5 Uses for Hopper Bottom Trailers

When it comes to the delivery of grain and other similarly sized commodities, you can’t beat a hopper bottom trailer. A hopper bottom trailer may look similar to a typical trailer hauled by semi-tractor, but that is where the similarities end. A hopper is designed to both protect the cargo, and to be able to easily unload it when it reaches its destination. This has made hopper bottoms one of the most popular forms of agricultural transportation.

Different Types of Trailers

Though distinct, a hopper bottom trailer is just one type of trailer among many. Other types include the well-known flatbed trailer, dry vans (aka enclosed trailers), lowboy trailers for heavy loads, and removable gooseneck trails (RNG). The type of trailer needed is of course determined by the cargo that is being hauled. For example, a flatbed trailer would be used to transport everything from lumber to steel pipes due to their extreme versatility. On the other hand, lowboy trailers are ideal for things like construction equipment.

What’s important to remember is that different trailers have different thresholds when it comes to the weight of what they are carrying, and the fact that there are also federal regulations dictating size and weight as well. This can also be a factor in deciding what kind of trailer can be used to transport which kind of cargo.

How Does a Hopper Bottom Trailer Work?

Hopper bottom trailers, sometimes called grain hoppers for their extensive use in transporting grain, are very simple, yet effective machines. The top features a durable rolling tarp which protects the cargo during transportation, yet also allows for easy loading as well. They also have two hoppers for which they are named. One is located in the back, and another in the front. These hoppers allow the cargo to be easily unloaded, and are operated using a crank which controls the sliding plates. This is useful in controlling the output of the hoppers to either increase, or decrease the speed and volume.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of hopper trailers, let’s take a look at their specific uses.

1. Delivering and Dispensing Fertilizer

Hopper bottom trailers are popular in the agriculture industry, and their ability to both transport, and distribute fertilizer is a big reason why. Fertilizer can be easily loaded into the trailer, then when it reaches its destination, the hopper can be used to put it where it needs to go. In some cases the fertilizer can be unloaded into a container beneath the hopper if needed.

2. Delivering and Dispensing Rocks and Pebbles

Hopper bottom trailers are great for delivering rocks and pebbles because the rolling tarp keeps them from flying out during transit. As with fertilizer, the hopper mechanic can be used to dispense the rocks and pebbles in precise locations, such as filling a hole, or it can be used to create a long line of rocks if that is what’s needed.

3. Delivering and Dispensing Grain

Many people looking for hopper bottom trailers for sale want them for this specific reason. As mentioned before, hopper bottoms are the ideal method of transporting grain, and for good reason. The harvested grain can be easily deposited in the trailer, and once it reaches its destination, it can be easily dispensed as required by the client. The rolling tarp keeps the grain safe during transport, and the hoppers allow for easy flow control during unloading.

4. Delivering and Dispensing Soil

This is a popular use of hopper bottoms for the same reason they’re great for fertilizer. The hoppers allow for easy positioning of the soil, such as filling holes, or covering wide areas, making things easy for both the driver, and the client.

5. Delivering and Dispensing Sand

Believe it or not, sand is also a commodity in some industries, and thanks to its small size and granular nature, hopper bottom trailers are the transportation method of choice. Once again the hoppers make for easy dispensing upon reaching the destination, while the rolling tarp allows for easy loading, and keeps the sand from being blown away during transportation.

Agricultural Transportation Made Easy

There’s no doubt that hopper bottom trailers are the best way to transport large numbers of very small objects, such as grain, soil, and fertilizer. This has made them one of the most popular forms of agricultural transportation. Anyone that does transportation for agriculture should have access to a hopper bottom trailer, that’s just a fact.