Truck Trailers: Types, Tractor Trucks & Sourcing Guide

Truck Trailers: Types, Tractor Trucks & Sourcing Guide

Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. (Luen Auto) is a Chinese manufacturer and exporter of semi trailers, trucks, and used special-purpose vehicles, operating a factory of more than 50,000 square meters at Xuji Industrial Park, Liangshan County, Jining City, Shandong Province, China. Established in 2020 as a subsidiary of Luen Group, the company reports that export business accounts for 80% of total sales, with annual exports exceeding USD 30,000,000 and major markets in Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

A truck trailer — also called a semi-trailer — is a cargo-carrying unit without a front axle, designed to be coupled to a tractor truck through a fifth wheel and king pin. Part of the trailer's weight is transferred to the tractor through the fifth wheel, which is why the two are specified together. This guide provides a discovery-level overview of truck trailer categories, the Chinese tractor truck brands commonly used to pull them, and the range that Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. manufactures and exports.

Why "Truck Trailer" Is a Category, Not a Single Product

The term "truck trailer" covers a broad family of equipment with different bodies, axle counts, payload classes, and working conditions. For first-time buyers, the range can be confusing because the same tractor truck can pull several very different trailer bodies. A buyer moving bulk cement needs a different trailer than a buyer moving shipping containers or excavators. The correct configuration is decided by the cargo characteristics, road and site conditions, and the tractor truck's gross combination weight rating. This is why a manufacturer that produces both trailers and trucks, such as Luen Auto, can simplify the sourcing process.

The Global Truck Trailer Market in Brief

The global semi-trailer market was estimated at USD 22.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 42.3 billion by 2033, according to Grand View Research. Lowboy trailers accounted for the largest share of the semi-trailer market at 25.7% in 2024, reflecting sustained demand for heavy equipment transport.

China is a major supply base for commercial vehicles. In 2024, Sinotruk (CNHTC) led China's heavy-duty truck exports with a record 135,000 units, according to ChinaTrucks.org. Shacman heavy-truck exports reached 25,000 units in 2024, a 35% year-on-year increase, according to ChinaTruck.Net. Foton Motor recorded 523,000 total truck sales in 2024, including more than 100,000 exports. The used truck segment is also substantial: the global used truck market was valued at USD 49.95 billion in 2025, according to Global Market Insights. For importers and fleet operators, these figures indicate a mature and competitive supply chain for both new and used equipment.

Luen Auto's Truck Trailer and Truck Range

Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. manufactures and exports semi trailers in seven categories — lowbed (lowboy), flatbed, dump, skeleton (container), van, fuel tank, dust tank, and CNG tank trailers — and trucks that include tractor trucks, dump trucks, light duty trucks, and used versions of tractor trucks and dump trucks. The following sections describe the main configurations with verified parameters.

Dump Semi Trailer

The dump semi trailer is a rear-dump semi trailer intended for the mining and construction industries. It is constructed of Q345B high-strength carbon steel, with axle configurations of 2, 3, or 4 axles. Payload capacity ranges from 30 to 60 tons, and box volume is between 20 and 40 cubic meters. The box type can be U-shape or rectangular, the hydraulic cylinder is HYVA front-mounted or telescopic, and the tipping angle is 45–50 degrees. Floor thickness is 8 to 12 mm, with optional HARDOX wear-resistant steel. Overall length ranges from 9,000 to 12,500 mm, and overall width is between 2,480 and 2,500 mm. Suspension options are mechanical leaf spring or air suspension.

Flatbed Semi Trailer

The flatbed semi trailer is available in standard flatbed, step-deck (drop-deck), extendable, side-wall, and container flatbed versions. Models include 3-axle 40ft, 3-axle 45ft, 2-axle, and drop-deck flatbeds. Payload capacity is 40–60 tons; overall length ranges from 12,500 to 16,000 mm with a standard of 13,000 mm, width is 2,480–2,500 mm, and deck height is 1,250–1,550 mm. The frame is I-beam or H-beam, suspension is mechanical or air, and tie-down rings are spaced every 500 mm. It is made of Q345B or Q550 high-tensile steel, with a floor of steel checker plate or hardwood. This trailer is intended for construction material logistics (steel, pipes, timber), machinery transport, agriculture, project cargo, and wind energy components.

Lowboy Semi Trailer

The lowboy semi trailer is designed for heavy payloads from 40 to 100 tons, with a loaded deck height of 450–600 mm. It is available as a fixed gooseneck, detachable gooseneck (RGN), hydraulic detachable gooseneck, or pull-out extendable beam lowboy. The main beam is a box-section high-strength steel structure made of Q550/Q690 high-strength steel or HG785D quenched and tempered steel. Overall length is 11,000–18,000 mm, width is 2,480–3,000 mm, and axle load is 13–16 tons per axle. Maximum legal load height is up to 3.5 m. This trailer is intended for heavy equipment transport, mining machinery relocation, wind turbine components, industrial machinery, and oversized project cargo.

