A freight truck is a vehicle that conveys goods from one location to another. To readily transport bigger weights, the truck’s body is constructed around a sturdy frame and a powerful engine. They transfer merchandise between warehouses, manufactures, wholesalers, and retailers in most cases. Almost anything that has to be carried interstate or internationally will end up on a lorry at some time.
Small pickup vehicles and semi-trailers that convey small to big items to massive carriers that can handle enormous cargo are all sorts of freight trucks.
Freight trucks are divided into seven categories
This is a list of the most common kinds of freight vehicles and the cargo they can transport.
Freight truck with flatbed
A flatbed freight truck, as the name implies, has an open trailer with no sides or top connected to the rear of the truck. Flatbeds can carry huge cargo that would be too broad for an enclosed trailer on a vehicle. It also makes loading and unloading more convenient. Straps or other methods are used to attach the cargo to the bed.
Flatbed trucks, which can load up to 48,000 pounds, are popular among transportation and logistics organizations due to their versatility. Construction materials, equipment, automobiles, and other big items are perfect for them. Some feature extensible flatbeds to accommodate cargo that is too lengthy for a traditional flatbed trailer.
Step deck freight truck
Drop deck and lowboy trailers are other names for step deck freight trucks. The main distinction is that the trailer’s bed has two decks. The lowest deck is frequently used for tall and big items.
Even with a high load, a step-deck freight truck may easily pass under low bridges. Loading and unloading are also made simpler by the reduced ground clearance. There are also twin drop trailers with a well in the center to transport tall freight as well as front and rear decks for other cargo.
Step deck trailers have the benefit of being able to transport tall items without the need for extra permits.
Reefer freight truckreefer truck
A reefer freight truck, often known as a refrigerated truck, is intended to transport perishable foods and other items that need temperature control. The refrigerated compartment may be connected to the truck’s frame directly or as a separate trailer. The refrigeration unit is located in the trailer’s front or above the truck’s cab.
Reefers also include a control device that allows you to modify the temperature of the container. Food, emergency aid, cold drinks, as well as other perishable goods are the most typical items they convey.
Reefers are more costly to run than non-refrigerated trucks because they require more gasoline.
Dry van freight truck
Among the most common types of freight vehicles is the dry van. Dry vans are coupled to a trailer that is enclosed but not temperature-controlled. The contents are protected from the weather and any other possible transit harm by the sealed trailer. Dry vans are often utilized for huge loads of palletized, packed, or loose freight, as opposed to flatbed trailers, which may handle enormous products.
Cars, machineries, and any other heavy equipment that fits within an enclosed trailer may also be transported using dry van shipping. Because there is always a great need for these freight vehicles, your chances of landing a dry van job are also increased.
Box freight truck
A box freight truck, often referred as a cube truck, takes its name from the cargo compartment’s box form. The cargo box is normally mounted on a frame and separate from the truck’s cabin. However, some box trucks include a door that separates the cab from the cargo space.
Box trucks come in a variety of sizes and are often used to carry parcels, deliver meals, and move household appliances and furniture.
Tanker freight truck
Liquids and gases are transported on tanker freight trucks. A cylindrical tank installed on a semi-trailer is being towed by the vehicle. When it comes to transporting liquids, tanker trucks are the most popular mode of transportation.
Cylindrical tanks may be pressurized or unpressurized, based on the volumetric tank and the temperature of the liquid. Internal chambers in the tanks allow them to hold different loads while also reducing liquid sloshing.
Tanker trucks may be difficult to maneuver, and expert drivers are required to keep liquid from sloshing within the tank.
Semi-trailer freight truck
A semi-trailer truck is equipped with a semi-trailer that lacks a front axle and front wheels. Instead, the front of the trailer is supported by a “fifth-wheel” connection, commonly known as the truck’s hitch. When the trailer is unhooked from the vehicle, you may lower the legs and wheels for further stability. Two or three extra trailers, known as “doubles” and “triples,” may be towed by a vehicle to accommodate extremely heavy goods across long distance.
Semi-trailer trucks go by a variety of names. Tractor-trailer, big rig, and semi-truck are among the most common types of commercial vehicles.
Semi-trailer delivery trucks are essential for most industries’ operations, from transferring raw materials and completed products to transporting huge cargo. They’re also a significant source of work. Driving huge tractor-trailer trucks is among the most popular jobs in the United States according to the Census Bureau. Semi-trailers are driven by almost 2 million people each year, with an average yearly salary of $45,000.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different types of freight trucks that are used for a variety of purposes. No matter what your specific needs may be, there is sure to be a truck that can accommodate them. So if you’re in the market for a new job or just curious about the industry, make sure to do your research on the different types of freight trucks and their uses. You may be surprised at just how versatile they really are.
Final thoughts: Trucking is an essential part of our economy and plays a vital role in transporting goods across the country. There are many different types of trucks that are used for various purposes, so no matter what your needs may be, there is sure to be a truck that can accommodate them. If you’re interested in a new job or just curious about the industry, make sure to do your research on the different types of freight trucks and their uses. You may be surprised at just how versatile they really are. Thanks for reading!
