Looking For a Pneumatic Trailer?

What Is a Pneumatic Trailer and How Do They Work?

Pneumatic trailers, also known as dry bulk tanks or dry bulk trailers are specialized transport vessels commonly utilized in the trucking and transportation industry. These trailers consist of metal cylinders featuring a series of cone-shaped hoppers designed for the efficient movement of dry bulk materials. Positioned at the top of each hopper are openings, referred to as "manholes," which facilitate the loading process of dry bulk materials, typically sourced from silos via gravity feed.

At the base of each hopper, known as a "Pod," resides a valve that connects to a pipe system running beneath the trailer. These valves remain closed during the loading phase, ensuring the secure containment of the cargo. However, upon reaching the unloading destination, the driver activates these valves, allowing the dry bulk material to flow out of the hoppers and into the pipe system.

To facilitate the discharge process, a compressor integrated into the truck fluidizes the dry bulk material, effectively propelling it through the discharge hose and into the designated silo. This method stands in contrast to traditional dry bulk bags, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach to transporting and unloading dry bulk materials. We use typically use our pneumatic trailers to haul sand and minerals. Most of it is hauled to foundries in the area. These trailers can be loaded and sealed and then the product can be bottom-dropped or blown off at the delivery location.

How Many Tons Can a Pneumatic Trailer Hold?

The capacity of a pneumatic trailer, in terms of how many tons it can hold, varies depending on several factors including the size and design of the trailer, as well as the density of the material being transported.

Generally, pneumatic trailers come in various sizes and configurations, with capacities typically ranging from 500 cubic feet to over 1,000 cubic feet or more. The weight of the material being transported per cubic foot will determine the total weight the trailer can hold.

For example, if the material being transported has a density of 40 pounds per cubic foot, a 1,000 cubic feet pneumatic trailer could potentially hold up to 40,000 pounds or 20 tons of material. However, it's important to consult the specific specifications provided by the manufacturer and adhere to legal weight limits and regulations governing the transportation of goods.

Do You Have Dry Bulk Cargo To Transport?

Let GFI Transport, Lancaster County’s premier trucking and freight services company, help to get your cargo where it needs to go. We have three decades of experience helping companies meet their supply chain demands. 

How is GFI Different From Other Freight Companies?

A family-owned trucking company, GFI specializes in dry bulk commodities such as grain, feed ingredients, agricultural products, mulch, stone, fertilizer, coal, and alloys.  We take our commitment to clients seriously. As an outgrowth of Garber Farms, Inc., we know firsthand how important it is to have reliable, safe, and timely delivery of your dry bulk commodities. 

Our fleet of trucks is meticulously maintained—with all preventive and routine maintenance performed on-time. We use nothing but the best new and remanufactured parts and most repairs are done here in our own repair shop—currently running 2 shifts Monday through Friday and 1 shift on Saturday. Our diesel mechanics have over 40 years combined experience and our shop manager has been with us for over 20 years.

GFI Transport’s fleet of trailers include:

• Dump Trailers
  
• Hopper Trailers
• Pneumatic Trailers
• Van Trailers