Truck types
The most important truck types for the freight forwarding industry: a comprehensive guide
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Die Wahl des richtigen LKW-Typs spielt in der Speditions- und Logistikbranche eine zentrale Rolle. Jeder LKW-Typ hat spezifische Eigenschaften, die ihn für bestimmte Transporte besonders geeignet machen. In diesem Artikel geben wir Ihnen einen umfassenden Überblick über die wichtigsten LKW-Typen, die in der Branche eingesetzt werden, und zeigen Ihnen, wann und warum sie verwendet werden. So können Sie den optimalen LKW für Ihre Transportanforderungen wählen.
1. tautliner (curtainsider)
The tautliner, also known as a curtainsider, is one of the most flexible truck variants in general cargo transportation. With side tarpaulins that can be easily opened, the tautliner offers simple and fast loading and unloading options, making it particularly attractive for transport logistics.
Areas of application: Transport of palletized goods, general cargo, building materials.
Advantages: Fast loading and unloading thanks to the side tarpaulins.
Disadvantages: Less protection against theft and the elements than closed box bodies.
2. articulated lorry (semi-trailer)
The articulated truck is a combination of a semi-trailer truck (tractor unit) and a semi-trailer, which are connected to each other by a so-called fifth wheel coupling. This vehicle combination enables the transportation of particularly large and heavy goods and is therefore often used for long-distance transport.
Areas of application: Long-distance transportation, international goods transport, heavy loads.
Advantages: High flexibility thanks to interchangeable trailers and large loading capacity.
Disadvantages: Less suitable for city traffic due to the larger turning circle.
3. box body
A box body offers a fixed, enclosed cargo space that reliably protects the load from the weather. This body is ideal for transporting sensitive or valuable goods where stability and safety are particularly important.
Areas of application: Transportation of electronics, furniture, textiles.
Advantages: Optimum protection against environmental influences and theft.
Disadvantages: Less flexible in loading compared to tautliners.
4. refrigerated vehicles (refrigerated trucks)
A refrigerated vehicle is specially designed for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. With integrated refrigeration units, this type of truck ensures a constant temperature, which is particularly essential in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Areas of application: Food transportation, medical goods, flowers.
Advantages: Maintaining a constant temperature throughout transportation.
Disadvantages: Higher operating costs due to the cooling requirement.
5. mega trailer
The Megatrailer is a truck trailer with an extra-high loading area designed for transporting bulky goods. With an interior height of up to three meters, it is ideal for large-volume loads.
Areas of application: Machines, vehicle parts, large goods.
Advantages: Extra loading volume thanks to higher interior height.
Disadvantages: Restrictions on route selection due to height restrictions.
6. tankers
Tankers are specialized in transporting liquids and gases safely. They have specially designed tanks that meet different requirements, such as the transportation of fuels, chemicals or foodstuffs.
Areas of application: Transportation of liquids, fuels, chemicals.
Advantages: Specialized design for the safe transport of liquids.
Disadvantages: Strict safety regulations and high maintenance costs.
7. high loader
The high loader is characterized by its loading area above the wheels, which makes it particularly versatile for transporting building materials and containers. The height of the loading area allows full utilization of the storage space without any obstructions from the wheel arches.
Areas of application: Building materials, machines, containers.
Advantages: No obstacles due to wheel arches, full use of the loading area.
Disadvantages: Higher loading height requires special equipment for loading.
8. low loader
The low-loader has a particularly low loading area, which is located between the axles. This makes it possible to transport particularly high or heavy goods that cannot be transported by conventional trucks.
Areas of application: Construction machinery, heavy vehicles, oversized loads.
Advantages: Low loading surface for high and heavy goods, easy loading and unloading of machines.
Disadvantages: Limited maneuverability, especially in cities.
Choosing the right type of truck is crucial for efficient and safe transportation. The right type of truck should be selected depending on the type of goods, route and specific requirements. Whether tautliners for flexible loading or low-loaders for heavy machinery - the right decision can optimize logistics and increase efficiency.