What Talbert Manufacturing does

Talbert Manufacturing, Inc. is a privately held, U.S.-based specialized heavy-haul trailer manufacturer founded in 1938 by Austin Talbert in Lyons, Illinois. Since 1957 the company has operated from a single headquarters and manufacturing plant in Rensselaer, Indiana (1628 W. State Rd. 114), with an additional expanded facility in North Carolina brought online in 2019. The company designs and builds custom and standard heavy-haul trailers for transportation of oversized, heavy, and specialized equipment across construction, military, oil field/energy, aerospace, commercial hauling, government, rail, agricultural, and material-handling applications. Product lines include a Heavy Haul Series (35CC through 65SA close-couple lowbeds and spread-axle lowboys with 70,000–140,000 lb. capacities), Double Drop and Oil Field Series, Tag-a-Long and Air Tilt Series (10–50 ton), Traveling Axle and Hydraulic Tail Series, plus a 6 Axle Steer Dolly.

Core technology is mechanical and hydraulic rather than electronic: high-strength T1A heat-treated steel construction (100,000 psi minimum yield), non-ground-bearing hydraulic removable gooseneck (HRG) designs, air ride suspension, self-steering axles, telescopic extendable decks up to 20 feet, and the proprietary E-Nitro nitrogen-assisted axle extension dampening systems (E1Nitro/E2Nitro/E3Nitro). Talbert claims several industry-first innovations still in use, including the original lowbed removable gooseneck (1947 era), the first non-ground engaging hydraulic removable gooseneck, first use of T1A steel, first air suspensions, and first self-steering axles.

The business model is direct-to-customer quote-based custom manufacturing supplemented by a nationwide authorized dealer network across the U.S. and Canada. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customers request quotes via the company website, toll-free line, or regional sales managers covering Northeast, Great Lakes, Southeast, West/Midwest, Canada, and International territories. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time equipment sales of custom and standard trailers, with aftermarket parts and warranty support providing secondary recurring touchpoints. Lead times and unit prices vary materially with configuration. The company is registered as a small business with the SBA, holds US DOT/NHTSA Vehicle Manufacturer ID '40F', CAGE 18634, and DUNS 005080122, and operates with 101–250 employees under president Andy Tanner.

Name

Talbert Manufacturing

Legal name

Talbert Manufacturing, Inc.

Website

https://talbertmfg.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1938

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Talbert Manufacturing is a privately held U.S. heavy-haul trailer manufacturer founded in 1938, designing custom and standard lowboys, double drops, oil field, tag-a-long, and traveling-axle trailers serving construction, military, oil field, aerospace, and commercial haulers across North America via dealers and direct sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heavy Haul Trailers

NAICS

Truck Trailer Manufacturing (336212), Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing (3362)

SIC

Truck Trailers (3715)

akta.pro primary industry

Semi-Trailer Manufacturing (Dry Van/Reefer/Tanker/Lowboy) (IMACAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialized Trailer & Heavy Transport Equipment Providers (SPMT, Lowboy, Multi-Axle) (TLADAGAM)

Keywords

• Heavy haul trailers
• Lowboy trailers
• Hydraulic removable gooseneck
• Traveling axle trailers
• Specialized transportation equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Rensselaer

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Heavy Haul Trailer Sales: Talbert Manufacturing generates revenue primarily through the sale of custom and standard heavy haul trailers. The company manufactures to customer specifications, offering both standard models and fully customized solutions. Trailers range from 10-ton capacity tag-a-long trailers to 140,000 lb. capacity modular trailers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Talbert Manufacturing engineers and manufactures a wide variety of heavy capacity trailers and specialized transportation equipment. Their product portfolio spans five series — Heavy Haul, Double Drop, Oil Field, Tag-a-Long & Air Tilt, and Traveling Axle & Hydraulic Tail — plus a 6 Axle Steer Dolly, with trailer capacities ranging from 20,000 lb. tag-a-long units up to 140,000 lb. modular heavy haul trailers. Trailers are available as standard models or fully customized to customer specifications and are sold primarily through a North American authorized dealer network and direct factory sales.

