Whether you’ve decided to drive a tractor trailer or need their services, you need to know a little bit more about them. Tractor trailer operators are required to have a commercial driver’s license and specialized training. This ensures the people driving the truck are licensed and trained to safely handle the materials from drop off to delivery or disposal. There’s more than one type of tractor trailer depending on the load requirements. Let’s look at the basics.

Basic Requirements

In order to drive a tractor trailer of any kind, you need to complete a commercial driver’s license program, apply for a permit and then obtain a Class A, B or C CDL license. North Dakota hauling services require truck drivers to operate specific vehicles to haul loads ranging from water to equipment to waste fluid.

Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are super versatile and thus commonly seen on the road. Proper tarping ensures the materials and equipment arrive at their destination in good condition. The level bed makes loading and unloading simple and fast. Cranes can easily remove heavy objects since there is no permanent cover.

Belly Dumps

A belly dump is a type of dump truck that opens up on the bottom. The dump gate is used often in construction to deposit asphalt or dirt in a specific spot to be spread. The truck features three axles while the trailer has two.

Side Dumps

Similar to a belly dump, side dumps are a type of dump truck that dumps on the side instead of out the back or the belly. Hydraulic rams tilt the body of the trailer to dump on a particular side. The trailers can carry more weight and allow for fast unloading. The best angle for a side dump is 50 degrees to ensure the trailer doesn’t tip over.

Vac Trailers

Easily clean up and excavate drilling operations with a vacuum trailer. A vacuum is attached to the trailer to aid with cleaning up wastewater and keep it contained.

RGN Heavy Haul

Removable gooseneck heavy haul trailers can handle both heavy and tall loads. The type and number of axles on the trailer determines how much weight the trailer can transport but many can handle up to 150,000 pounds. Axle numbers range from three all the way to twenty.

Knowing the type and weight of the load you need to be hauled can help you order the right trailer for your job. Taking the time to understand tractor trailers can save you time and money when your business is ready to start that next project.