Top 7 Trailer Parts Manufacturers

A trailer component failed during transport, causing us to miss a delivery. We rushed to get a replacement—but the part didn’t fit. And the supplier? No help at all.

That’s when it hit me: picking the right parts manufacturer isn’t just about price. It’s about reliability.

Since then, I’ve spent years testing parts, working with suppliers, and learning how to separate dependable manufacturers from those who just talk a good game.

In this article, you’ll find 7 manufacturers worth considering. I’ll walk you through where they’re based, when they started, how big they are, and what you should watch out for.

Whether you’re replacing a single part or building out an entire fleet, this guide will help you choose the right supplier for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

Quick Comparison Chart

Before we dive into the details, this table gives you a simple overview of how the top 7 manufacturers stack up.

1. Dexter Axle Company

I first came across Dexter after ordering the wrong axle online. It didn’t fit. I wasted two days, a return fee, and still had a trailer stuck in the yard. A repair tech told me, “Get Dexter next time—those parts just fit.”

He was right.

Dexter started in 1960 in Elkhart, Indiana. Since then, they’ve grown into one of the biggest trailer parts manufacturers in North America. With over 2,400 employees, multiple production sites, and a strong dealer network, they’re trusted by fleets, repair shops, and manufacturers alike.

Product Range

• Axles (torsion, spring, heavy-duty)
• Brakes (electric, hydraulic, disc)
• Suspension components
• Hubs, drums, bearings
• Jacks, couplers, and hardware

Manufacturing Capabilities

• Large-scale axle and brake system manufacturing
• Automated welding and assembly lines
• Dedicated engineering and testing teams
• Custom builds available through dealers
• Technical support and installation guides

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 for manufacturing quality
• NATM-compliant (National Association of Trailer Manufacturers)
• Meets U.S. DOT safety rules
• Environmentally conscious processes in production

Final Verdict

Dexter parts are well-made, widely available, and built for long-term use. However, their prices tend to be higher, and some buyers have reported delays during peak seasons.

2. Meritor, Inc.

There’s something solid about Meritor parts—the kind of feel you notice when you’re handling heavy-duty gear. I once visited a trailer yard where the mechanics preferred Meritor axles. “They last longer,” one of them said, while showing me a five-year-old axle that still ran smooth.

Meritor was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA. The company has a long history in trailer and truck systems, especially axles, brakes, and suspensions. With over 9,000 employees and a global presence in 30+ countries, they serve OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), fleets, and repair shops around the world.

Product Range

• Axles: front, rear, trailer, and specialty types
• Brake systems: air disc, drum, calipers, and brake adjusters
• Drivelines: extended-lube and permanently lubricated options
• Suspension systems for commercial trailers
• Genuine replacement parts through MeritorPartsXpress

Manufacturing Capabilities

• In-house production of axles, brakes, and suspensions
• Large-scale OEM supply and aftermarket operations
• High-volume output across North America, Europe, and Asia
• Engineering teams for part testing and design optimization
• Technical support for fleets and dealers

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 and other plant-specific certifications
• Compliant with U.S. DOT, European, and regional regulations
• Ongoing sustainability reporting under Cummins
• Adheres to ethical sourcing and workplace safety guidelines

Final Verdict

Meritor offers a strong mix of reliable parts, global service, and decades of experience. However, some buyers have noted longer lead times and occasional inconsistency in regional customer support.

3. Rhinotrail

I once spoke with a fleet supervisor managing heavy hauls across rugged terrain. He pointed to a trailer in his yard and said, “That’s Rhinotrail. What do I like? When I need a part, they already have it boxed and ready.” That kind of reliability makes a difference when you’re managing time-sensitive loads.

Founded in 2011 and located in Liangshan, Shandong, China, Rhinotrail has built a solid reputation in the semi-trailer industry. With over 12 years of hands-on experience, the company has served businesses across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Known for combining full trailer builds with reliable spare part support, Rhinotrail offers both strength and simplicity in one place.

Product Range

Rhinotrail supplies a full range of customized semi-trailers, including:

• Container trailers
• Flatbed trailers
• Dump trailers
• Tanker trailers
• Refrigerated trailers
• Utility trailers
• Low-bed trailers

Each trailer is backed by a full parts support system. Their spare parts department covers:

• Axles and suspension systems
• Brake systems, kingpins, landing gears
• Tires, lights, and electrical wiring

Manufacturing Capabilities

• On-site welding, assembly, and inspection
• Custom builds available for specific operations
• Fast production of replacement parts
• Packaging and global logistics support
• Dedicated team for technical coordination

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO-certified production processes
• CCC certification (China Compulsory Certification) for road-ready trailers
• Products tested for strength and safety before export
• Meets export compliance standards for multiple regions

Final Verdict

Rhinotrail stands out for combining trailer manufacturing with a full spare parts supply system. It’s a strong choice if you value fast support, durable builds, and custom options from a single, experienced supplier.

4. Schmitz Cargobull

When I toured a logistics depot in Spain, one of the fleet supervisors walked me past a row of refrigerated trailers. He tapped on one with his knuckles and said, “That’s a Schmitz—quiet, efficient, and tough in the heat.” You could tell he trusted that trailer more than most.

Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 and is headquartered in Horstmar, Germany. It’s still a family-owned company, even after more than 130 years in business. Today, Schmitz operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 6,000 people.

Product Range

• Refrigerated trailers (for cold chain logistics)
• Curtainsider trailers (for fast, flexible loading)
• Tipping trailers (for bulk materials like sand and grain)
• Dry freight box trailers
• Container chassis for shipping containers

Manufacturing Capabilities

• Around 60,000 trailers produced every year
• 10 manufacturing sites across Germany, Spain, Lithuania, and other regions
• Automated welding and assembly lines
• Custom builds available for specialized fleet needs
• In-house telematics and electronic system integration

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 27001 (information security)
• EU vehicle safety compliance
• Internal testing for durability, load balance, and braking
• Sustainability efforts in packaging, energy use, and carbon output

Final Verdict

Schmitz Cargobull is a strong choice if you’re looking for high-performance trailers backed by decades of proven design. However, their trailers and systems are more common in Europe, so buyers outside the region may face longer lead times or limited dealer access.

5. Wabash National Corporation

If you’ve ever managed a time-sensitive delivery, you know how important it is to trust the trailer behind you. I once spoke with a logistics coordinator who said, “Wabash isn’t flashy—but they’ve never let us down.” That stuck with me. It’s the quiet reliability that matters most when your job depends on the gear you haul with.

Wabash National Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, USA. With around 6,000 employees, Wabash serves customers across North America. The company builds trailers and truck bodies for freight, food, and liquid transport.

Product Range

• Dry freight vans
• Refrigerated trailers
• Flatbeds and drop decks
• Tank trailers
• Truck bodies
• Composite panels

Manufacturing Capabilities

• High-output manufacturing across multiple U.S. locations
• Facilities in Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon, and Mexico
• Automated fabrication lines and quality control labs
• Composite panel production (EcoNex™ technology)
• Custom design available for large-volume clients

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001:2015 certified (Lafayette and Cadiz plants)
• ISO 14001:2015 certified – first trailer builder in North America to earn this
• Focused on low-emission production and energy efficiency
• Meets U.S. safety standards and regulatory requirements

Final Verdict

Wabash offers dependable trailers, smart designs, and a strong U.S. production base. However, their focus on large-scale fleet solutions means smaller buyers may face limited customization or longer lead times for low-volume orders.

6. Hyundai Translead

You don’t forget a visit to Hyundai Translead’s facility. A few years ago, I met a parts supplier who told me, “Their trailers are built like cars—with precision, not shortcuts.” He had just toured their iLab, where trailers were being stress-tested like vehicles. That moment stuck with me.

Hyundai Translead was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. They’re a U.S.-based subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, with trailers manufactured in Tijuana, Mexico. With thousands of units shipped each year, they serve North America with dry vans, reefers, chassis, and more.

Product Range

• Dry van trailers
• Refrigerated trailers
• Flatbed trailers
• Container chassis
• Converter dollies

Manufacturing Capabilities

• Automated assembly lines in Tijuana, Mexico
• Full trailer testing in their Innovation Lab (iLab)
• In-house design for composite panels and flooring
• Custom builds available through dealer networks
• Road simulation and durability testing before launch

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001
• ISO 45001
• STPS Safe Company Certification (Mexico)
• In-house product audits and ongoing compliance reporting

Final Verdict

Hyundai Translead builds dependable, tech-forward trailers with a focus on quality and long-term durability. However, their trailers may not offer as many custom features out of the box compared to some smaller or regional builders.

7. Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company

You might not notice a Utility trailer at first—but once you’ve hauled with one, you do. One time, I talked to a dispatcher who said Utility trailers were their “no-call equipment.” In his words, “If I’m not hearing about it, it’s working—and that’s a good sign.” That kind of quiet reliability earns trust over time.

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company was founded in 1914 and is based in City of Industry, California, USA. It’s the oldest privately owned trailer builder in the United States. With more than 3,000 employees and multiple plants across North America, Utility serves fleets of all sizes with trailers built for long-distance durability.

Product Range

• Refrigerated trailers (3000R series)
• Dry vans
• Flatbeds
• Curtainsiders (Tautliner®)

Manufacturing Capabilities

• Factories in Utah, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mexico
• Automated insulation and aluminum panel assembly
• In-house structural and road testing
• Dealer-supported customization and parts supply
• Strong production volume with consistent output

Certifications & Compliance

• Complies with U.S. DOT regulations
• In-house product testing for fatigue, stress, and corrosion
• Dealer training and compliance support
• Ongoing investment in sustainable processes and designs

Final Verdict

Utility delivers proven durability, nationwide support, and more than a century of trailer-building experience. However, their focus on long-term performance may not suit fleets looking for lightweight, fuel-optimized builds in every category.

Conclusion

You’ve seen what each trailer parts manufacturer offers—and what makes them different. Whether you need parts for replacement, maintenance, or a fleet expansion, you now have clear options.

I’ve worked with fleets who lost time chasing the wrong suppliers. Don’t wait for that to happen to you. Choose smarter, act faster.

Start now. Dig into the full reviews above and find the partner that fits your business.

Contact us today if you need help making the right choice for your trailer operation.