3 Considerations When Choosing a Dump Trailer

Dump trailers can be used to safely haul and deliver a wide range of materials. If you are thinking of adding a dump trailer to your semi-truck, you will need to select the trailer whose design is best suited to meet your needs.

There are two types of dump trailers available on the market today: end-dump trailers and bottom-dump trailers. You can easily invest in the right trailer if you take the time to consider your unique transportation needs.

1. Volume of Materials

The first consideration you should make is the volume of the materials you plan to haul regularly in your dump trailer. The design of the trailer can impact how much material you can move in each load. End-dump trailers are the better option for customers who want to move a large volume of materials. The sides of an end-dump trailer tend to be taller than the sides on a bottom-dump trailer, giving you the ability to place more material in each load that you deliver.

If volume isn't a concern for your company, then both types of dump trailers will be able to accommodate your transportation demands.

2. Turnaround Time

Time is money in the trucking industry. This holds true when you are delivering materials that require the use of a dump trailer. Turnaround time tends to be much quicker with a bottom-dump trailer. This is due to the fact that the wheels never stop moving on your truck when you deliver with a bottom-dump trailer.

A clamshell gate on the bottom of the trailer bed can be opened up, with the contents of the trailer being deposited onto the ground while your truck is still in motion. Drivers must come to a complete stop and exit the cab of the semi to empty an end-dump trailer, extending turnaround time for your fleet.

3. Type of Deliveries

Your clients might have all kinds of requests when it comes to delivering materials with a dump trailer. The types of deliveries you will be making should influence your decision when selecting a dump trailer for your semi.

End-dump trailers are versatile and can be used for many delivery types. Someone on the ground will need to be available to help with the final placement of materials when you are using an end-dump truck since the load must be dumped altogether. A bottom-dump trailer is uniquely suited for creating stockpiles of loose debris that can be deposited within a very specific area.

Learn more about truck trailers by contacting services like Ruble Truck Sales Inc.