Skeleton Semi Trailer (Container Chassis)

The skeleton semi trailer, also called a container chassis, is made of Q345B high-strength steel main beams with ISO 1161-compliant twist locks and JOST or SAF landing gear. It is compatible with 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft ISO standard containers. Payload capacity ranges from 30 to 65 tons. Axle configurations include 2, 3, or 4 axles with 13 tons per axle; king pin size is 2 inches or 3.5 inches. The overall dimensions of the 40ft standard chassis are 12,200–13,800 mm in length, 2,480–2,500 mm in width, and 1,470–1,560 mm in height. Suspension options include mechanical leaf spring or air suspension. This trailer is intended for port terminal operations, intermodal transport, cross-border container logistics, and container freight stations.

Fuel Tank Semi Trailer

The tank semi trailer is classified as a petroleum/fuel tank trailer and chemical liquid tanker, intended for petroleum product distribution and oil & gas logistics. It is made of carbon steel (Q235B/Q345B), stainless steel 304/316, or aluminum alloy 5083, with tank thickness of 5–8 mm. Overall dimensions are 11,000–12,500 mm in length and 2,480–2,500 mm in width. Gross vehicle weight is 40,000–42,000 kg and payload capacity is 28,000–35,000 kg. The tank uses a multi-compartment design with 1–6 bins. Discharge control is by bottom valve, pneumatic, or pump. Safety features include an emergency valve, pressure vent, rollover protection, anti-static earthing reel, and anti-static compartment separation. In Europe, transport of dangerous goods in fuel/tank trailers requires ADR certification under the ADR Agreement, according to OTTO Trailer's ADR certification guide.

Powder Tank Semi Trailer

The powder tank semi trailer is classified as a bulk cement tanker trailer, with the 3-axle 40 m³ bulk cement trailer as a reference model. It is intended for the cement manufacturing and distribution industry. The standard version is made of Q345B carbon steel, while the lightweight variant uses 5083 aluminum alloy as the primary material.

CNG Tube Trailer

The CNG tube trailer is a gas transport trailer available in 8-tube, 10-tube, 12-tube, and 20-tube models, in Type 1 steel cylinder or Type 2 composite wrapped configurations. Working pressure is 20–25 MPa (200–250 bar) and gas capacity ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 Nm³. The frame is made of Q345B steel; cylinders are 37Mn seamless steel or chrome-moly steel with a tube diameter of 406–559 mm and total water volume of 3,000–8,000 L. It is equipped with 3 axles, overall dimensions of 12,500–13,500 mm in length and 2,480–2,500 mm in width, and a gross vehicle weight of 40,000–42,000 kg. Safety features include a pressure relief valve, emergency shutoff, and earthing reel. This trailer is intended for off-grid natural gas distribution and industrial gas supply.

Tractor Trucks and Dump Trucks

Luen Auto supplies Sinotruk (HOWO) and Shacman tractor trucks and dump trucks, in both new and used condition. Sinotruk tractor trucks include HOWO A7 6×4 371HP, HOWO TX 6×4 420HP/480HP, HOWO NX 6×4 400HP, HOWO 4×2 336HP, and HOWO T7H 6×4 540HP models, with engine power from 336 to 540 HP and gross combination weight (GCW) from 40,000 to 120,000 kg. They are designed for long-haul freight, container port drayage, and cross-border trucking in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Shacman tractor trucks are available in X3000, H3000, F3000, and L3000 series with 6×4 and 4×2 drive types. Engine options include Weichai, Cummins, and MAN with power from 270 to 550 HP; GCW ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 kg. These trucks are intended for long-haul highway freight and mining logistics.

Sinotruk dump trucks are heavy-duty vehicles designed for the mining and construction industries. Model designations include HOWO A7 6×4, HOWO TX 6×4, HOWO NX 6×4, HOWO 8×4, and HOWO 4×2. The chassis is made of Q345B or Q550 high-strength steel. Rated payload is between 16 and 40 tons, cargo box volume ranges from 14 to 30 m³, and engine power options include 266, 336, 371, 380, 420, and 540 HP. Shacman dump trucks include X3000 6×4, X3000 8×4, H3000 6×4, and F3000 6×4 models, with a Q510/Q550 high-strength steel frame, rated payload of 20–40 tons, and cargo box volume of 14–25 m³.

For urban and light duty work, HOWO light duty trucks are 4×2 vehicles with engine power from 130 to 180 HP, rated payload of 5–10 tons, and gross vehicle weight of 8,000–16,000 kg. They are intended for urban short-haul construction material delivery, municipal services, agriculture produce transport, and rural road building.

