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

At Easy Logistics, we believe that the right truck makes all the difference in ensuring efficient and hassle-free freight transport. This month, we’re diving into one of the most practical solutions for deliveries to locations without forklifts: Trucks with Tailgate Lifts.

Whether you’re moving goods to residential areas, retail stores, or small commercial businesses, tailgate lifts provide an easy and efficient unloading solution. Let’s explore why they might be the perfect fit for your freight needs.

Spotlight on Trucks with Tailgate Lifts

Best For:

✔ Deliveries to areas without forklifts (e.g., residential zones, small commercial premises)

✔ Businesses that require palletised freight handling

✔ Customers who need assistance with unloading

Key Features:

🔹 Hydraulic Tailgate Lift: Enables easy unloading of goods without a forklift, reducing manual labour.

🔹 Standard Pallet Compatibility: Tailgate lifts handle 1.2m x 1.2m standard pallets, making them perfect for various industries.

🔹 Weatherproof Protection: Our Taut liner tailgate trucks shield goods from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.

Considerations:

⚠ Weight Limits: Each tailgate has a weight capacity. Ensure your goods don’t exceed it.

⚠ Load Suitability: Not ideal for irregularly shaped or oversized freight.

 What Affects Freight Costs in Melbourne?

When booking a Truck with a Tailgate Lift, pricing depends on several factors:

✅ Distance: Longer routes mean additional fuel and travel time.

✅ Load Size & Weight: Heavier items may require additional handling time.

✅ Additional Services: If on-site assistance is required beyond tailgate delivery, extra charges may apply.

✅ Urgency: After-hours or same-day deliveries may incur additional costs.

How We Protect Your Freight During Transit

At Easy Logistics, we ensure every delivery reaches its destination safely:

✔ Secure Strapping: Goods are properly secured to avoid movement.

✔ Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your shipment in real-time for peace of mind.

✔ Regular Fleet Maintenance: Our vehicles undergo frequent inspections for safety and reliability.

Why Choose Easy Logistics?

✅ Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way.

✅ No Hidden Fees: Upfront pricing with total transparency.

✅ Flexible Solutions: Whether it’s same-day delivery or a tailored freight plan, we adapt to your needs.

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

Contact us today for a free consultation:

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

From Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart, we’re here to deliver your goods on time and safely.

Say hello to the newest addition to our fleet—a brand-new Isuzu with 260 horsepower under the cab!

With a 12-pallet capacity and a 7-tonne carrying limit, it’s ready to hit the road.

Will your delivery be the first? We’re excited to see who will test this rigid truck first!

Welcome back to our freight options series! This time, we’re focusing on Flatbed Trucks, the versatile heroes of construction and oversized freight transport. These trucks are ideal for transporting scaffolding, bricks, steel, timber, and other irregularly shaped items that are essential to construction and building projects across Melbourne and beyond.

1. What Makes Flatbed Trucks Unique?

Flatbed trucks offer unmatched flexibility and accessibility for goods that don’t fit into standard truck configurations. With no walls or roofs, they provide easy loading and unloading from all sides and are perfect for oversized or irregularly shaped goods. Here’s a breakdown of our flatbed truck offerings:

• HR Rigids with Single or Double Front Steering Wheels:
  • Best for medium to heavy loads within Melbourne or regional Victoria.
  • Double-steering wheel options provide better maneuverability for tight spaces.
• Crane-Attached Flatbeds:
  • Equipped with onboard cranes for easy lifting and unloading.
  • Ideal for heavy or awkward goods, like steel beams or machinery.
• Buddy Forklift-Attached Trucks:
  • Combine transport with on-site unloading for ultimate convenience.
• Flatbed Semi-Trailers (45ft):
  • Designed for larger loads, including long iron steel beams.
  • Perfect for Melbourne to regional and interstate transport.
• Flatbed B-Doubles:
  • For maximum capacity and efficiency during long-haul trips across Australia.

2. Flatbeds: A Construction Transport Powerhouse

Flatbed trucks are the go-to option for the construction industry. Whether it’s scaffolding, bricks, timber, or steel, our fleet is equipped to handle a variety of goods:

• Scaffolding Transport in Melbourne or Regional Victoria:
  Same-day delivery available for Melbourne Metro and surrounding areas.
• Brick and Timber Transport:
  Ensuring safe and timely delivery to construction sites.
• Steel Transport:
  Long iron beams or structural components, whether for Melbourne or interstate projects.
• Interstate Transport:
  • Melbourne to Sydney
  • Melbourne to Adelaide
  • Melbourne to Brisbane
  • Melbourne to Perth
  • Melbourne to Hobart

3. Why Choose Flatbeds for Your Freight?

Flatbeds offer specific advantages, including:

• Oversized Goods: Accommodate items that won’t fit in a standard truck.
• Construction Materials: Reliable for scaffolding, timber, steel, and brick transport.
• Versatility: Suitable for local Melbourne deliveries and interstate transport.
• Efficiency: Reduce handling time with easy loading and unloading options.

4. How to Budget for Flatbed Transport

Several factors influence flatbed freight costs:

• Distance: Regional and interstate trips (e.g., Melbourne to Sydney or Adelaide) incur higher costs.
• Load Size and Weight: Larger and heavier goods may require bigger vehicles, such as B-doubles.
• Special Features: Crane or forklift attachments may come with additional charges.
• Delivery Timeline: Same-day or after-hours delivery might incur premium pricing.

5. Safe and Reliable Construction Transport

At Easy Logistics, we take extra care to ensure your goods arrive in perfect condition:

• Secured Freight: All goods are strapped tightly to prevent movement during transit.
• Fleet Maintenance: Regular checks to keep our vehicles operating safely and efficiently.
• Weatherproof Covering: Optional tarps are available for items requiring extra protection.

Ready to Book? Let’s Get Moving!

Need help choosing the right flatbed truck for your construction transport needs? Our team is here to offer free advice and tailored solutions for your freight requirements.

Get a Quote

Contact us today for a free consultation:

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

From Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart, we’re here to deliver your goods on time and safely.

Stay tuned for the next edition, where we’ll explore Crane Trucks and their unique capabilities!