Heavy commercial trailers are exposed to constant loading, flexing, vibration, road debris, moisture, corrosion and demanding operating conditions.

Over time, those forces can contribute to cracks, damaged mounting points, weakened crossmembers, worn flooring and other structural problems. Damage can also occur during loading, unloading, backing, coupling or an impact.

The right repair depends on the location and extent of the damage, the trailer construction and the way the equipment is used.

Our structural and body repair capabilities include:

• Steel welding and fabrication
• Aluminum welding and fabrication
• Frame and structural repairs
• Crossmember repairs
• Floor repairs
• Roof repairs
• Body and panel repairs
• Pick-up plate repairs
• Structural damage assessments
• Repairs related to commercial trailer safety inspections

Commercial trailers can use steel, aluminum or a combination of materials throughout their frames, bodies and supporting components.

Repairing these materials properly requires suitable equipment, materials and welding techniques.

Trans East Trailers provides steel and aluminum welding and fabrication for commercial trailers, allowing our technicians to address a variety of structural and body repairs without sending the equipment to a general-purpose fabrication shop.

Depending on the trailer and damage involved, welding and fabrication may be required for areas such as:

• Frame components
• Crossmembers and supports
• Body structures
• Mounting points and brackets
• Aluminum trailer components
• Damaged or cracked structural areas
• Pick-up plate assemblies
• Custom repair sections

Our technicians assess the damaged area before recommending the appropriate repair.

The trailer frame and supporting structure carry substantial loads while also absorbing movement and vibration on the road.

Cracks, corrosion, impact damage or deterioration should not be ignored.

Common warning signs can include:

• Visible cracks in structural components
• Damaged or bent structural members
• Broken or deteriorated crossmembers
• Corrosion around load-bearing areas
• Cracking around welds or mounting points
• Uneven or damaged flooring above structural supports
• Visible damage following an impact
• Structural defects identified during a safety inspection

If you are unsure whether visible damage is cosmetic or structural, our service team can inspect the affected area and help determine the appropriate next step.

Trailer floors endure concentrated loads, pallet movement, equipment traffic, moisture and years of repeated loading and unloading.

Damaged flooring can make loading difficult and may also indicate problems with the supporting structure beneath it.

Signs that a trailer floor may need attention include:

• Cracked or broken flooring
• Soft or weakened areas
• Significant wear in high-traffic areas
• Sections that are lifting or separating
• Damage caused by forklifts or cargo
• Deterioration around doors or loading areas
• Damage associated with weakened crossmembers or supports

Trans East Trailers can assess floor damage along with the supporting trailer structure to determine what repairs are required.

Even relatively small roof damage can become a larger problem when moisture enters a commercial trailer.

Roof damage can occur from tree branches, loading equipment, impact, weather exposure or normal wear over time.

Potential signs of a roof problem include:

• Visible punctures or tears
• Water entering the trailer
• Damaged roof sections
• Loose or deteriorated material
• Damage around roof seams or adjoining body components

Addressing roof damage early can help prevent moisture from affecting cargo and other trailer components.

Side panels and other body components protect cargo while contributing to the overall condition and usability of the trailer.

Damage may range from localized dents and punctures to sections requiring more extensive repair.

Our technicians can assess damage to trailer body components and determine whether the affected area can be repaired or whether a damaged section requires replacement or fabrication.

Body repairs may be required following:

• Loading or unloading damage
• Forklift impacts
• Contact with docks or structures
• Road debris
• Cargo movement
• Minor collisions or impacts
• Corrosion or long-term wear

The pick-up plate and coupling area are critical parts of a semi-trailer’s connection to the tractor.

Damage, cracking, corrosion or wear in this area should be professionally assessed.

Trans East Trailers provides commercial trailer pick-up plate repair as part of our Hamilton trailer service capabilities.

If damage is identified during routine maintenance or a commercial trailer inspection, our technicians can explain the repair requirements before work proceeds.

Damage from an accident or impact can affect multiple areas of a commercial trailer, including panels, flooring, supporting structures and other components.

Trans East Trailers is an insurance appraisal and service shop and can assess commercial trailer damage to help determine the repairs required.

Because structural, body, mechanical and electrical systems can sometimes be affected by the same incident, having the trailer assessed by a dedicated commercial trailer service facility can help identify issues beyond the most obvious exterior damage.

Contact our service department to discuss the trailer, the damage involved and the next steps.

Structural defects are among the areas that can be identified during an Ontario commercial trailer safety inspection.

Frame components, crossmembers, body mounts, flooring, doors and other safety-related areas may be examined as part of an applicable inspection.

If your trailer requires structural or body repairs before it can meet inspection requirements, Trans East Trailers can complete many of those repairs at the same Hamilton facility.

This can eliminate the need to move the trailer between an inspection station and a separate repair shop.

Learn more about Annual Trailer Safety Inspections in Ontario.

Our technicians work with a broad range of heavy commercial trailers, including but not limited to:

• Dry van trailers
• Refrigerated trailers
• Flatbed trailers
• Step deck and drop deck trailers
• Dump trailers
• Live bottom and walking-floor trailers
• Hopper and grain trailers
• Equipment and float trailers
• Tag trailers
• Container chassis
• B-train trailers
• Specialized commercial trailers

Structural designs and repair requirements vary significantly between trailer types, so contact our service department if you have questions about a particular trailer or repair.

Some structural problems are obvious. Others start small and become progressively worse through continued loading and road vibration.

Have your trailer inspected if you notice:

• Cracks in the frame, crossmembers or welded areas
• Significant rust or corrosion
• Damaged structural supports
• Sagging or damaged flooring
• Roof or body damage that may extend into the structure
• Cracks around mounting points
• Damage to the pick-up plate area
• New or unusual movement in body components
• Damage following an impact or collision
• A structural defect identified during an annual safety inspection

Continuing to operate a trailer with unresolved structural damage may allow the affected area to deteriorate further.

When in doubt, have the damage assessed before returning the trailer to regular service.

Commercial Trailers Are Our Specialty

Trans East Trailers specializes in heavy commercial trailers. Our service technicians work with a wide variety of highway, vocational and specialized trailer configurations.

Steel & Aluminum Repair Capabilities

Our Hamilton service facility provides both steel and aluminum welding and fabrication, allowing us to address a broad range of commercial trailer construction types.

Structural, Body & Mechanical Service in One Location

Structural damage does not always occur in isolation. When additional maintenance or repair is required, our full-service trailer department can address many mechanical, electrical and structural issues at the same facility.

Fully Stocked Parts Department

Our service team is supported by an extensive commercial trailer parts department, helping reduce delays when replacement components are required.

Clear Repair Recommendations

We assess the affected area and explain the recommended repair so fleet managers and owner-operators can make informed decisions about their equipment.

Convenient Hamilton Location

Our Ontario service facility is located at:

Trans East Trailers Ltd.
35 Hwy 5 West
Hamilton, Ontario L9H 7L5

We serve commercial operators throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Brantford, Oakville, Milton, Cambridge, Niagara and surrounding Southern Ontario communities.