Semi-trailers are trailers without a front axle, in which the front load is transferred from the kingpin to the tractor unit via a fifth wheel. They are the standard means of transport in European long-distance haulage.
The main types are curtainsider/tarpaulin semi-trailers (standard for general general cargo), box semi-trailers (enclosed, solid-sided), refrigerated semi-trailers with deep-freeze units, tipper semi-trailers for bulk goods, flatbed semi-trailers for steel and long loads, container chassis for 20/40-foot containers, tank semi-trailers for liquids, and low-loader semi-trailers for heavy haulage.
Common manufacturers include Schmitz Cargobull, Krone, Kögel, Fliegl, Wielton, LeciTrailer, Lamberet, Chereau and Goldhofer (specialising in low-loaders).
Semi-trailers are used in national and international freight transport, in food distribution (refrigerated trailers), in the construction industry (tippers, low-loaders), for container handling in ports, and by freight forwarders for general cargo and full-load transport.