The commercial world needs a robust supply chain network. Trucks are an essential part of this process. They help transport all kinds of items from one location to the other. Now, trucks too are categorized into different sections.
Each type of truck has its specific or intended use. For instance, we have light-duty trucks which carry lightweight materials. Whereas, heavy-weight trucks are the opposite.
So let us talk about heavy-duty trucks and their different types. All the trucks mentioned in this list of types are needed for the commercial and logistics business.
Understanding Heavy-duty Trucks
They get their name “heavy-duty” because these vehicles exceed 26,000 pounds. People often call them commercial trucks. To simplify it, they are a category of large trucks. The way they are designed and built, they are needed to handle demanding tasks.
Just as their name goes, they carry heavy loads. One can identify these trucks by the following features. Firstly, they have a robust construction. Secondly, they have powerful engines. Third, they have a high load-carrying capacity.
Here are four important applications of heavy-duty trucks.
- Transportation of Goods
Heavy-duty trucks mainly transport cargo. More specifically, they carry heavy loads. So the goods may range from heavy equipment to consumer goods.
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- Construction Industry
This industry uses materials such as gravel, sand, cement, etc. Different types of equipment are also a must. To carry such a heavy load, these trucks are frequently used here.
- Shipping and Logistics
In the sector, too, heavy-duty trucks are vital for transporting cargo between ports. They enable the timely delivery of goods. This helps to maintain efficient supply chains and meet customer demands.
- Waste Management and Utilities
Even for waste management and public utilities tasks such as collecting garbage, heavy-duty trucks are the ones used. They transport recyclables and deliver water or sewage. Since waste materials can be bulky, these trucks come in handy.
6 Most Popular Heavy-Duty Trucks Types & Variants
Here are six types of heavy-duty trucks.
1. Box Trucks
As evident from the name, Box trucks have an enclosed cargo space representing a box. Some fragile items and equipment may require added protection from conditions such as weather, accidents, etc.
Hence, the utility of the box. It will help keep the items secure. Also, box trucks are easily maneuverable. Hence, they can move easily between busy streets and roads.
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2. Straight truck
A straight truck, in its design and configuration, is similar to a box truck. However, the only difference is that straight trucks can have an open cargo bed at times. Also, straight trucks are very versatile in their use. They can transport liquids and gases, apart from solid items.
3. Semi truck
For long-haul carrying of goods, semi-trucks are often the ideal ones. They also go by the name of tractor-trailer. The reason is they contain two units. The first is the tractor unit which is also known as the cab. The second is the semi-trailer.
The former contains the engine and driver’s cabin while the latter is used for the cargo. Since they can carry large volumes, they are used for long-distance movement of goods.
4. Dump truck
We have seen these trucks, especially on construction sites. They go by the name of tipper trucks too. What they basically do is transport loose materials. From carrying sand, and gravel, to mud, or demolition waste, they come of use in every way.
You can distinguish them by their unusual hydraulic lifting system. The system allows the cargo bed to be elevated at an angle or tilted. Then it offloads its contents.
5. Flatbed truck
You can picture this by the name itself. A flatbed truck is supposed to have an open and flat cargo bed. Unlike box trucks, there won’t be any enclosed spaces.
Hence, if a company wants to transport irregularly shaped items or very bulky items that are impossible to fit inside closed spaces, a flatbed truck is preferred.
6. Tanker truck
Tankers are easy to identify as they carry liquids or gases for different uses. How many times have we seen a truck with a cylindrical-shaped container running on highways? Well, those are tanker trucks. They carry substances like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.
Worth noting these trucks also have strict regulations governing them as they carry very volatile substances or chemicals.
