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Toll Free: 800-832-7278
Local Phone: 410-685-4474
2723 Annapolis Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21230


4 Main Types of Freight Trucks

Here are four of the main types of freight trucks you will come across.

Although there are many different varieties of vehicles for transporting freight on the road, there are specific types of trucks that are better for certain jobs. If you want to hone your expertise in one area, then it’s good to know how different freight trucks work and which would be the best fit for you. Here are four of the main types of freight trucks you will come across.

Dry Vans

The most common type of freight trucks is the dry van, and it is the one that people think of when they hear about freight trucks. They go on an eighteen-wheeler with a standard fifty-three-foot trailer. The name dry van is used to describe the trailer itself, which is fully enclosed to protect dry goods from the elements. Typically dry vans can be used for any variety of products that don’t need to be refrigerated, and they are especially good for electronics.


A flatbed truck is unique because it has a completely open trailer. Its flat and low trailer, which gives the flatbed its name, is ideal for loading large freight items. Flatbeds are ideal for heavy-duty construction items or anything that can’t fit inside a regular trailer. Although it is open-air, usually freight carried in a flatbed can be covered with tarps, secured with straps. You will often see flatbed trailers carrying oversize loads, even small houses. 

Step Deck 

Often confused with the flatbed truck, the step deck appears very similar. The main difference between the step deck and the flatbed is that the step deck sits closer to the ground. Likewise, it can carry similar freight as the flatbed truck, but the step deck truck has the added advantage of being able to haul freight that is a bit taller without concern of it hitting overpasses or fitting into tunnels.


Lastly, the refrigerated truck, also known as a reefer truck, looks similar to a standard dry van except that it carries freight that needs to be stored cold. Refrigerated trucks are essential for delivering perishable foods long distances. But refrigerated trucks aren’t just for food. They can carry anything that needs to be kept at a specific temperature, like pharmaceuticals. 

Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs


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2723 Annapolis Rd