Sheet & Post Construction vs. Fiberglass Reinforced Composite Construction
Sheet & Post vs. Fiberglass Reinforced Construction 101
When choosing the right truck body construction for your fleet, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Two of the most common methods — Sheet and Post and Fiberglass Reinforced Composite (FRC) — offer very different benefits depending on your needs.
Sheet and Post Construction
Sheet and post trailers and vans are built with strong, vertical metal posts (usually steel or aluminum) and exterior sheet panels. This traditional design provides strong structural support and is easy to customize for shelving, doors, or special configurations.
Key Advantages:
Cost-effective upfront
Easier to repair with replaceable panels
Durable and reliable for tough jobs
Fiberglass Reinforced Composite (FRC) Construction
FRC truck bodies are made from seamless, molded composite panels reinforced with fiberglass. These bodies are lightweight and resistant to rust, offering a clean exterior that’s ideal for branding and signage.
Key Advantages:
Lightweight design improves fuel efficiency
Smooth, professional appearance
Resists rust and corrosion
Sheet & Post Construction
Strick StandardDurability, Strength & Damage Resistance
- Built with vertical posts (usually steel or aluminum) provide reinforcement, sheet and post construction provides exceptional structural integrity. The posts add strength and the outer sheet metal or aluminum panels help resist dents and distribute impact forces. Rolled steel posts are far more resistant to damage than thin steel panel faces.
- Sheet and post trailer life typically spans 15 years or more. This construction style is most effective for heavy loads, automotive carriers, mixed LTL operations, and specialty haul situations.
- Sidewall strength is superior to fiberglass, with a 14 ga, 80,000lb. PSI yield on 24” centers. The additional trailer strength provided by strategically placed posts is unmatched by a composite sidewall. Post frequency can be increased from 24” centers to 16” or even 12” to further bolster the trailer’s strength.
- Non-structural repairs run approximately $50 per panel with a snap-in installation for new sheets of HDPE. The monocoque construction with mechanical fasteners between posts, sheets, rails, and cross-members provides additional strength.
Cost-Effective Construction & Environmental Impacts
- Sheet and post construction is often more affordable upfront than fully composite or molded bodies, making it a popular choice for fleets that balance durability with budget.
- Recyclable HDPE panels are made from recycled bottles, and aluminum sheet is produced through a recycling process.
- When a sheet and post trailer reaches the end of its life, scrap value of an aluminum trailer is far higher than that of a fiberglass reinforced composite truck body.
Customization Flexibility & Exterior Finish
- Sheet and post construction allows for easier customization compared to fully composite or fiberglass bodies.
- Posts can be spaced or reinforced to accommodate shelving, doors, windows, or specific mounting needs. Commonly selected options such as side doors, double deck systems, additional posts, etc., are easy to incorporate using sheet and post construction.
Ease of Repair
- In the event of damage, individual sheets or sections can be replaced without affecting the entire sidewall. Maintenance is more cost-effective and downtime is shorter.
Fiberglass Reinforced Composite (FRC) Construction
Durability, Strength & Damage Resistance
- Most original owner carriers trade in fiberglass reinforced composite trailers within 5 to 7 year cycles. Trailers appear to last longest in lightweight, general commodity truckload operations.
- Fiberglass construction does not typically include posts, but in instances when it does, only flat stiffener posts are included. The upside is that by not utilizing posts, the freight load will not catch, snag or be damaged by posts.
- The floor and undercarriage of composite trailers are connected to the sidewall by fasteners through plastic.
- While fiberglass reinforced panels resist corrosion and water intrusion, they can be prone to cracking under high impact. Unlike metal, damage to composite panels often requires full panel replacement rather than simple spot repairs, increasing repair time and cost.
- Structural repair runs approximately $150+ per panel and a proprietary panel is required. Most carriers report panel delamination and/or failures of composite trailers within less than 5 years of service. Unfortunately, lamination process problems are difficult to detect until larger-scale failures occur.
Cost-Effective Construction & Environmental Impacts
- Initial costs for a fiberglass reinforced composite trailer are significantly higher, and the long-term value depends heavily on how the truck is used. In certain industries or climates, fiberglass reinforced construction may not justify the price if repairs are frequent or if the vehicle sees heavy wear and tear.
- In addition to the effect of weight on fuel economy, the composite panels have minimal recycling or residual value.
Customization Flexibility & Exterior Finish
- With fiberglass reinforced composite, options like side doors are not available. Double decking systems and interior structures add weight and intrude into cargo space.
- The composite material is also easy to clean and resists fading, helping the body retain its appearance longer. The smooth finish of fiberglass is great for graphics and branding, but scratches, scuffs, and surface damage will also be more visible.
- Over time, UV exposure can lead to fading or chalking, and repairing cosmetic issues often requires specialized materials and techniques.
- Because there are no exterior posts and fewer seams, there’s less opportunity for rust, corrosion, or wear points with sheet and post construction.
Ease of Repair
- The one-piece, seamless design helps prevent water intrusion and corrosion.
- Although touted as low-maintenance, composite materials can mask internal damage. Without visible posts or seams, it’s harder to detect structural wear until it becomes a more serious — and expensive — problem. Repairs often require specialized service providers.
Strick designs and manufactures high-quality, custom trailers for specific industry needs.
We are proud to design and manufacture all Strick products in Monroe, Indiana. From building versatile and durable dry vans for everyday operations to designing super-customized trailers that make navigating congested or highly populated areas safer, you can get exactly what you need when you choose Strick.
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301 N. Polk St., Monroe, Indiana 46772
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