Container trailers: 20 and 40 ft semi-trailers, how to buy well
Which container are you looking for
A container trailer is a semi-trailer with twistlocks for shipping containers. The most common sizes are 20 and 40 feet. There are fixed-length frames, extendable ones that fit different containers, and combined ones. An extendable semi-trailer is more versatile, but more complex and often pricier.
If you carry different containers from a port, look for an extendable or combined frame. If only 40-footers, a simpler version may be enough.
What to put in your request
- Container size — 20, 40 or 45 feet, or several.
- Type — fixed, extendable, combined.
- Number of axles — usually 3.
- Make — Krone, Schmitz or another.
- Year — from which year you are looking.
- Load capacity — for example 30 tonnes.
- Papers — registered, import duty paid if imported.
- Technical condition — no repairs needed or minor repair acceptable.
- City and budget, if you want to state it.
Example: “I need an extendable container trailer for 40 ft, three axles, Krone, from 2012, load capacity 30 tonnes. Registered, no repairs needed, twistlocks in working order. Hamilton, budget up to $21,000.”
Inspection and weak spots
The frame of a container trailer works under twisting, so start the inspection with the welds and the twistlock mounting points. Check that all the locks turn freely and close firmly. On an extendable frame, inspect the guides, the extension locks and their wear.
Then the axles, hubs, brakes, tyres, suspension and landing legs. Cracks and signs of repair around the kingpin should put you on guard.
How to compare offers
- The same frame type: a fixed one is cheaper than an extendable one, but less flexible.
- How many container sizes the frame can take.
- The state of tyres and brakes, since replacing them is a big part of the budget.
- Papers, customs clearance and the seller's right of ownership.
Many people buy a container trailer only for 40 ft and then find that clients ask for 20-footers too. Another mistake is not counting the gross weight of the container: the semi-trailer's load capacity must cover it. Also check the frame height: a low one gives more room for high containers, but may limit ground clearance. Remember too that a port or terminal may have its own requirements for equipment. If in doubt, ask the seller for photos of the frame from the side and from underneath, and a video of the extending mechanism at work. Also find out whether spare twistlocks come in the set, and what the frame's height from the ground is.
How searching works on BlaBlaPrice
You do not have to look for sellers in listings: describe the task in a request, and they answer on their own in the chat with price, terms and photos. The request is checked before it is shown, and you get hints on what is missing. The best-fitting offer is shown first, with reviews next to it. Sellers see their place and can improve their terms. Your phone is opened only to the one you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
Other types are semi-trailers in general, dropside ones and low loaders.