How to Match a Semi Trailer to a Tractor Truck

Matching a semi trailer to a tractor truck follows a logical sequence: define the cargo, select the trailer family, verify the tractor's capacity, choose the drive configuration, confirm axle count, and check local serviceability.

1. Define the cargo and loading method. Weight, density, and whether the cargo is tipped, crane-loaded, rolled on, or pumped determine which trailer family fits. Tip-loaded bulk material points to a dump semi trailer; rolled-on machinery points to a lowboy; ISO containers point to a skeleton chassis.
2. Select the trailer body. Match payload to the trailer's rated capacity. Luen Auto's dump semi trailers carry 30–60 tons, flatbeds carry 40–60 tons, lowboys carry 40–100 tons, and skeleton container chassis carry 30–65 tons.
3. Verify the tractor truck's gross combination weight. The tractor's GCW rating must cover the loaded trailer weight plus the truck's own weight. Sinotruk HOWO tractor trucks span 40,000–120,000 kg GCW; Shacman tractor trucks span 40,000–100,000 kg.
4. Select the drive configuration for the terrain. 6×4 drive is common for construction site traction; 8×4 maximizes payload in urban and quarry operations; 4×2 suits lighter highway work. The selected tractor model must match the trailer's gross vehicle weight.
5. Confirm axle count and legal payload limits. Axle load ratings matter for road legality. Luen Auto semi trailers use 13 tons per axle as a standard rating, with lowboy axles rated at 13–16 tons per axle.
6. Check parts and service availability in the operating market. In markets such as Nigeria and Ghana, Sinotruk parts and service networks are established, which supports the choice of HOWO trucks for local operations.

Common Use Cases and Equipment Pairings

Luen Auto's product range covers the main truck trailer applications in the export markets it serves: Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

Mining and Quarrying

Dump trucks and dump semi trailers dominate this segment. Sinotruk and Shacman dump trucks (rated payload 16–40 tons and 20–40 tons respectively) are intended for mining ore haulage, large-scale construction earthworks, and quarrying. Dump semi trailers add volume with 20–40 m³ boxes and a 45–50 degree tipping angle, allowing excavator loading and rapid discharge.

Long-Haul Freight and Container Logistics

For cross-border and port-related freight, Sinotruk tractor trucks (GCW up to 120,000 kg) or Shacman tractor trucks (GCW up to 100,000 kg) are paired with flatbed semi trailers or skeleton container chassis. The skeleton trailer is compatible with 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft ISO containers, with ISO 1161-compliant twist locks.

Heavy Equipment Transport

A lowboy semi trailer with a fixed or hydraulic detachable gooseneck carries payloads of 40–100 tons at a loaded deck height of 450–600 mm, keeping excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and mining machinery within legal height limits during transport.

Fuel and Chemical Distribution

Fuel tank semi trailers with 1–6 compartments and anti-static systems serve petroleum product distribution and oil & gas logistics. Where dangerous goods are carried in Europe, ADR certification under the ADR Agreement applies to the tank trailer.

Cement and Powder Logistics

Powder tank semi trailers (reference model: 3-axle 40 m³ bulk cement trailer) are used in cement manufacturing and distribution. The lightweight variant uses 5083 aluminum alloy, and the standard version uses Q345B carbon steel.

Urban Construction and Municipal Work

HOWO light duty trucks (4×2, 130–180 HP, payload 5–10 tons) are intended for urban short-haul construction material delivery, municipal services, small contractor operations, and rural road building.

Natural Gas Distribution

CNG tube trailers with a working pressure of 20–25 MPa serve off-grid natural gas distribution and industrial gas supply, including CNG mother-daughter station logistics.

Semi Trailer Comparison: Types, Payloads, and Applications

Semi trailer type	Payload / capacity	Axles	Intended application
Dump semi trailer	30–60 tons; 20–40 m³	2, 3, or 4	Mining, construction earthworks, quarrying, sand and gravel
Flatbed semi trailer	40–60 tons	2 or 3	Steel, pipes, timber, machinery, agriculture, project cargo
Lowboy semi trailer	40–100 tons	3 or 4 (13–16 t per axle)	Heavy equipment, mining machinery, wind turbine components
Skeleton semi trailer	30–65 tons	2, 3, or 4	Port terminals, intermodal transport, ISO container logistics
Fuel tank semi trailer	28,000–35,000 kg	3	Petroleum distribution, oil & gas logistics
Powder tank semi trailer	25,000–35,000 kg	3	Cement manufacturing and distribution, dry bulk powder logistics
CNG tube trailer	2,000–6,000 Nm³	3	Off-grid natural gas distribution, industrial gas supply

Manufacturing and Export Capability

Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. operates a manufacturing facility covering over 50,000 square meters with approximately 130+ employees, and produces about 1,500 units per year. The R&D team consists of 5 engineers. Export business accounts for 80% of total sales, with annual exports exceeding USD 30,000,000, primarily to Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The company's main products include semi trailers (lowbed, flatbed, dump, skeleton, van, fuel tank, dust tank, CNG tank) and trucks (tractor truck, used tractor truck, dump truck, used dump truck, HOWO truck, Shacman truck, light duty truck, Foton truck).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a truck trailer?

