Different Types Of Trucks Used In Logistics

Logistics is one industry which cannot function without trucks. Trucks play a huge role in the logistics sector and permit the proper flow of goods from the manufacturers to the retailers.

According to the kind of goods which are transported, there are different types of trucks which operate in logistics.

1. Box Trucks

Box trucks are usually employed for medium duty purposes like transporting furniture, tools, equipment, packaged goods and other items which don’t take a ton of space. They are relatively cheaper and easier to manage than other heavy duty trucks. This makes it a good option for businesses and retail stores. They are mainly used for delivering products from the main inventory site or warehouse to retail outlets.

These trucks can also serve various other purposes. For example they can be modified into food trucks for people who want to start a food truck business. They can also be used for advertising purposes.

2. Flatbed Trucks

As indicated by the name, flatbed trucks have a completely open and flat bed on the back with a single cabin for the driver. They are generally employed for transporting long and heavy loads which can remain secure in an open space. You can arrange the loads however you want and this makes the truck very versatile.

They have a weight capacity of 30,000 to 48,000 pounds depending on the type of flatbed truck which is used. The different types of flatbeds are extendable flatbeds, stretch single drop deck, side-kit, lowboys, double drop and RGN flatbeds.

3. Refrigerated Trucks

Refrigerated trucks are mainly employed for the transportation of perishable goods like food items which need to be preserved at low temperatures. They are also used to transport pharmaceutical products which need to be stored at low temperatures. These trucks have mechanical refrigeration systems which help in keeping the storage space chilled.

These systems are usually located in trailers which are attached to the truck. The temperature inside the trailer can vary from 50°F to -20°F. They generally consume more fuel than standard trucks because the refrigeration machinery is directly driven from the engine. These trucks are also known as ‘reefers’.

4. Semi – Trailer Trucks

These trucks are also known as semi-trucks and combine a single tractor unit with one or more semi-trailers. They are designed to carry heavy freight because they are comparatively stronger than other standard trucks. The trailers which are attached to the truck have an automatic brake system which stops them from moving away if it gets accidently disconnected.

These kinds of trucks have a high towing capacity in order to enable the simple moving of heavy freight. They are comparatively harder to maintain and you need special qualifications to drive a semi-trailer truck. These trucks have more than 10 gears and thus require special training to operate them properly. If you are planning to own a semi-trailer truck, you can click here to find good quality used tractor units.

5. Tail – Lift Trucks

They are also known as liftgates trucks. These trucks are primarily used for the purposes of loading and unloading heavy goods with the help of a tail-lift. The tail is attached to the rear of the truck and is mechanically operated. Large and heavy items are loaded without the need of human labour. This eliminates the occurrence of accidents and other risks connected to handling extremely heavy goods. The tail-lift requires proper maintenance in order to function properly. It can carry loads which weigh more than 1000 kilograms.

6. Jumbo – Trailer Trucks

A jumbo-trailer truck also known as a mega-trailer truck combines a mega-trailer and a truck. These trucks are very long and have big weight capacities of more than 20,000 kilograms. The goods can be loaded through multiple directions including the back, sides and roof. They have a large carrying capacity which is utilized for goods which have a lot of volume.

Conclusion

Some of the trucks mentioned above require special permits and licenses in order to be used by businesses. This article will give you an idea of the different types of trucks in logistics along with their weight capacities, purposes and other specifications.