What is a Storage Pig Trailer? A short, useful guide December 2, 2020 Info By Kunal Kathuria Tank Trailer Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email to a Friend Updated August 2025: This article has been revised with the latest details on storage pig trailers. Efficient management of dry bulk materials is essential across various industries, including construction, oil and gas, mining, and agriculture. Storage pig trailers, also known as cement pigs, horizontal silos, or guppy trailers, provide a versatile, high-capacity solution for on-site storage and controlled dispensing of dry bulk materials such as cement, fly ash, lime, drilling additives, and more. These portable horizontal silo systems are specifically designed to safely store and dispense dry bulk materials directly at job sites, providing a reliable, contamination-free supply while protecting the raw material from moisture, dust, and environmental exposure. Unlike traditional stationary silos, storage pig trailers offer the flexibility to move with your project needs—without the cost or commitment of permanent infrastructure. For professionals and executives responsible for bulk material logistics, understanding the design, function, and strategic benefits of storage pig trailers can drive better material handling, reduced waste, and cost savings. This article covers everything you need to know about storage pig trailers, from their design and function to their strategic advantages they bring to the job site. In this article What is a storage pig trailer Key Features of storage pig trailers Components & structure Why is it called a storage pig? How Does a Storage Pig Trailer Work? Key Benefits of Storage Pig Trailers Common Applications of Storage Pig Trailers Choosing the Right Storage Pig Trailer Why Consider Storage Pig Trailers? Is a Storage Pig Trailer Right for Your Operation? Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Storage Pig Trailer? Storage pig trailers, often simply called storage pigs, are large, horizontal silo tank trailers designed for high-volume, on-site storage and controlled dispensing of dry bulk materials such as cement, fly ash, sand, and lime. Unlike trailers meant for long-distance transportation, storage pigs function as temporary, movable silos placed directly at job sites. Their horizontal design allows for stable storage, easy access, and efficient material flow. Most storage pig trailers come equipped with a diesel or electric motor and a blower system, to allow quick, dust-free loading and unloading. Key Features of a Storage Pig Trailer High-Capacity Storage Storage pig trailers are built to hold large volumes of dry bulk materials, minimizing the need for multiple smaller silos or frequent refills. Standard capacities are around 4,000 cu ft (≈450 tons), with options for higher volumes or specialized coatings. Smooth Discharge Built-in pneumatic systems (diesel or electric blowers) and multiple valve controls deliver precise, dust-controlled unloading into mixers, silos, or processing units. Moisture & Contamination Protection Airtight seals and filtration systems keep stored materials dry and clean, while vents minimize dust emissions—ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. Portable Yet Stationary Use Rugged chassis and air-ride suspensions let you set these trailers in place as temporary silos and relocate them easily between job sites—no permanent infrastructure required. Main Components and Structure Storage pig trailers typically consist of the following essential components: Tank/Silo Body: Durable cylindrical structure usually built from carbon steel, offering secure storage. Pneumatic Loading and Unloading Systems: Compressed air systems facilitating quick, efficient transfer of materials. Pressure and Vacuum Systems:Ensure consistent internal pressure and smooth material flow. Valves, Gauges, and Controls: Allow precise monitoring and control during filling and discharge. Dust Suppression and Air Filtration Equipment: Maintain environmental compliance and minimize airborne particles. Chassis: Robust trailer base that ensures easy movement and long-term durability. Blower and Motor: Most storage pig trailers are fitted with a diesel or electric motor and a blower system, mounted on the front or near the trailer to allow fast, efficient, and dust-free loading and unloading of materials. Anatomy of a Storage Pig Trailer Why Is It Called a “Pig” Trailer? Now that we’ve covered what storage pig trailers are and how they function, let’s take a quick look at where the name comes from. These horizontal portable silos go by several names depending on the industry, including storage pigs, guppies, horizontal silos, and sometimes even storage bins. Each name reflects either their shape, function, or usage, but they all refer to the same high-capacity, portable bulk storage solution. The term “pig” trailer comes from its large, rounded shape, which