Commercial fleet specifications • 12 trailer types
Commercial Carrier Leads & Sales Targeting by Equipment Type
Dispatch sales desks close faster when targeting carriers with the exact trailer types they book for. Filter verified owner-operators by equipment category, payload capacity, and operating lanes with KeepCarrier.
- Dry VanGeneral Freight EnclosedDry van freight represents the largest and most competitive freight sector in North America. Rates follow consumer spending patterns and holiday inventory restock cycles, with highest spot rates seen in third and fourth quarter retail surges.Max payload45,000 lbs (standard 53ft trailer)
- Refrigerated (Reefer)Temperature-Controlled FreightRefrigerated trailers command substantial rate premiums over dry van, particularly during regional produce seasons (California Central Valley, Yuma Arizona, Florida, Pacific Northwest). Rate premiums compensate for higher equipment capital costs, diesel reefer fuel consumption, and cargo spoilage liabilities.Max payload42,000 to 44,000 lbs (reduced by heavy reefer unit and fuel tank)
- FlatbedOpen Deck General CargoFlatbed rates are structurally higher than dry van, reflecting the physical labor of load securement, weather tarping, and crane-dock appointments. Flatbed spot demand correlates closely with spring and summer construction, oilfield expansion, and manufacturing infrastructure investment.Max payload48,000 lbs (standard 48ft or 53ft aluminum/steel combo)
- Step Deck / Single DropOpen Deck Low ClearanceStep deck equipment commands a steady rate premium of 15% to 30% over standard flatbeds because the lower bottom deck height allows shippers to transport tall industrial machinery legally without paying expensive state oversize permits, route surveys, and pilot escort cars.Max payload46,000 to 48,000 lbs
- Hotshot TruckingExpedited Class 3-5 CommercialHotshot rates are heavily driven by delivery urgency and operational speed. In oilfield hubs (Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Bakken), hotshot operators earn premium expedited per-mile rates for round-the-clock emergency delivery of critical replacement parts to active drilling rigs.Max payload10,000 to 18,000 lbs payload (Class 4-5 pickup + gooseneck trailer under 26,000 lbs or CDL combinations)
- Power OnlyTractor-Only Freight ServicesPower-only rates eliminate trailer maintenance and tire depreciation for the carrier, offering high asset utilization and reduced capital expenditure. Top opportunities include drop-and-hook retail networks, auction transport, and major shipping carrier overflow power contracts.Max payloadTractor pulls shipper-owned or leased trailers (up to 45,000 lbs cargo)
- Straight Box TruckMedium-Duty Urban FreightStraight box trucks command strong hourly and per-load delivery rates in dense urban and metropolitan centers. Because straight trucks can maneuver through city streets and suburban retail plazas where 53-foot tractor-trailers are barred, dispatchers charge premium rates for liftgate and inside delivery services.Max payload6,000 to 12,000 lbs payload (26ft Class 6 straight truck)
- Car Hauler / Auto TransportSpecialized Vehicle LogisticsAuto transport rates are quoted per vehicle slot rather than per mile, yielding exceptional revenue potential per trip for full loads. Rates peak during spring dealership restocking, new model rollouts, and winter snowbird vehicle relocations between the Northeast/Midwest and Florida/Arizona.Max payloadUp to 48,000 lbs (3-car wedge, 5-car stinger, or 9/10-car multi-tier trailer)
- Liquid & Chemical TankerLiquid Bulk TransportLiquid bulk transport commands among the highest per-mile freight rates in trucking, reflecting specialized driver skill, hazardous material risks, liquid surge dynamics, and certified tank wash station requirements.Max payload45,000 to 50,000 lbs liquid payload (depending on liquid specific gravity)
- Lowboy / RGN (Removable Gooseneck)Specialized Heavy HaulLowboy and RGN heavy-haul dispatching commands the highest gross revenue per load in the transportation industry, with rates ranging from $5.00 to over $20.00 per mile. High rates reflect extreme equipment capital investment, state permit fees, escort car requirements, and rigorous route planning.Max payload40,000 to 150,000+ lbs (2-axle, 3-axle, and multi-axle modular configurations)
- Conestoga / Rolling TarpProtected Open DeckConestoga equipment commands premium rates because it combines the easy loading access of a flatbed with the full weather protection and security of an enclosed dry van. Shippers gladly pay rate premiums to protect expensive cargo from rain, road grime, and manual tarp damage.Max payload44,000 to 46,000 lbs (rolling tarp system adds 1,500-2,500 lbs to trailer tare weight)
- End Dump & Bulk HopperDry Bulk CommoditiesDump and hopper freight operates on high-frequency regional runs, often billed per ton or per load rather than per mile. Rates surge during spring agricultural planting (fertilizer), summer road construction, and fall grain harvest campaigns.Max payload45,000 to 52,000 lbs bulk payload (lightweight aluminum bodies)
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