Every industry has its niche knowledge and information that everyone within the industry needs to know, and trucking is no different. If you hope to have a career in trucking, it’s important to learn the terminology and details that will impact your day-to-day life as a trucker. One of the things you need to know is the different types of semi-trucks and trailers out there. This will help you to differentiate between them so you can ensure you have the right semi-truck for various loads. Keep reading to get an introduction to different semi-truck and trailer types.

Different Types of Semis

Technically, the term “semi-truck” refers to only the front part of the trucks you’ll see on the road. While they may all look similar, there are actually five different types of semis that are common on the road today:

  1. Flat-roof sleeper – This type of semi-truck has a sleeping compartment for the driver inside. It’s larger and more expensive than most other types of semi-trucks. They have less headspace than mid-roof and raised-roof sleepers.
  2. Mid-roof sleeper – These trucks also have a bed for sleeping, as well as storage compartments and even a TV. They have a rounded, slightly higher roof than flat-roof sleeper trucks, providing some extra headspace. Drivers of these trucks have plenty of room to rest in during their breaks.
  3. Raised-roof sleeper – This is the roomiest of the sleeper trucks, providing the driver with comfortable living space on the road. It often has a side-storage tower and provides an additional 12 to 18 inches of overhead space as compared to mid-roof sleepers.
  4. Day cabs – These trucks are not intended for multi-day, long-haul drives. They’re used for deliveries that require no more than a day of travel and are smaller and less expensive than the semis described above. They have no sleeping/living space for drivers and have fewer axles.
  5. Slope-nosed trucks – These trucks have a distinctive short, rounded front. They’re able to haul heavy loads and long trailers, and that unusual shape actually makes them better equipped to handle bumpy roads.

Different Types of Trailers

The trailer of a semi-truck can be connected and detached as needed during deliveries. Semis may be equipped with any of the following types of trailers, but note that not all semi types are equipped to handle all of the trailers on this list:

  • Box trailer
  • Dry bulk cargo trailer
  • Dump or tipper trailer
  • Flatbed trailer
  • Lowboy trailer
  • Refrigerator and reefer trailer
  • Tanker or fuel trailer

When looking at semi-trucks for sale in St. Louis, make sure you select something that meets your needs, is designed for the distance you plan to drive, and is powerful enough for the loads you need to haul.