Top 7 Truck Trailer Manufacturers in New Zeland

A few years ago, I had to replace a trailer for our small fleet. I figured it would take a day or 2. Instead, I spent a week sorting through unclear specs and mixed reviews.

It was frustrating. I just wanted something that worked and wouldn’t let us down on the road.

That experience pushed me to dig deeper. This list comes from hours of research, supplier records, and feedback from people who use these trailers every day.

This article will help you:

• Save time by comparing top manufacturers in New Zealand
• Learn what each company offers
• Find one that fits your business

Let’s get into it!

Quick Comparison Chart

Choosing the right truck trailer manufacturer can save you money, time, and maintenance stress. Below is a simple comparison of the top 7 trailer manufacturers in New Zealand, based on what they build and offer. This table can help you decide which one fits your industry and transport needs best.

Each manufacturer brings something different to the table. Use this comparison to match your transport goals with the features that matter most for your business.

1. Domett Truck & Trailer

A client I worked with struggled with trailer breakdowns until they switched to Domett. Things improved fast—fewer delays and stronger builds.

Domett Truck & Trailer, based in Tauranga, has been building custom trailers for over 20 years. They focus on strong, lightweight designs built from scratch using computer-tested models for better durability and fuel efficiency.

Products

Domett manufactures a wide range of truck and trailer types, including:

• Curtain siders (trailers with soft, sliding sides for faster loading)
• Platform trailers
• Skeletal trailers (used to carry shipping containers)
• Tipping trailers
• Drop siders
• Livestock trailers
• Custom units for special uses

After Sale Services

Domett provides customer support after delivery. Their team offers advice on trailer use, maintenance tips, and help with performance concerns. They stay in touch with clients to make sure the trailer works as it should on the road.

Manufacturing Services

Domett handles the full process in-house. Services include:

• One-on-one consultations to understand what you need
• Custom design using computer testing
• Fabrication using steel and aluminum
• Painting, finishing, and final quality checks
• Delivery of completed units

Key Takeaway

Domett Truck & Trailer is a strong choice if you need a custom-built trailer that performs well under pressure. Their designs are light but durable, which helps save on fuel and reduce breakdowns. However, since every trailer is made to order, you might face a longer wait time and higher cost compared to standard models. Still, for long-term value, they’re worth considering.

Contact Info

• Location: 74 Whiore Avenue, Tauriko, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 7 543 8026 / [email protected]

2. Transfleet Trailers

Back when I worked with a bulk cartage operator, their biggest problem was trailer weight. Loads were fine, but fuel costs were climbing. They tried a Transfleet unit—and within weeks, things changed. Lighter build, lower fuel use, and smoother operations.

Transfleet Trailers is based in Wiri, Auckland and has been operating since 1983. They focus on bulk transport trailers with designs built for efficiency and strength. Their units are widely used in agriculture, feed transport, construction, and general freight.

They are also known for working closely with customers to improve trailer design, durability, and ease of use.

Products

Transfleet manufactures:

• Aluminum and steel tipper bodies
• Livestock trailers
• High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs)
• Feed delivery units
• Walking floor trailers
• ROC-TUFF steel plate truck bodies

After Sale Services

• Maintenance and repair support
• Parts replacements
• On-call service teams
• Performance checks and tuning

Manufacturing Services

• Full design and build process
• Use of light yet strong materials
• In-house fabrication
• Refurbishments and rebuilds

Key Takeaway

Transfleet is a strong pick for businesses moving bulk goods, feed, or heavy materials. Their lightweight trailers save fuel and reduce wear. If you’re focused on efficiency, they check all the boxes. However, if you’re looking for trailer types outside the bulk sector, your options may be limited.

Contact Info

• Location: 42 Hobill Avenue, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 9 277 6696 / [email protected]

3. TMC Trailers Ltd

TMC Trailers is based in Christchurch with workshops also in Auckland and Hamilton. They’ve been operating for over 75 years, building custom heavy transport trailers for New Zealand roads. Their designs are known for being tough and long-lasting, suited to demanding industries.

They’ve produced over 4,500 trailers since they started. Each build is tailored to meet the needs of industries like freight, logistics, and construction.

Products

• Curtainsiders
• Transporters
• Full trailers and semi-trailers
• Custom builds for bulk or specialty hauling
• Truck bodies for various applications

After Sale Services

• Trailer servicing and repairs
• Vehicle inspections
• On-site workshop services
• Support after delivery

Manufacturing Services

• Full in-house design and production
• Heavy-duty fabrication
• Welding, assembly, and painting
• Customer-specific builds

Key Takeaway

I once spoke to a fleet manager who switched to TMC after years of repairs with another brand. “Built like tanks,” he said. TMC’s trailers hold up under pressure. They’re ideal if you’re in freight or construction. One downside? Turnaround times may be longer because of how thorough the builds are.

Contact Info

• Location: 22 Edmonton Road, Hornby, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 3 344 5417 / [email protected]

4. Fruehauf NZ Ltd

We once had a client handling both general freight and livestock. They needed trailers that could do both with minimal fuss. They chose Fruehauf. The trailers performed well, handled rough roads, and needed fewer adjustments over time.

Fruehauf NZ is based in Wiri, Auckland and has served the road transport sector in New Zealand for over 15 years. Their focus is on building trailers that boost both productivity and profit for operators. They offer flexible, purpose-built trailers for different load types—from containers to livestock.