resembles the body of a pig. This nickname has been widely adopted in the construction industry to refer to these high-capacity storage silos. Some also refer to them as “guppy trailers” due to their visual similarity to a guppy fish. These names help differentiate storage pig trailers from other bulk storage options while emphasizing their sturdy and practical design. How Does a Storage Pig Trailer Work? Storage pig trailers function as temporary storage units for bulk materials, ensuring a steady supply at job sites. Once placed on-site, they allow for controlled loading, storage, and dispensing of materials like cement, fly ash, lime, or drilling additives—right where they’re needed. Loading the Trailer: Dry bulk materials are loaded into the storage pig pneumatically using a blower and a motor. On-Site Storage: The trailer’s horizontal tank keeps materials secured in a sealed, weather-resistant environment, preventing contamination and moisture ingress. Unloading / Controlled Dispensing: When it's time to use the material, the blower (powered by a diesel or electric motor) pressurizes the tank and forces the material out through discharge lines, directing it into silos, hoppers, or machinery. Read more: Loading and Unloading of Storage Pig Trailers Key Benefits of Storage Pig Trailers Maximized Project Uptime Keep essential materials like cement or fly ash readily available on-site to avoid delays from delivery gaps or supply chain disruptions. Lower Infrastructure & Transport Costs Reduce reliance on permanent silos and frequent shipments, cutting capital expenses and recurring logistics costs. Improved Material Integrity Sealed, airtight design protects materials from moisture and contamination so they remain in optimal condition until use. Safer, Cleaner Worksites Built-in dust suppression and pressurized systems reduce airborne particles during loading/unloading and support compliance. Scalable & Site-Ready Mobile design makes relocation between job sites easy—ideal for temporary setups, seasonal operations, or large projects. Common Applications of Storage Pig Trailers Storage pig trailers are used across a range of industries that handle high volumes of dry bulk materials. Their ability to store and dispense materials on-site makes them a practical, scalable solution for both temporary and long-term operations. Construction: Widely used for storing cement, fly ash, lime, and sand on job sites. Ideal for infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and large commercial builds where timely, uninterrupted access to material is critical. Concrete Production: Essential in ready-mix concrete plants to maintain a steady supply of dry cementitious materials. Their mobility allows plants to set up closer to job sites, improving turnaround times and consistency of the mix. Mining & Industrial Operations: Support mining operations by storing bulk lime, fly ash, or other mineral-based materials used in processing, refining, and waste management. Oil & Gas Industry: Used to store drilling mud additives (e.g., barite, bentonite) and proppants like frac sand. Storage pigs reduce downtime and improve efficiency in hydraulic fracturing and wellbore operations by keeping critical materials readily accessible. Used across a range of industries that handle high volumes of dry bulk materials, Storage Pig Trailers are a practical, scalable solution for both temporary and long-term operations. Choosing the Right Storage Pig Trailer Selecting the right storage pig trailer for your operation depends on your specific needs, site conditions, and the materials you’re handling. Making the right choice can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance across your projects. Storage Capacity: Consider the volume of material you need on-site. Standard storage pigs hold around 4,000 cu ft (450–500 tons) depending on configuration. Larger capacities reduce refills but may require more space and heavier support equipment. Material Compatibility: Ensure the trailer is suited for your dry product—cement, frac sand, lime, or drilling additives. Coated interiors or corrosion-resistant materials may be necessary for abrasive or moisture-sensitive loads. Pneumatic Unloading Requirements: Pneumatic systems (diesel or electric blowers) are ideal for fine powders and long transfer distances, while gravity systems work well for free-flowing materials like sand when discharge points are directly below. Job Site Space & Accessibility: If you’ll relocate frequently, prioritize a durable chassis and axle setup designed for moves. For stationary, long-term use, units optimized for minimal relocation are more cost-effective. Power Availability: On sites without three-phase power, a diesel-powered blower is required. Electric systems suit power-ready locations and offer quieter, more efficient operation. Compliance & Safety Features: Verify the trailer meets OSHA, DOT, and environmental