Product overview

Talbert Manufacturing is a specialized heavy-haul trailer manufacturer offering custom-built equipment trailers for commercial, construction, military, aerospace, and energy applications. The product portfolio consists of multiple trailer series: Heavy Haul Series (close couple lowbeds, spread axle lowboys including 35CC/50CC/55CC/55SA/60SA/60SA-RC/65SA models, and roller paver trailers); Double Drop Series (fixed, hydraulic, and mechanical removable gooseneck configurations, plus extendable models); Oil Field Series (60FG, 65FG, and drop deck models); Tag-a-Long Series (AC-10, AC-20, AC3-25 with air tilt variants); Traveling Axle Series (4048TA through 5553TA models); and Hydraulic Tail Series (35HT). Additional offerings include a 6 Axle Steer Dolly and a Weight Distribution Calculator tool. The company serves North American markets through a dealer network, providing both standard models and fully customizable solutions since 1938.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 65SA Modular Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Heavy-haul modular trailer with removable axle configurations, offering 130,000 lb. capacity in 5-axle setup or 140,000 lb. in 4-axle close couple, featuring non-ground bearing gooseneck design and air ride suspension. Built with high strength 100,000 psi minimum yield steel for construction, military, and commercial heavy haul.
• 55SA Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Custom-designed spread axle lowboy trailer with 110,000 lb. capacity in half deck length, available in drop deck/raised center, beam deck, or flat deck versions for heavy haul construction and commercial applications.
• 55SA-RC Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Custom-built spread axle trailer with 110,000 lb. capacity, 22 in. mainbeams, 15-1/2 in. loaded side height, featuring extra deep boom well in rear bridge for construction and heavy haul users.
• 55SA-HX Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Heavy-haul spread axle trailer with four hydraulic cylinders for enhanced lifting power, offering 110,000 lb. capacity with 3+1 axle configuration for high-load operations.
• 55SA TELE Spread Axle Extendable Trailer Telescopic extendable trailer with hydraulic removable gooseneck, featuring deck lengths from 32 ft. 6 in. to 54 ft. 0 in., with 110,000 lb. capacity in 14 ft. two-point rigid load base; paired with the E3Nitro nitrogen-assisted dampening system for extended trailer configurations.
• 60SA Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Customized heavy-haul trailer with 120,000 lb. capacity in half deck length, available in drop deck, beam deck, or flat deck configurations for commercial heavy haul applications.
• 60SA-RC Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Engineered spread axle trailer with 120,000 lb. capacity, 22 in. loaded deck height, 108 in. swing radius and 4th axle capability for demanding heavy haul applications.
• 60CC/55SA-LD Spread Axle Lowboy Trailer Low-profile trailer with 18 in. loaded deck height, 110,000 lb. capacity with 4-axle close couple configuration, featuring E1Nitro axle extension capability for low clearance heavy haul loads.
• 55CC Close Couple Lowbed Trailer Non-ground bearing hydraulic gooseneck trailer with 110,000 lb. capacity, featuring low-pressure hydraulics for wide tractor compatibility across mixed fleets.
• 50CC Close Couple Lowbed Trailer Lowbed trailer with non-ground bearing design, 102,000 lb. capacity in half deck length, featuring 96 in. swing radius and optional 4th axle for medium-to-heavy haul loads.
• 35CC Close Couple Lowbed Trailer Compact lowbed trailer with 70,000 lb. capacity, featuring non-ground bearing design with low-pressure hydraulics and adjustable ride height for lighter heavy haul operations.
• 55CC-RP Roller Paver Trailer Specialized trailer for roller and paver transport with 110,000 lb. distributed capacity, low-profile HRG gooseneck design, and 3 in. high roller stop for the road construction industry.
