In the oil and gas industry, trailers play a vital role in ensuring that equipment, materials, and liquids are transported to and from the job site. When choosing a new or used commercial trailer for your oil and gas fleet, you need to be sure to select a trailer that will stand up to the daily rigors of this kind of job.In this guide, we’ll take a look at the common types of commercial trailers used in the oil and gas industry, examples of leading makes and models, and cover a few key tips for adding new trailers to your fleet.

VACUUM TANK TRAILERS
From chemicals utilized in rig operations to the raw products that need to be hauled away, vacuum tank trailers implement a secure, enclosed tank to transport liquids of almost any type. These trailers feature a cylindrical-shaped tank that is permanently mounted to a durable trailer body.
Vacuum tank trailers are often used to collect and transport wastewater from drilling operations. These trailers feature a built-in pump, allowing an operator to pull liquids from an area quickly. Next, this liquid is sealed in the tank, ensuring the safe transportation of toxic or caustic liquids.
The critical differences between vacuum tank trailers are the type of materials they can transport, the size of their tank, and what equipment is included with the trailer.

LOWBOY TRAILERS
One of the most widely used trailers in the oil and gas industry for hauling equipment is the lowboy trailer. With a bed that sits lower to the ground than a standard flatbed trailer, this trailer-style makes it easy to transport oversized equipment that would otherwise create issues with height restrictions.
Most lowboy trailers are loaded from the front or rear of the trailer, with specialized models allowing you to place the trailer underneath a load to lift it. Options also include fixed-necks, goosenecks, and removable goosenecks.

FLIP AXLE AND BOOSTER TRAILERS
Another common style of commercial trailers utilized in the oil and gas industry are booster and flip axle trailers.
Flip axle trailers work by allowing for custom use of the trailer based on the load being hauled. A complete axle assembly can be removed from the trailer when it is not necessary for use. When a heavy load is being hauled, the flip axle is attached to the rear of the trailer and helps redistribute the weight of the load. This is highly beneficial in states where per axle weight limit regulations exist.
A trailer booster works similar to a flip axle. This mechanism allows additional axles to connect with the ground, spreading out the load of a trailer. However, a booster often contains hydraulics and a small motor, which makes the operation of the extension easier.
Both flip axle and booster trailers play a vital role in oil and gas industry fleets. Because these units can be adapted to specific needs, they make it more efficient to haul equipment of almost any size.

JEEP TRAILERS
Similar to the purpose of a flip axle or booster trailer, a jeep trailer is used to increase the payload capacity of an oilfield trailer. The jeep trailer is placed between the truck and the existing trailer. With a fifth wheel and one to three axles, this trailer helps to redistribute the load being carried.
This allows teams to meet state regulations regarding weight per axle limitations, as well as to ensure a safer haul. Additionally, when using a jeep trailer for moving large oil and gas equipment, you can help to extend the life of your existing trailer.