The correct term is actually: curtainside trailer. The confusion arose because "tautliner" is actually a brand name. You can compare it to people calling any SUV a Jeep. They come in various shapes and sizes. The advantage of a tautliner is that the trailer can open almost completely. Loading from the top, the side, and the back is possible with this.

What temperature range does a refrigerated trailer have?

Temperature-controlled transport must always take place in trailers equipped with a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit can also provide heating. There are different types of these refrigerated trailers. Some have thick insulated walls, while others have thinner walls. With the thick walls, a temperature range between approximately -20 degrees Celsius and +25 degrees Celsius is possible. Some trailers are only used for products like fruits and vegetables, where cooling down to -20 degrees is not necessary; maintaining a temperature of +3 to +4 degrees suffices.

How many trailers do you have?

We work as a freight forwarder. This means we do not own the trailers. Some trailers may have our advertising on them, but they are owned by transport companies that work extensively with us. This actually makes us very flexible, as we are not dependent on our own equipment and therefore almost never have to say no.

What are the maximum legal dimensions?

In the European Union, the maximum legal dimensions for a trailer are: a length of 12 meters measured from the center of the kingpin, a maximum height of 4 meters, and a width of 2.55 meters. For refrigerated or freezer trailers with a minimum wall thickness of 45 mm, the maximum width allowed is 2.60 meters. In terms of length, this means that most curtain-sided trailers practically have 13.6 loading meters inside the trailer.

What is a loading meter?

It's really industry jargon; a loading meter. What is a loading meter? A loading meter is one linear meter in the truck. Depending on the width of the trailer (often 2.40 meters), this means 1 meter in length and 2.4 meters in width. On one loading meter, you can fit 2 block pallets measuring 120x100 cm. On 0.8 loading meters, you can fit 2 Euro pallets measuring 120x80 cm.

Equipment and trailer dimensions

Which trailers and trucks can BTA International make available? Find everything about the right dimensions and type of trailers and equipment here.

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The right trailer for your goods

You want your goods to arrive smoothly and without damage. Besides a good driver, it’s important that the equipment is well maintained and has the right qualifications. All trucks used by BTA International are modern, air-suspended trailers equipped with GPS onboard computers and GSM communication. This way, we always know where your shipment is!

Whether it’s loose boxes, goods on pallets, oversized machines, or valuable electronics, we deploy the right equipment for your shipment. As an independent freight forwarder, we are not tied to our own fleet. We always find the right trailer for your goods. We require that the transport companies we use have trailers equipped with anti-slip mats, sufficient straps, and corner protectors. We want to be sure that your pallets, machines, or other cargo are properly secured inside the trailer. An added benefit is that the drivers we deploy are familiar with the local language, customs, and mentality in both Spain and Portugal.

Overview of equipment and trailers

Tautliner / Curtainside trailer

Length: 13.60 meters
Width: 2.44 – 2.48 meters
Height: 2.65 – 2.70 meters
33 Euro pallet spaces
Load capacity: 24.5 tons

Mega trailer

Length: 13.60 meters
Width: 2.45 meters
Height: 3.00 meters
33 Euro pallet spaces
Load capacity: 24 tons

Box trailer

Length: 13.60 meters
Width: 2.48 meters
Height: 2.65 meters
33 Euro pallet spaces
Load capacity: 23.5 tons

Refrigerated trailer

Length: 13.60 meters
Width: 2.48 meters
Height: 2.60 – 2.70 meters
Cooling capacity between -20° and +25°
33 Euro pallet spaces
Load capacity: 23 tons

Combination trailer

Length: 7.60 + 7.60 meters
Width: 2.45 meters
Height: 3.00 meters
38 Euro pallet spaces
Load capacity: up to 24 tons

Open trailer / flatbed trailer

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 30 tons

Semi-low loader

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 30 tons

Semi low loader with ramp access

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 30 tons

Extendable semi-low loader

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 50 tons. With ramp access.

Extendable low loader with ramp access

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 50 tons

Extendable low loader

Length: Various lengths
Width: Various widths,
Overwidth is also possible
Height: Variable height
Load capacity: up to approximately 90 tons

Transporter

Length: 4 meters
Width: 2 meters
Height: 2 meters
Load capacity: 1,000 kg

Box truck

Length: 4.2 meters
Width: 2.2 meters
Height: 2.2 meters
Load capacity: 1,000 kg

Trailer and container dimensions

Want to know which types of trailers are available? And what are the dimensions of a trailer? This way, you can easily check if your shipment fits. We offer standard tautliners, mega trailers, box trailers, and refrigerated trailers. We also have high-volume combinations and special transport trailers at our disposal. You’ll find all the dimensions, maximum weight, and number of pallet spaces. Additionally, through Short-Sea, we offer a wide range of container types. Take a look at our sea freight options.

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