• 35CC-RP Roller Paver Trailer Roller paver trailer with 70,000 lb. capacity, featuring Talbert's signature gooseneck design and exceptional safety rating for roller and paver transport in road construction.
• 35 Ton Sloping Paver Trailers Tapered deck trailer with 5-foot slope for roller accommodation, featuring 1/4 in. steel floor plate combined with apitong flooring for rear bridge strength in paving applications.
• 6 Axle Steer Dolly Heavy-haul specialty dolly with automatic and manual steering modes, hydraulic raising and lowering bunk assembly, designed for self-supporting loads such as bridge beams and steel girders.
• 30-55 FG Double Drop Trailers Fixed gooseneck double drop trailers with 60,000-110,000 lb. capacity, available in drop deck, beam deck, or flat deck configurations for low clearance heavy haul loads.
• 30-55 HRG Double Drop Trailers Hydraulic removable gooseneck double drop trailers with 60,000-110,000 lb. capacity, tailored to specific operational requirements for varying heavy haul needs.
• 30-55 SRG Double Drop Trailers Mechanical removable gooseneck double drop trailers with 60,000-110,000 lb. capacity, featuring full capacity evenly distributed with 18 in. loaded deck height.
• 30-55 Extendable Double Drop Trailers Extendable double drop trailers with mechanical removable gooseneck, featuring 48 ft. closed deck length and hydraulic support arm for increased versatility with long loads.
• 60FG Oil Field Trailers Fixed gooseneck oil field trailer with 120,000 lb. distributed capacity, designed for the rugged demands of hauling equipment to and from oil field sites in the energy sector.
• 65FG Oil Field Trailers Heavy-duty oil field trailer with 130,000 lb. distributed capacity, featuring fixed gooseneck narrow type with high arch profile for harsh oil field conditions and remote wellsite hauling.
• Drop Deck Oil Field Trailers Drop deck oil field trailers engineered for tough demanding hauls, with 110,000 lb. distributed capacity and 35-42 in. loaded deck height for energy sector equipment transport.
• AC-10 Tag-a-Long Trailer Entry-level tag-a-long trailer with 20,000 lb. (10-ton) capacity, designed for day-to-day hauling with tough and dependable performance for routine commercial use.
• AC-20 Tag-a-Long Trailer Tag-a-long trailer with 40,000 lb. (20-ton) capacity, featuring 32-1/4 in. loaded deck height and self-cleaning spring-assisted ramps for reliable everyday commercial hauling.
• AC3-25 Tag-a-Long Trailer Heavy-duty tag-a-long trailer with 32-3/4 in. loaded deck height and 29 ft. deck length, designed for consistent heavy loads with operational flexibility.
• AC3-20ART Air Tilt Trailer Air tilt trailer with 40,000 lb. capacity and two air bag air tilt deck design for quick loading and increased productivity.
• AC3-25ART Air Tilt Trailer Air tilt trailer with 50,000 lb. capacity, featuring 33 in. loaded deck height and two air bag tilt deck design for minimized loading times.
• 35HT Hydraulic Tail Trailers Hydraulic tail trailer with 70,000 lb. capacity, featuring rear folding tail with 20,000 lb. lifting capability and superior loading flexibility.
• 4048TA Traveling Axle Trailers Traveling axle trailer with 80,000 lb. distributed capacity, designed for low clearance and dead load transport with 48 ft. deck length.
• 4050TA Traveling Axle Trailers Traveling axle trailer with 50 ft. deck length, engineered for low clearance and dead load challenges with ease of transport.
• 4053TA Traveling Axle Trailers Traveling axle trailer with 80,000 lb. distributed capacity and 53 ft. deck length, designed to make transporting low clearance loads effortless.
• 5548TA Traveling Axle Trailers Traveling axle trailer with 80,000 lb. distributed capacity, featuring 48 ft. deck length for handling low clearance and dead loads.
• 5553TA Traveling Axle Trailers Heavy-capacity traveling axle trailer with 110,000 lb. distributed capacity, featuring 53 ft. deck length and 8 ft. 6 in. wide deck.

