Reduce cost per mile and increase payload by choosing lightweight materials that don’t compromise durability. And don’t forget features that will help at resale.

Factors like maintenance expenses, longevity and handling ease play vital roles in getting what you want in a trailer. You won’t realize low cost-per-mile if your trailer breaks down, is expensive to maintain or can’t handle your type of loads well.

The heavy-duty aluminum floor reduces weight in this plywood-lined Utility 4000D dry van. The floor carries a 16,000-lb. fork truck rating.

Knowing definitively what you intend to transport, where you plan to work and how long you intend to keep the equipment will help you balance price with projected maintenance costs. Smart choices will keep your operating costs low and your resale value high.

Know your application

At spec’ing’s core is understanding your application, says Jerry Richardson, product specialist at Wabash National. For example:

• Hauling heavy-footprint products, like paper rolls, requires higher floor ratings.

• Applications with additional equipment, like automotive racks, require interior designs that protect the trailer from damage during loading and unloading.