TYPES OF DELIVERY TRUCKS

SEMI-TRAILER TRUCKS

Semi-trailer trucks, popularly known as semis, are heavy-commercial trucks extensively used in logistics and transport. These tracks feature a cab and a semi-trailer attached to the cab by a fifth-wheel hitch. The cab or tractor on semi-trailer trucks has the engine that powers the hauling of a semi-trailer, designed to ship large volumes of freight.

Semi-trailer trucks come in various sizes and configurations, but they usually feature a maximum length of 18 meters and a maximum weight of 40 tons. This size is convenient for trucks to transport large and oversized loads over long distances. The trucks often haul products from one point to another in the agriculture, manufacturing, and retail industries.

Besides their size and efficiency, semi-trailer trucks offer versatility in terms of the products they can accommodate and their compatibility with various types of roads. These trucks can haul a wide range of cargo, from refrigerated products to hazardous materials and heavy machinery.

Like jumbo trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks require professional truck drivers trained to handle these heavy trucks safely and effectively. The trucks are also subject to various safety standards and regulations that vary according to location.

DUMP TRUCKS

As the name suggests, dump trucks are heavy-duty trucks used in logistics to haul dump material, including sand, gravel, debris, and dirt. These trucks are designed to transport loose bulk materials and feature platforms that can be raised and lowered to offload cargo.

Dump trucks typically have a cab accommodating the truck driver and an open-box dump body on the chassis hinged behind the cab. The dump truck driver uses hydraulic controls to operate the durable steel dump body, lifting or lowering it to facilitate quick and efficient cargo dumping.

These trucks are available in various sizes and designs, ranging from single-axle units to larger articulated models with several axles. The trucks are powered by powerful diesel engines and handled by skilled drivers trained to operate these large trucks safely.

Dump trucks are predominant in the logistics sector for various applications, including mining, waste management, and construction. They are frequently used with other heavy-duty equipment, such as excavators, loaders, and excavators, to load and unload cargo.

JUMBO TRAILER TRUCKS

Jumbo trailer trucks are heavy-duty trucks in logistics, often known as road trains. These trucks feature a tractor unit towing multiple semi-trailers or trailers. The trucks are relatively longer and heavier than typical trucks, allowing more freight transportation per trip.

These trucks typically feature two or three levels of storage space, with the lower level measuring about 1.5m high and the upper level offering an additional 2.5 meters. The upper levels of the jumbo trailer trucks are accessible via an interior ramp or staircase, making the best out of the vertical space in trucks and enabling more goods to be transported per trip.

Jumbo trailer trucks are frequently utilized to transport lightweight and less bulky goods such as furniture, home appliances, and other commodities that occupy a lot of space but are relatively light. They’re often employed in the retail industry to transport massive amounts of merchandise between warehouses, distribution centers, and stores.

However, it’s essential to note that regulations regarding the usage of jumbo trailer trucks differ by country and region, so logistics organizations must follow local legislation and safety requirements while using these trucks.

STEP DECK

Like a flatbed truck, a step deck is an open trailer. The difference between the two is that a step deck is specially designed to haul tall cargo. 

Also called a drop deck or lowboy trailer, a step deck has two decks, with the lower deck designed to allow for more overhead clearance for hauling tall or oversized cargo. As a result, they are easier to load and unload. 

Step deck trailers are specially designed to haul tall and oversized cargo without additional permits. It’s also possible to transport additional goods on the other deck. 

FLATBED TRAILER TRUCK

Instead of carrying goods inside a closed trailer, a flatbed truck has a flat, open trailer without any roofs or sides. A flatbed trailer truck is excellent for carrying oversized loads. 

They are easier to load and unload than other freight trucks as well. Cargo is typically secured on flatbed trailers using straps. 

With an impressive load-bearing capacity and versatile cargo space, flatbed trucks are ideal for hauling construction materials, other vehicles, heavy machinery, oversized cargo and even houses. 

DRY VAN

A dry van is a type of semi truck with a gas non-temperature-controlled trailer. A dry van is fully enclosed with four walls and a roof, protecting goods from the elements. 

Typically, dry van trailers are 53 feet long, and they can carry a wide variety of freight. New truck drivers usually start driving dry van trucks since they are common and can be driven with only a Class A CDL. 

Dry van trucks can haul a wide variety of pallets and boxed cargo. Almost everything you have in your home was likely once transported by a dry van, including furniture, apparel and non-perishable food. 

REFRIGERATED TRUCKS

A reefer, or refrigerated trucks is a temperature-controlled freight truck that hauls goods that must be kept within a specific temperature range. For example, reefers commonly transport food and deliver it to grocery warehouses and stores. 

The refrigeration unit sits at the front of the trailer or above the truck’s cab. The temperature must be monitored continuously by the driver to avoid spoilage. 

Anything that needs to be kept at a specific temperature is transported by reefer trucks, including food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and hazmat materials. Since refrigerated products can spoil quickly, reefer truck deliveries are more time sensitive than other types of cargo. 

BOX TRUCK

Box trucks are known for their box-shaped cargo compartment and smaller freight truck types. The cargo box of a box truck sits directly on the frame. 

It is usually separate from the truck’s cabin. Box trucks are great for local deliveries since they are easier to maneuver down small streets and around tight corners. 

Box trucks are popular for transporting goods short distances, such as home appliance and furniture delivery, last-mile deliveries, food delivery and even moving-related transportation. 

TANKER

There are two tanker trucks — dry bulk tankers and liquid tankers. Dry bulk tankers carry loose bulk dry goods and liquid tankers transport liquids and gasses. 

Rather than a boxy trailer, a tanker has a cylindrical tank that mounts onto a semi-truck. Tankers are more challenging to operate since drivers have to minimize sloshing. 

However, the tanks also have compartments to help reduce this sloshing and carry multiple loads. The tank can be pressurized, insulated or refrigerated if the cargo requires it. 

Dry bulk tankers are designed to carry loose materials that drivers cannot transport any other way, including construction materials, such as sand, and powders or bulk foods, such as sugar and grain. Liquid tankers haul liquids of all varieties, including beverages, such as milk or wine, and chemicals, such as gasoline.