At Easy Logistics, we’re all about moving goods smarter, faster, and more efficiently. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the biggest players in the transport game – the semi-trailer truck, also known as a prime mover.

Whether you’re in construction, retail, farming, or import/export, chances are you’ve relied on a semi-trailer at some point. But did you know there are several different types, each with a specific role to play? 

🔧 Types of Semi-Trailers & What They Do

1. Skeletal Trailers (aka Skels):

Designed for shipping containers, these trailers are lightweight, allowing for a higher payload. They’re the backbone of port-to-warehouse container transport.

•  Typical Capacity: Up to 34 tonnes

2. Tautliner Trailers:

The classic curtain-sided trailer, perfect for general freight. Quick access from the sides and rear makes them ideal for palletised goods. Some are fitted with double decks, allowing freight to be stacked on two levels.

• Average Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): Around 42.5 tonnes
• Payload: Between 24 to 25 tonnes

3. Refrigerated (Reefer) Trailers:

Used for transporting chilled or frozen goods, these trailers are common at supermarket distribution centres. Great for anything that needs to stay cool during the journey.

• Commonly used for food, medicine, and perishables

4. Flatbed Trailers:

Perfect for carrying oversized or irregular items such as steel beams, timber, machinery, or construction materials over 8 metres long.

• Great for crane loading and remote job sites

5. Low Loader / Drop Deck Trailers:

Built for heavy-duty equipment – think excavators, bulldozers, or even mining gear. Their lower centre of gravity helps maintain safety on long hauls.

• Used in civil and mining operations

6. Vehicle Transport Trailers:

Used for relocating multiple vehicles – between 8 to 12 at a time. Ideal for dealerships, auctions, or long-distance relocations.

• Cost-effective and efficient

🌏 Where Are Semi-Trailers Used in Australia?

Semi-trailers are widely used for both local and regional deliveries, and are a key part of interstate freight corridors – especially the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane triangle. You’ll also see them delivering goods to shopping centres, ports, factories, and rural properties.

Perfect for:

✅ Freight between major cities and distribution centres

✅ Dock deliveries at supermarkets

✅ Port container movements

✅ Long-haul freight for FMCG and manufacturing

✅ 😬 Some Drawbacks

As powerful as they are, semi-trailers aren’t suitable for every job:

⚠️ Too big for suburban or residential areas – they’re built for industrial and commercial access

⚠️ Higher fuel usage compared to rigid or smaller trucks

⚠️ Can be more expensive than B-double set-ups for long-distance hauls

⚠️ Require experienced drivers with proper licensing (HC or MC class)

🇦🇺 Fun Fact – True Aussie Power

Australia has one of the longest and heaviest truck combinations in the world – the Australian Road Train, which is essentially a prime mover pulling multiple trailers, sometimes stretching over 50 metres long! While not common in cities, these road trains dominate the Outback freight routes. Semi-trailers are often the base unit used in these massive rigs.

So next time you see one cruising down the highway – you’re looking at a key piece of the Aussie supply chain.

💬 Wrapping It Up

Semi-trailers remain one of the most versatile freight solutions in the industry – and at Easy Logistics, we’ve got the gear and experience to handle them all.

Whether you need to move frozen foods, machinery, vehicles, or containers – we’ll deliver.

Let’s chat about how we can simplify your freight today.

📞 Call us at 1300 133 279 / 1300 13 EASY / 0415 564 535
📧 Email: support@easylogistics.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.easylogistics.com.au

Ready to Book? Let’s Get Moving!

Need help choosing the right tailgate-fitted trucks for your transport needs? Our team is here to offer free advice and tailored solutions for your freight requirements.

Get a Quote