just the destination. We assess the hitch type (bumper pull, fifth wheel, or pintle hook), the braking system, and the overall dimensions. While a heavy-duty pickup truck might handle a standard camper, professional hauling often requires commercial-grade vehicles and drivers who understand how wind resistance and weight distribution affect safety on the highway.

Whether you are a manufacturer shipping inventory or an individual owner relocating, understanding these categories helps ensure a smooth transport process.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are perhaps the most recognizable workhorses in the transportation industry. As the name suggests, they feature an open, flat deck with no sides or roof. This simple design makes them incredibly versatile for loads that don’t require enclosure.

We frequently use flatbeds for hauling materials that are bulky or oddly shaped. Because they are open on all sides, forklifts and cranes can easily load cargo from any angle, making easy loading a key advantage. However, because the cargo is exposed to the elements, proper securement is critical. Our drivers are experts at strapping and chaining down loads to ensure they don’t shift during transit, protecting both the cargo and other drivers on the road.

Dump Trailers

When it comes to construction and landscaping, dump trailers are essential tools. These aren’t just standard containers; they are equipped with a hydraulic lift system that allows the bed to tilt and unload heavy materials like soil, gravel, or debris.

Transporting these units requires careful attention to the hydraulic systems and the trailer’s center of gravity. Construction machinery and work-ready equipment like this are often heavier than they look. We ensure that the towing vehicle is rated for the specific weight capacity of the dump trailer to prevent mechanical strain or safety issues during the haul.

Double Drop Trailers

For extremely tall cargo, standard flatbeds often run into height issues with bridges and overpasses. This is where double drop trailers (and their cousins, drop deck trailers) shine. These trailers feature a “well” or a lower deck section between the front and rear axles.

This design significantly lowers the ride height of the cargo. Double drop deck configurations are ideal for taller freight that would otherwise require expensive escort vehicles or permit rerouting. By placing the load in the well, we can legally transport oversized freight while maintaining safety standards. It’s a specialized solution for specialized problems.

Heavy Equipment

Hauling heavy equipment is a core part of what we do at Interstate Haulers. This category includes everything from massive farming equipment to construction equipment and industrial power units.

Moving heavy machinery isn’t just about hooking up and driving. It involves strict adherence to weight limits and careful route planning to avoid roads that can’t handle the load. We handle the logistical heavy lifting, ensuring that all necessary permits are in place and that the equipment is secured according to FMCSA regulations. Whether it’s an excavator or a large generator, we treat it with the same care as a luxury RV.

Gooseneck Trailers

You’ll often see gooseneck trailers on farms and construction sites, easily identified by their long, arched hitch that connects to a ball mounted in the bed of a truck. This design places the tongue weight over the truck’s rear axle rather than on the bumper, providing superior stability and higher towing capacity.

We frequently transport gooseneck models, including large equipment trailers, horse trailers, and toy haulers. Because these trailers are designed to carry significant weight, they require a professional hauler with the right truck setup. Attempting to tow a heavy gooseneck with an underpowered truck is dangerous. Our fleet is equipped to handle these heavy-duty connections safely and efficiently.

Stretch Double Drop Trailers

Sometimes, a load isn’t just tall—it’s incredibly long. For these scenarios, we utilize stretch double drop trailers. These are similar to standard double drops but have the ability to extend the length of the well.

This capability is crucial for transporting oversized freight like wind turbine components or industrial equipment that cannot be disassembled. These are complex moves. The added length changes the turning radius and maneuverability of the truck, requiring highly experienced drivers who can navigate tight turns and highway traffic without incident.

Conestoga Trailers

For clients who need the ease of side-loading (like a flatbed) but the protection of a dry van, Conestoga trailers are the perfect solution. These trailers feature a sliding tarp system on a frame that can be rolled back to open the entire deck for loading and then rolled forward to completely enclose the cargo.

This is excellent for hauling materials that are sensitive to weather but too large or awkward to load through the rear doors of a standard enclosed trailer. While similar to a side kit trailer, the rolling tarp system offers faster access. We also handle standard cargo trailers and refrigerated trailers (or reefer trailers) for goods requiring temperature control.

Semi Trailers

When people think of the trucking industry, they usually picture semi trailers. These massive units—often 53-foot dry vans—are the backbone of American logistics.

We handle the transport of empty or loaded semi trailers, as well as specialized car trailers used for auto transport. Whether we are moving a fleet of motor vehicles, a collection of dirt bikes, or high-value recreational vehicles, the principle remains the same: secure loading and safe driving. We ensure that motor vehicles are properly chocked and strapped to prevent movement inside the trailer during the journey.

Oversized Freight

Oversized freight refers to any load that exceeds the standard legal dimensions for width, height, or length. This could be a modular home, a large boat, or a piece of mining equipment.

To handle these loads, we often use lowboy trailers or RGN trailers (Removable Gooseneck Trailers), also known as low loader trailers. The RGN allows the front of the trailer to detach, creating a ramp for heavy equipment to be driven directly onto the deck. Transporting oversized loads requires a deep understanding of permitting, pilot cars, and route surveys. Interstate Haulers manages these details so our clients don’t have to.

Recreational and Specialty Trailers

Interstate Haulers has a special place in the industry for moving recreational assets. We transport thousands of travel trailers, RV trailers, and teardrop campers every year.

We also handle kit trailers and specialized units like livestock trailers used to transport horses. These assets are often personal property, not just business inventory. We understand that a family’s RV or a horse owner’s trailer represents a significant emotional and financial investment. We haul these units with the specific care required to protect cargo that is irreplaceable to its owner.

Different Types of Trailers

Choosing the right trailer for your cargo is only half the battle; choosing the right transport partner is the other half. With so many different types of trailers on the road, you need a partner who understands the nuances of each one.

What works for a single axle trailer carrying a small boat won’t work for a multi-axle setup carrying wind turbine blades. The diversity of equipment we see daily keeps us sharp. We match the specific needs of the trailer—be it a step deck trailer, a drop deck, or a standard step deck trailer—with the appropriate power unit and driver.

Why Interstate Haulers Is Trusted Across the Industry

Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s built over millions of miles. Since 1997, Interstate Haulers has remained a family-owned business dedicated to reliability and integrity. We balance nationwide reach with the personalized service of a local partner.

Our clients—ranging from individual boat owners to federal agencies like FEMA—trust us because of our proven safety record and FMCSA compliance. We don’t just move freight; we provide peace of mind. Our transparent communication means you never have to wonder where your asset is.

No Matter the Trailer, We Can Move It

Whether you are a dealer needing to move twenty units of inventory or a homeowner moving a single travel trailer to a new state, we have the expertise to help. Don’t let the complexity of your trailer intimidate you. If it has wheels (or needs to be put on wheels), we likely have a solution for it.

We encourage you to reach out even if your trailer feels “non-standard.” Our logistics team thrives on solving unique transport challenges.

Ready to Move?

If you need to transport a boat, RV, industrial trailer, or heavy equipment, don’t leave it to chance. Partner with the experts who have been doing it safely for nearly 30 years.

Click here to request a free, no-obligation quote today, or call us to speak directly with a transport specialist who can answer your questions. Let Interstate Haulers get your trailer where it needs to go.