A trailer is a container on wheels, usually designed to be pulled by a vehicle, and used to haul cargo. Trailers can be used to transport many different types of cargo, including goods, furniture, vehicles, animals, and boats. They are also often used to transport materials for construction and remodeling projects. A trailer may be attached to a truck, or it may be towed behind the vehicle by its own chassis.
The term “trailer” is also used to refer to the receptacle or container itself, especially when it is equipped with rails and ramps on the rear end. If the trailer is without sides, it is generally called a flatbed or a car carrier (also known as an open auto transporter or plant trailer) as it is typically used to carry automobiles and other vehicles. If the trailer has sides and a roof, it is usually called a dry van or box trailer, as it is typically used to transport goods and equipment in a weatherproof compartment.
Trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are generally designed to be easily loaded or unloaded. This allows for maximum efficiency in transportation, and increases the amount of cargo that can be transported. The most common type of trailer is a semi-trailer, which consists of a rigid structure with axles and a cargo-holding unit.
Other trailers are built for specific uses, such as dump trucks, ice cream vans, livestock carriers and tool boxes. They may have fully rigid sides or they may have hinged panels that can be opened to allow access to the cargo. The most specialized trailers are fabricated from special materials such as aluminum or stainless steel to comply with government regulations for safety or environmental reasons.
One of the most important things about a trailer is that it must convey the right tone and create excitement for the movie it advertises. It is crucial that the action sequences in a trailer work in conjunction with the story context, and don’t detract from the plot by having them happen for no reason at all.
Likewise, the comedy in a trailer must work in concert with the story, and not detract from it by having jokes that make no sense at all. This trailer does a poor job of combining these tones, and the overall effect is disappointing.
Some trailers are subject to special rules and restrictions due to their content, for example, trailers for movies featuring violent or graphic violence may be rated higher than those of non-violent films. This is because a trailer can have more impact than the main feature, as it is seen without warning and is shown for a short time period.
The BBFC has an interactive ‘Rate a Trailer’ resource where viewers can try out the role of a Compliance Officer, and rate a trailer that they have watched. To find out more, click here.