A truck trailer, also called a semi-trailer, is a cargo-carrying unit without a front axle, designed to be coupled to a tractor truck through a fifth wheel and king pin. It differs from a full trailer because part of its weight rests on the tractor truck. Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and exporter in Shandong, China, produces semi trailer types including dump, flatbed, lowboy, skeleton (container), fuel tank, powder tank, and CNG tube trailers. The tractor side of the combination is supplied by trucks such as Sinotruk HOWO and Shacman models.

What semi trailer types does Luen Auto manufacture?

Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. manufactures seven semi trailer categories: dump semi trailers (payload 30–60 tons, box volume 20–40 m³), flatbed semi trailers (payload 40–60 tons, overall length 12,500–16,000 mm), lowboy semi trailers (payload 40–100 tons, loaded deck height 450–600 mm), skeleton semi trailers for 20/40/45 ft ISO containers (payload 30–65 tons), fuel tank semi trailers (payload 28,000–35,000 kg, 1–6 compartments), powder tank semi trailers for bulk cement (payload 25,000–35,000 kg), and CNG tube trailers (gas capacity 2,000–6,000 Nm³, working pressure 20–25 MPa). The company also exports trucks, including HOWO and Shacman tractor trucks, dump trucks, light duty trucks, and used versions of tractor trucks and dump trucks.

Which Chinese tractor trucks can pull a semi trailer?

Luen Auto supplies two heavy-duty Chinese tractor truck families for semi trailer operation. Sinotruk (HOWO) tractor trucks include the A7 6×4 371HP, TX 6×4 420HP/480HP, NX 6×4 400HP, 4×2 336HP, and T7H 6×4 540HP models, with gross combination weight (GCW) from 40,000 to 120,000 kg. Shacman tractor trucks include X3000, H3000, F3000, and L3000 series in 6×4 and 4×2 drive types, with engine power from 270 to 550 HP and GCW from 40,000 to 100,000 kg. Both families are designed for long-haul freight, container port drayage, and cross-border trucking.

How do I choose between a dump semi trailer, flatbed semi trailer, and lowboy semi trailer?

The choice depends on cargo type, weight, and loading method. A dump semi trailer (payload 30–60 tons, box volume 20–40 m³, tipping angle 45–50 degrees) is used for mining ore haulage, construction earthworks, quarrying, and sand and gravel transport, where material is loaded by excavator and discharged by tipping. A flatbed semi trailer (payload 40–60 tons, length up to 16,000 mm) suits construction materials such as steel, pipes, timber, machinery, and project cargo that can be crane-loaded and lashed down. A lowboy semi trailer (payload 40–100 tons, loaded deck height 450–600 mm) is for heavy equipment, mining machinery, wind turbine components, and oversized project cargo that must be driven or rolled onto a low deck. Matching the trailer body to the loading method is the main decision criterion.

What are Luen Auto's production capacity and export markets?

Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. operates a manufacturing facility covering over 50,000 square meters with approximately 130+ employees and a production capacity of 1,500 units per year. The R&D team consists of 5 engineers. Export business accounts for 80% of total sales, with annual exports exceeding USD 30,000,000. Major markets include Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The company is a subsidiary of Luen Group, and its main products span semi trailers and trucks, including new and used tractor trucks and dump trucks.

How can I receive the Luen Auto product catalog and request a quotation?

The Luen Auto product catalog is available for download, and quotations can be requested directly from the manufacturer. Contact William Lee at email luengroup@lhaxle.com, by phone at +86 17686798823, or via WhatsApp at +86 17686798823. The factory address is Xuji Industrial Park, Liangshan County, Jining City, Shandong Province, China. The product catalog can be downloaded from the following link: LUEN Auto Product Catalog (PDF). The sales team can provide specifications, pricing, and lead time for semi trailers and trucks.

Conclusion

A truck trailer is not a single product; it is a family of cargo units defined by the cargo they carry and the tractor truck that pulls them. The main categories are dump, flatbed, lowboy, skeleton (container), fuel tank, powder tank, and CNG tube semi trailers, each with a specific payload range and intended application. Chinese-built equipment dominates the global supply of these vehicles, and manufacturers such as Shandong Luen Auto Co., Ltd. supply both the trailer and the truck from one factory in Shandong, China, with export capacity of about 1,500 units per year and an export share of 80% of sales.