Products

• Curtainsiders
• Skeletal trailers
• Tipping trailers
• Livestock transporters
• Hardsiders and flat decks
• Specialized builds

After Sale Services

• Trailer repairs and maintenance
• Refurbishments
• Modification services
• Second-hand trailer sales

Manufacturing Services

• Custom design and builds
• Material cutting, assembly, and finishing
• Strength testing and quality checks
• Optional modifications based on user needs

Key Takeaway

Fruehauf is great for companies needing trailer variety—whether you’re hauling animals or containers. Their builds are solid and easy to maintain. The trade-off? Since they build to order, lead times can stretch, and pricing is usually on the higher side compared to standard models.

Contact Info

• Location: 44 Ash Road, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 9 277 0045 / [email protected]

5. Fairfax Industries

One of our food distribution partners was struggling with temperature control during deliveries. Their standard trailers just didn’t hold the cold. They switched to Fairfax, and the difference was immediate. Their frozen goods arrived in better condition—and complaints dropped.

Fairfax Industries is based in Auckland and has been around since 1971. They specialize in fiberglass truck and trailer bodies. These are ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, or furniture. Unlike metal bodies, fiberglass offers better insulation and resists rust over time. Fairfax uses one-piece molded fiberglass construction for strength and durability, reducing leaks and wear.

Products

• Refrigerated trailers
• Furniture and metro delivery bodies
• Fiberglass bonded panel truck bodies
• B-trains (multi-unit trailers for large freight)

After Sale Services

• Repair services for fiberglass damage
• Maintenance of insulation and seals
• Modifications to existing bodies

Manufacturing Services

• Full in-house fiberglass molding
• Custom builds for specific industry needs
• Structural repairs and rebuilds

Key Takeaway

Fairfax is a strong choice if you’re in food, medical, or furniture delivery. Their trailers are reliable in wet and cold conditions. One trade-off is that fiberglass, while durable, can crack under impact and might be harder to fix in remote areas.

Contact Info

• Location: 19 Noel Burnside Road, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 9 277 7695 / [email protected]

6. Freighter New Zealand

Freighter New Zealand has been part of the transport industry since 1946. They’re known for making durable, custom-built truck trailers. They operate across the country and are backed by Tourism Holdings Ltd, a major name in New Zealand’s vehicle and tourism sectors.

Freighter focuses on building strong steel and aluminum trailers for everyday freight tasks. They make both full and semi-trailers and handle custom work for specialized transport needs. Their trailers are widely used in logistics, freight forwarding, and regional transport.

Products

• B-trains and semi-trailers
• Flat decks
• Refrigerated and dry goods bodies
• Curtain side bodies
• Skeletal and rigid body trailers

After Sale Services

• Trailer maintenance and inspections
• Structural repairs and upgrades
• Refurbishment services

Manufacturing Services

• Design and build of trailer bodies
• Steel and aluminum fabrication
• Custom load-bearing structure development

Key Takeaway

I spoke with a regional freight company using Freighter trailers for over ten years. “They just last,” the manager told me. Freighter is a great fit if you want durability and support across New Zealand. Just keep in mind—because of their scale, smaller clients might face longer queues for custom jobs.

Contact Info

• Location: 9 Washbournes Road , Wigram , Christchurch 8042
• Phone/Email: +64 9 267 6700 / [email protected]

7. Steelbro

Years ago, I visited a port operator handling constant container loads. Their biggest struggle? Unloading without delays. They had just brought in Steelbro sidelifters. The change was huge. Faster turnaround, less manual work, and lower fuel use on double-handling.

Steelbro, founded in 1878, is based in Christchurch. They’re known for their container-handling equipment, especially sidelifters—trailers that can lift and unload containers on their own. This is useful at ports, rail yards, and industrial sites where cranes or forklifts aren’t always available.

Products

• Sidelifters (self-loading container trailers)
• Intermodal transport trailers
• Semi-trailers with lifting gear
• Specialized lifting equipment for container transport

After Sale Services

• Maintenance for lifting systems
• Parts and support for hydraulic systems
• Operator training on sidelifters

Manufacturing Services

• Custom builds for lifting and transport
• Safety features and stability testing
• Container trailer design and engineering

Key Takeaway

Steelbro is ideal if you’re moving shipping containers and need fast loading without extra machines. Their sidelifters are strong and reliable. But because their focus is narrow, they may not offer options if you need more traditional trailers.

Contact Info

• Location: 135 Main South Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Phone/Email: +64 3 348 8121 / [email protected]

Struggling to Find the Right Truck Trailer Manufacturer in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, choices can feel limited. Some trailers look great on paper but fall short when put to work. Others take months to deliver or don’t offer the features you need.

Have you ever felt like you’re just picking the least risky option, not the best one?

That’s why I started looking outside the usual market. Over time, I found that China has become a practical choice, especially for businesses needing more flexibility and faster turnaround.

One manufacturer that really stood out to me was Rhinotrail. Here’s what impressed me:

• They’re serious about quality—every build goes through strict checks
• Their trailers meet international safety standards
• Pricing is clear and fair
• They understand export requirements for NZ and Australia
• Communication is fast, and timelines are reliable

If you’re tired of slow replies, long waits, or just not getting what you asked for, Rhinotrail might be the right next step. Contact us now!

Conclusion

Finding the right trailer manufacturer in New Zealand isn’t always simple. But now, you’ve got a clear breakdown of the top options—what they offer, who they serve, and how they can help you move forward.

And if you’re open to exploring international suppliers, Rhinotrail from China is also worth considering. They’re known for providing reliable, cost-effective trailer solutions that many New Zealand businesses are now taking advantage of.

Remember that company I worked with who switched from unreliable trailers? Their operations are now running smoother than ever. Yours can too.

You don’t need to keep guessing. Take the first step toward smarter decisions and dependable equipment.

What’s holding you back from choosing a better trailer partner?

Contact us today—we’re here to help you get it right the first time.