standards. Dust suppression, sealed hatches, and pressure-relief valves help maintain safety and regulatory compliance. Maintenance & Support: Choose a manufacturer with robust service documentation and readily available parts. Brands like Retesa are known for durable, field-tested equipment and long-term support. Why Consider Storage Pig Trailers? Storage pig trailers are designed to solve common challenges around material availability, site flexibility, and cost control, making them a valuable asset in both temporary and long-term applications. If your operations rely on a consistent, high-volume supply of dry bulk materials, a storage pig trailer may be a smart, scalable solution. Is a Storage Pig Trailer Right for Your Operation? It’s for you if… It’s not for you if… You need on-site storage for dry bulk materials like cement, fly ash, or frac sand. You primarily need to transport bulk materials over long distances. (Use a dry bulk pneumatic transport trailer.) Your operation experiences frequent material delivery delays or shortages. You already have permanent silo infrastructure in place with no mobility needs. You’re working in temporary, remote, or multiphase job sites. Your project is single-location and long-term, with no plans to relocate. You require moisture- and contamination-free storage for sensitive dry materials. Your materials are not sensitive to environmental exposure or contamination. You want to reduce infrastructure and material handling costs. You're only handling small volumes that don’t justify bulk storage. Flexibility and quick relocation between job sites is important to your operation. Your storage and logistics setup is already fixed and optimized. Frequently Asked Questions What do I store in a storage pig? Dry bulk products such as cement, lime, and fly ash. These are typically used in the construction industry at a bulk plant or on-site for storage of product that’s needed to pave roads. Why choose a storage pig over having someone bring me product? Storage pigs offer you the flexibility of storing the product, preventing downtime and ultimately completing your project faster and saving you money. Most of these trailers are 4,000–4,100 cu ft capacity—roughly enough to hold five to six 1,000 cu ft pneumatic loads ready to go, so you don’t have to wait on deliveries. Where can I find used storage pigs? Finding used storage pigs can be a “needle in a haystack.” Many companies keep them for 30+ years before retiring them. They move from job site to job site and often have low mileage since they’re used as stationary storage. Preventative maintenance is key to keeping any trailer in long-term service. Why choose Trailers of Texas for your storage pig needs? As one of the first companies to offer storage pig trailers in the U.S., Trailers of Texas brings over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of on-time delivery. You’ll benefit from: Access to top manufacturers’ inventory at competitive prices A knowledgeable team to guide your specific operations and requirements Storage pig trailers available for sale or lease with quick delivery Electric and diesel blowers for efficient off-loading Customizable options like filtration systems to contain dust during unloading Latest, Quality Storage Pig Trailers Carbon Steel Composition | Up to 500,000 lbs. Capacity | Tanker Trailers available in 6 hopper design View Inventory Article Reviewed and Approved By Nick Harmon, Owner/President of Trailers of Texas, brings his extensive experience in the tank trailer industry to write and review insightful articles that offer valuable expertise and guidance on everything related to industrial tanker trailers. Known for his exceptional customer service and deep industry knowledge, Nick provides valuable guidance on everything from trailer maintenance and safety to industry trends and equipment purchasing. His focus on practical, actionable insights ensures readers can make confident decisions, no matter their level of experience. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Subscribe to Trailers of Texas Email Newsletter See All Posts Categories Buying Guide Comparison Info Tank Trailer Lifestyle Miscellaneous Financing Ownership Tips Tags Aluminum Steel Crude Hauler Chemical Tanker Trailer Semi Trucks Fuel Tank Trailers Tank Trailer Service Tank Trailer Maintenance Pneumatic Storage Pigs More in Info Efficient Loading and Unloading of Storage Pig Trailers: A Practical Guide What Are Pneumatic Tank Trailers? Loading and Unloading of Chemical Tanker Trailers A Comprehensive Guide to DOT 406, 407, 412 and MC-331 Tanker Trailers How Much Does A Tank Trailer Hold? About Trailers of Texas Trailers of Texas is a one of the trusted tank trailer dealers in Texas, offering the highest standard of customer service and expert advice to businesses and individuals in the market for chemical tank trailers. 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