What is an Office Trailer? Types, Sizes & Uses

We, Excel Trailers(ET), are the company that leases and sells office trailers. Let's talk about what office trailers actually are, how to choose them, what to pay attention to, and how to estimate crew size for your Office trailer.

An office trailer also known as a mobile or portable office, is a temporary structure used as office space on construction sites, industrial plants, or other locations where establishing a permanent office may be impossible or impractical. These trailers are often made of sturdy materials such as steel or aluminum and are designed for easy transportation from one location to another.

There are several types of office trailers, including:

1. Smaller and more compact trailers, suitable for small construction projects or temporary office needs.
2. Larger trailers that offer more space, often with multiple rooms or partitions for various functions such as offices, conference rooms, and rest areas.
3. Modular office buildings - these are larger structures constructed from several interconnected modules or sections. They can provide larger office space and may include amenities such as bathrooms and mini-kitchens.
4. Custom trailers. Some companies offer customized office trailers to meet specific needs or requirements, such as adding additional features like toilets, conference rooms, or storage spaces.

Also, office trailers can be divided based on the presence or absence of wheels. Wheeled and skidded office trailers are two common types of mobile office structures, each offering unique benefits and applications.

Wheeled Office Trailers

Wheeled office trailers are designed to be easily transportable from one location to another, typically by towing them with a vehicle equipped for such tasks. These trailers are often mounted on axles and equipped with wheels, allowing for convenient relocation as needed. Wheeled office trailers are suitable for short-term projects or situations where mobility is essential, such as construction sites, temporary office expansions, or events. They offer flexibility in deployment and can be quickly moved to different sites as project requirements change. Additionally, wheeled office trailers are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different space and functional needs.

Skidded Office Trailers

Skidded office trailers, on the other hand, are designed to be placed on a foundation or support structure known as skids rather than being mounted on wheels. Skidded trailers are often used in situations where mobility is less critical, and the office space is intended to remain in one location for an extended period. These trailers are typically transported to the site using a flatbed truck or other heavy equipment and then positioned onto the skids using a crane or forklift. Skidded office trailers offer stability and permanence, making them suitable for long-term projects, remote work locations, or situations where a semi-permanent office solution is required. They can also be customized and outfitted with amenities such as HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical connections to provide a comfortable and functional workspace.

Common Uses of Office Trailers

• Construction Sites: Office trailers are often used as temporary administrative offices, meeting spaces, and storage facilities on construction sites. They provide a centralized location for project managers, engineers, contractors, and other personnel to coordinate activities, conduct meetings, and manage documentation.
• Industrial Facilities: In industrial plants such as oil refineries, power stations, and manufacturing plants, office trailers are used for on-site administrative tasks, safety meetings, equipment inspections, and project management. They offer convenient workspace near operations, minimizing disruptions to ongoing activities.
• Government and Municipal Projects: Government agencies often use office trailers for temporary offices, permit issuance points, public information centers, and emergency response headquarters. They provide a flexible solution that can be quickly deployed to perform various government functions.
• Events and Festivals: Office trailers serve as local command centers, ticket booths, first aid stations, and administrative offices at events, festivals, fairs, and concerts.
• Healthcare Facilities: During renovations, expansions, or emergencies, healthcare facilities may use office trailers to provide temporary administrative offices, patient registration areas, storage for medical equipment, or vaccination clinics.
• Remote and Autonomous Locations: In remote or autonomous locations such as mines, oil fields, and deserts, office trailers serve as essential infrastructure for administrative tasks, project management, and employee accommodations.

Key Benefits of Office Trailers

1. Office trailers are portable structures that can be easily transported from one location to another. This mobility allows businesses to quickly create temporary offices at remote or temporary job sites, construction projects, emergency response areas, and event venues.
2. Compared to constructing permanent buildings, office trailers are a more affordable option. They require lower initial investments and incur lower ongoing operational costs.
3. Office trailers can be delivered and installed in a very short period of time compared to the time required for building traditional office spaces. This rapid deployment allows businesses to quickly establish work sites, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
4. Office trailers come in various sizes, configurations, and layouts to suit different needs and preferences. They can be customized and equipped with amenities such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electricity, internet connectivity, and furniture.
5. Businesses experiencing growth or fluctuating space needs can easily customize their office trailer to accommodate changing demands. Additional trailers can be added or removed as needed.
6. Office trailers provide temporary office solutions for businesses undergoing renovations, expansions, or relocations. They enable uninterrupted operations during transitions.

How to Choose an Office Trailer

1. Determine the amount of space needed for office operations, including workspace, meeting rooms, storage areas, and amenities.
2. Consider the configuration options available for the office trailer. Evaluate whether the layout and floor plan align with your workflow and functional requirements.
3. Identify the amenities and features necessary to create a comfortable and functional workspace, such as HVAC, electrical outlets, lighting, insulation, windows, doors, furniture, internet connectivity, and security systems.
4. Determine the level of mobility required, considering factors such as transportation, installation, and relocation.
5. Evaluate the quality and durability of the office trailer construction, including the materials used, structural integrity, weather resistance, and overall assembly quality.
6. Establish a budget for purchasing, leasing, or renting the office trailer, considering upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and any additional fees for delivery, setup, maintenance, and removal.
7. Ensure that the office trailer complies with relevant building codes, safety standards, zoning regulations, and environmental requirements in your region.

Our company, Excel Trailers(ET), offers all types of office trailers that meet basic requirements. We not only provide trailer rental services but also offer sales of new and used trailers.

Additionally, we can help outfit the interior space of the trailers. We offer rentals of various types of furniture, equipment, and can customize them according to the client's needs. We can deliver trailers to your desired location within Alberta, but we also provide accessories for self-transportation, from various mounts to wheel protection.