Top 7 Commercial Trailer Manufacturers

The first time I stepped into a dealership to buy a commercial trailer, I had no idea what to ask. The salesperson talked circles around me, and I left with the wrong trailer.

That mistake cost me more than money, it set my business back for weeks.

Since then, I’ve researched dozens of manufacturers and helped others make better trailer decisions. What you’ll read here is based on real feedback from business owners and actual performance in the field.

This article reviews seven commercial trailer manufacturers you should know. You’ll get honest, simple insights into which brands deliver and why. If your goal is reliability, you’ll get answers here.

Let’s get into it!

Quick Comparison Chart

Here’s a detailed comparison table of the top 7 commercial trailer manufacturers. This side-by-side view highlights key facts, helping businesses quickly identify the right partner for their trailer needs.

1. Wabash National Corporation

I’ve always found the story behind Wabash National pretty inspiring. Founded in 1985 by Jerry Ehrlich in Lafayette, Indiana, it’s grown into one of North America’s leading manufacturers of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems.

Headquarters: 1000 Sagamore Parkway South, Lafayette, Indiana 47905, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Freight Vans: Durable trailers designed for transporting non-perishable goods.
• Refrigerated Trailers: Temperature-controlled units for perishable items.
• Platform Trailers: Flatbed trailers suitable for heavy or oversized loads.
• Tank Trailers: Specialized for liquid transport.
• Truck Bodies: Customizable bodies for various truck models.
• Structural Composite Panels: Advanced materials for enhanced durability.

Notable Achievements:

• Established the DuraPlate Products Group in 2008, focusing on composite material applications.
• Received the U.S. EPA SmartWay certification in 2007 for the DuraPlate dry van trailer, highlighting commitment to environmental responsibility.

Takeaway Note

Wabash National stands out for its innovation in composite trailer materials and its wide range of offerings that serve industries from dry freight to liquid transport. Their commitment to environmental standards and long-term durability gives them a strong edge in the logistics space. The only downside is that their premium builds often come at a higher cost, which might not suit every fleet budget.

2. Great Dane

I find it fascinating that Great Dane’s roots go all the way back to 1900, when they started out as the Savannah Blowpipe Company in Georgia. Since then, they’ve grown into a major name in the trailer industry, especially when it comes to dry vans, reefers, and flatbeds.

Headquarters: 222 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 920, Chicago, Illinois 60601, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Van Trailers: Versatile trailers for various freight types.
• Refrigerated Trailers: Units designed for temperature-sensitive cargo.
• Flatbed Trailers: Ideal for transporting large or irregularly shaped items.
• Truck Bodies: Custom solutions for diverse transportation needs.

Notable Achievements:

• Merged with Pines Trailer in 1997, becoming one of the world’s largest trailer companies.
• Opened a new dry van manufacturing plant in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, in 2016.

Takeaway Note

With over a century of trailer manufacturing experience, Great Dane has built a reputation for consistent quality and dependability. Their extensive dealer network across North America makes service and parts easily accessible. However, turnaround times on new builds can be slower than some competitors, especially during peak order seasons.

3. Rhinotrail

Rhinotrail may have been officially established in 2014, but with over 12 years of hands-on experience in semi-trailer manufacturing, their expertise runs deep. They’ve built a reputation for delivering a wide range of semi-trailers that match all kinds of transport demands.

Headquarters: Quanpu Town Industrial Park, Liangshan County, Jining City, Shandong Province, China

Website:https://rhinotrail.com/

Product Line:

• Flatbed Semi-Trailers: Ideal for transporting containers, steel coils, machinery, and construction materials. Available in multiple sizes, including 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft, with 2-axle, 3-axle, and extendable options.
• Container Semi-Trailers: Designed for efficient container transport, ensuring secure and reliable delivery.
• Dump Semi-Trailers: Robust trailers suitable for bulk transport of materials like sand and gravel.
• Tanker Semi-Trailers: Customizable tankers for transporting liquids and gases, built for safety and efficiency.
• Low-Bed Semi-Trailers: Designed for heavy equipment transport, offering stability and ease of loading.
• Refrigerated Semi-Trailers: Temperature-controlled units for perishable goods, ensuring freshness during transit.
• Utility Trailers: Versatile trailers for various cargo types, adaptable to different industries.

Notable Achievements:

• Global Reach: Rhinotrail has expanded its market presence to over 40 countries across Asia, Africa, South America, the Philippines, and the Middle East.
• Certifications: The company’s trailers are ISO, CE, and CCC certified, reflecting adherence to international quality and safety standards.
• Customization Expertise: Offers tailored semi-trailer solutions to meet specific client requirements, enhancing operational efficiency.

Takeaway Note

Rhinotrail excels at offering customized semi-trailer solutions that fit a wide variety of business needs, from flatbeds to tankers and low-beds. They’ve built strong international relationships and back their products with ISO, CE, and CCC certifications. Their competitive pricing, flexible production, and commitment to export-friendly services make them a smart choice for global buyers.

4. Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has a legacy that’s hard to ignore. Founded back in 1914 by brothers E.W. and H.C. Bennett in Los Angeles, it holds the title of the oldest privately held trailer manufacturer in the U.S.

Headquarters: City of Industry, Los Angeles County, California, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Freight Vans: Reliable trailers for general cargo.
• Refrigerated Vans: Advanced temperature-controlled units.
• Flatbed Trailers: Suitable for heavy and oversized loads.
• Curtainsided Trailers (Tautliner): Flexible loading options for various cargo types.

Notable Achievements:

• Celebrated 95 years of innovation and quality in 2009.
• Opened a state-of-the-art refrigerated van plant in Clearfield, Utah, in 1999.

Takeaway Note

Utility Trailer is the oldest privately-held trailer manufacturer in the U.S., known for producing reliable, high-performance dry vans and reefers. Their long track record and in-house innovations make them a favorite for fleet operators who want durability. But because of their long-standing reputation, lead times and availability can be a challenge depending on demand.

5. Hyundai Translead

Hyundai Translead has been in the game since 1989, originally starting out as Hyundai Precision America Incorporated. As a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company Korea, they’ve focused their efforts on building transportation equipment specifically for the North American market.

Headquarters: 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 600, San Diego, California 92108, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Van Trailers: Designed for efficient cargo transport.
• Refrigerated Trailers: Units ensuring optimal temperature control.
• Domestic Containers: Intermodal solutions for diverse shipping needs.
• Container Chassis: Robust frames for container transport.
• Converter Dollies: Connecting devices for multiple trailers.

Notable Achievements:

• First major trailer manufacturer in North America to receive ISO:9001 Certification in 1996.
• Operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Tijuana, Mexico.

Takeaway Note

Hyundai Translead is known for modern engineering and large-scale production capacity, offering advanced trailers at competitive prices. Their refrigerated and dry van units have a strong presence in large fleet operations across North America. One challenge is that their service network isn’t as widespread as legacy American manufacturers, which could slow support in certain areas.

6. Stoughton Trailers, LLC

Stoughton Trailers started out in 1961 when Don Wahlin launched the company in Stoughton, Wisconsin—and it’s come a long way since then. What began as a small, family-run operation has grown into one of the biggest trailer manufacturers in North America.

Headquarters: 416 S. Academy Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Freight Vans: Durable trailers designed for transporting various types of cargo.
• Refrigerated Trailers: Temperature-controlled units suitable for perishable goods.
• Grain Trailers: Specialized trailers for agricultural products.
• Chassis: Intermodal chassis designed for transporting shipping containers.
• Component Fabrication Solutions: Custom components tailored to specific transportation needs.

Notable Achievements:

• Manufacturing Facilities: Operates multiple plants, including:
  • Plant 6: Main assembly plant built in 1985, later expanded to 365,000 square
  • Plant 7 (Evansville): Added in 1993, focusing on intermodal containers and chassis.
  • Plant 4 (Brodhead): Established in 1994, initially a joint venture with Alcoa, became wholly owned by Stoughton in 1999.
  • Plant 8 (Waco, Texas): Opened in 2022, marking the company’s first manufacturing facility outside Wisconsin.

Takeaway Note

Stoughton has grown from a family-owned business into a major player with broad manufacturing capabilities, especially for dry vans, intermodal chassis, and grain trailers. Their U.S.-based production and strong quality control are major strengths. However, their focus is more domestic, which might limit flexibility for international buyers looking for broader export services.

7. Vanguard National Trailer Corporation

Vanguard National Trailer got its start in 2003 and has been based in Monon, Indiana ever since. From what I’ve seen, they combine global backing with a local mindset, which makes their trailers both dependable and well-suited to real-world transport needs.

Headquarters: 289 East Water Tower Drive, Monon, Indiana 47959, USA

Product Line:

• Dry Freight Van Trailers: Designed for efficient transport of non-perishable goods.
• Refrigerated Trailers: Units equipped for temperature-sensitive cargo.
• Flatbed Trailers: Suitable for transporting large or irregularly shaped items.
• Converter Dollies: Devices that enable the connection of multiple trailers.

Notable Achievements:

• Manufacturing Facilities: In addition to its headquarters in Monon, Indiana, Vanguard operates a facility in Trenton, Georgia.
• Parent Company: As a subsidiary of CIMC Vehicle Group, Vanguard benefits from the resources and expertise of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial transport equipment.

Takeaway Note

Vanguard offers solid value with well-built dry and refrigerated trailers designed for long-term fleet use, and benefits from the global strength of parent company CIMC. Their consistent build quality and competitive pricing make them a viable option for many businesses. On the flip side, their product range is somewhat narrower compared to some competitors that offer more niche trailer types.

Conclusion

That first trailer mistake taught me everything I needed to know, don’t buy blind.

Now you’ve got the list I wish I had: 7 commercial trailer manufacturers, with real pros, a few cons, and everything in between. From the U.S. to China, these brands build trailers that keep your business rolling.

If you’re ready to move forward, don’t wait.

Start with confidence. Start smart.

Contact us today at Rhinotrail. We’re here to help you spec out the right trailer for your next big move.