Semi-Trailers for Storage or Cartage: What’s the Difference?

Do you need a semi-trailer for storage or cartage? What’s the difference?
Do you need a semi-trailer for storage or cartage? What’s the difference?

Businesses on the lookout for a semi-trailer for rent or for sale usually want to use it for one of three things: storage, cartage, or over-the-road haulage. In reality, they’ll frequently describe their search in the browser as “semi-trailer for storage,” or “used cartage semi-trailer”. But what exactly do these terms mean, and what kinds of results can they expect from their searches?

Semi-Trailers for Storage

A well-built semi-trailer is essentially a compact building on wheels, which is one of its many advantages. A storage semi-trailer can be the ideal answer for a business in need of room to store anything from raw materials for manufacturing processes to finished products for a variety of reasons, including:

Mobility. A storage semi-trailer may be readily moved to wherever it is needed and then repositioned as required.

Security. If they are in a secure area, semi-trailers can be kept locked or left unlocked for ease of access.

Easy to load and unload. Semi-trailers are high enough to fit into most loading docks, making it simple to carry materials or assets in and out.

There are a few issues that businesses should be aware of when using trailer rentals to accommodate storage needs, just as there are with any storage solution. Many communities, for example, have rules and regulations governing where and how long a semi-trailer can be parked. It is important to investigate and follow those rules. If you can’t park your storage trailer at your business, you can also store it in a secure yard, like our yards in Pacific and Tacoma, WA.

Furthermore, because trailers have moving parts, they must be well-maintained. Before moving a trailer that has been parked for an extended period of time, it is essential to inspect it and perform any necessary maintenance.

Semi-Trailers for Cartage

Cartage is defined as “the transportation of goods by road.” A cartage semi-trailer is used for short distances, such as within a city or commercial area, or within a specified number of miles of a company’s facility. Over the road semi-trailers are used to transport goods or materials over long distances.

Semi-trailers for transporting have the same features as storage semi-trailers. This comprises heavy-duty steel or aluminum construction, a range of door types (roll doors, swing doors, etc.) to handle various loads, spring or air ride suspension, and so on. A good cartage semi-trailer will also come equipped with a real-time GPS tracking device to make fleet administration and mileage tracking easier.

Semi-Trailers Have Different Uses but the Same Benefits

Many of the benefits are the same whether you rent or lease semi-trailers for storage or cartage. This method, for example, enables you to:

  • As economic conditions change, flex your fleet.
  • Lower your overhead costs
  • You’ll have more money to spend on other things.
  • Always use trailers with the most up-to-date technology.

Furthermore, building a relationship with a company that specializes in semi-trailer renting and semi-trailer leasing, such as New Way Leasing, guarantees that you have a resource and someone who is ready to assist if you need additional storage or hauling capacity. Contact us today and let us help you.