Quantifiable outcome

• Trailers built with high strength 100,000 psi minimum yield steel
• +1 more outcomes

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Aero IndustriesminorOthersSupplier of components for Talbert trailers. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.
• Oversees Hardwood (OHC)minorOthersSupplier of hardwood products (Apitong flooring) used in Talbert trailer decks. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.
• Phillips IndustriesTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of electrical and connection components for Talbert trailers. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.
• Ridewell SuspensioncoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary suspension supplier for Talbert trailers. Ridewell air ride suspension is a standard or optional feature across multiple trailer models including the 65SA Modular, 55SA TELE, and traveling axle series. Listed as key component supplier.
• Rosenboom Machine and ToolminorOthersSupplier of machined components for Talbert trailers. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.
• Toyo TiresminorOthersTire supplier for Talbert trailers. Toyo tires are specified as original equipment on various trailer models. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.
• TruckersEdge Load BoardminorOthersLoad board integration for Talbert trailer customers to find hauling opportunities. Listed among authorized suppliers on the Talbert Manufacturing website.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fontaine Trailer Company: Fontaine is one of the largest North American manufacturers of heavy haul lowboy and flatbed trailers, directly competing with Talbert across drop-deck, extendable, and specialized equipment trailers for construction and oversize loads. Like Talbert, Fontaine sells through a dealer network and emphasizes customization for heavy haul applications.
• Felling Trailers: Felling manufactures a broad line of specialized trailers including heavy haul lowboys, drop decks, and custom configurations serving construction, energy, and commercial hauling—the same verticals as Talbert. Both companies operate with a custom-build model and dealer-supported distribution.
• Kalyn Siebert: Kalyn Siebert is a US manufacturer specializing in heavy haul and specialized trailers with capacities up to 200,000 lb., directly competing with Talbert in the oversize/heavy equipment transport segment. Both companies focus on custom, high-capacity equipment for military, construction, and industrial applications.
• Landoll Corporation: Landoll manufactures specialty trailers including heavy haul lowboys, hydraulic tail trailers, and traveling axle models that compete head-to-head with Talbert's Heavy Haul, Hydraulic Tail, and Traveling Axle series. Landoll also serves construction, agricultural, and military end markets through a dealer network.
• Trail-Eze Trailers: Trail-Eze is a long-established manufacturer of heavy haul lowboy and detachable gooseneck trailers, directly overlapping with Talbert's core product categories. Trail-Eze competes in the same construction, energy, and oversize load verticals with comparable custom-built, high-capacity equipment.
• Doonan Specialized Trailer: Doonan specializes in heavy haul, drop deck, and specialized trailers for construction, oil field, and oversize equipment transport—the same niche Talbert serves. Both manufacturers emphasize custom engineering and heavy haul expertise.
• Manac Inc. Manac is one of Canada's largest semi-trailer manufacturers producing a range of specialty trailers, including heavy haul and drop-deck configurations comparable to Talbert's offerings. Manac serves North American customers through a dealer network and competes in similar construction and oversize load markets.
• XL Specialized Trailers: XL Specialized is a heavy haul specialty trailer manufacturer producing lowboys, double drops, extendable, and hydraulic detachables that directly overlap Talbert's product range. XL serves similar construction, agricultural, oil field, and oversize load customers across North America.

Broad incumbents

• Wabash National Corporation: Wabash National is one of North America's largest trailer OEMs with broad product lines across dry vans, refrigerated trailers, platform trailers, and specialized heavy haul (including Eager Beaver and DuraPlate heavy haul models). Wabash competes with Talbert in heavy haul but operates at substantially greater scale and broader portfolio.
• Great Dane Trailers: Great Dane is a major North American trailer manufacturer offering dry vans, refrigerated, flatbed, and specialty trailers including heavy haul equipment, competing with Talbert from a broader OEM scale. The company serves construction, energy, and commercial hauling customers through a substantial dealer footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Talbert Manufacturing