Trucks or lorries are automobiles built for hauling heavy loads, carrying specialized loads, or performing other various tasks.
Most trucks are constructed with a body-on-frame construction in which the cabin is separate from the payload part, and range greatly in size, power, and configuration.
Commercial trucks can be very large and powerful vehicles. They may also be designed to have specialized equipment mounted to them as is the case with suction excavators, fire trucks, concrete mixers, or refuse trucks.
While there still are small to medium-size trucks that run on gasoline in the US, Canada, and Mexico, trucks typically still use diesel engines.
The market share of electrically powered trucks is growing quickly and is predicted to have 7% of all trucks on the road globally by 2027.
A truck is also considered heavy duty if it has a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 3.5 tonnes. There are also numerous types of trucks, each devoted to a specific purpose. Let’s look into these types of trucks further to help you understand more.
Types of Trucks
The following are the main types of trucks:
- Tipper truck
- Concrete truck
- Pickup truck
- Small truck
- Box truck
- Boat haulage
- Australian road train
- Flatbed truck
- Fire truck
- Car transporter or car carrier truck
- Tow truck
- Chiller truck or reefers
- Crane trucks or mobile cranes
- Logging truck
- Tanker truck
- Furniture truck
- Highway maintenance truck
- Livestock truck
- Snow plows
- Trailer Truck
- Off-road Truck
#1. Tipper Truck.
Dump trucks, also known as tipper trucks, are types of trucks with a hydraulic system to lift and tip the cargo area to empty its contents from the back.
Cargo containers typically have an open-top and sides that hinge, often called tailgates, to control the work-down effect of the material being dumped.
Tipper trucks are often utilized to transport and dump loose materials (e.g., sand, gravel, or dirt) at a quarry, mine, or construction site.
Dump trucks can be small single-axle trucks to larger articulated vehicles with multiple axles, and they are available in a variety of sizes and configurations.
#2. Concrete Truck.
Concrete trucks are specialized vehicles that deliver freshly mixed concrete from a batching plant or mixing site to a construction site, where it can be poured into forms for curing purposes.
The truck is equipped with a rotating drum, which is mounted on a chassis and powered by a hydraulic system.
At the batching plant, the ingredients to make concrete, including cement, sand, gravel, and water, are loaded into the drum and mixed to the required consistency.
While being transported, the drum is rotated slowly to ensure the concrete stays in a plastic state. Concrete trucks come in different sizes and capacities with small transit mixers to trucks with capacities greater than ten cubic meters.
#3. Pickup Truck.
A pickup truck has a rear open cargo area for transporting cargo or building supplies or for being versatile for handling different kinds of jobs, from transporting a trailer to carrying tools and equipment.
Because pickup trucks have a large towing capacity, they frequently are used to transport trailers and vehicles. Pickup trucks are also quite popular for recreational outdoor activities such as camping and off-road excursions.
Pickup trucks come in different engine types (gasoline or diesel), sizes, and configurations from compact to full-sized.
#4. Small Truck.
A pickup truck that is not as big as a full-size pickup truck is called a small truck or a compact truck and is used for lighter-duty tasks, such as commuting, driving smaller loads, or leisure activities.
They usually have smaller engines, have lower payload and towing limits, and have a smaller cargo bed. Small trucks are generally easier to operate and to park in confined spaces compared to full-size trucks and they tend to have better fuel mileage.
People who need a truck for occasional use, generally prefer these types of trucks as they do not need the features and size of a larger vehicle for hauling and towing needs.
#5. Box Truck.
Some box trucks, however, have entrances that leads to the next two areas, either. Most box trucks have separate cabins from the cargo objects.
Box trucks and box trucks are often develop to be as opposite, so the first class does not connect to the chassis the last class.
Box trucks are often used to move materials and freight items; such as couches, appliances, or parcels.
Box trucks are made in different sizes from; small bastard vans to large box trucks. Box trucks can be outfitted with shelving, ramps etc., make the loading and unloading process to be easier.
#6. Boat Haulage.
While SUVs or larger vehicles can carry some smaller items, the heaviest and more prestigious items need to be on small trucks or a low loader designed for hauling boats.
Trucks that are designed for hauling boats will have those attributes that will carry the boats in a secure and stable way.
The trucks may have a longer frame to carry larger boats of multiple lengths. The trucks can also have adjustable straps, boat cradles to support the boat while it is being transported, and/or hydraulic lifts to help load and unload the boat.
Transport companies, boat dealers and manufacturers will move boats from one marina to another or from manufacturer to dealer with a boat hauling truck.
#7. Australian Road Train.
Heavy-duty trucks, referred to as Australian Road Trains, are used to transport cargo in Australia over long distances.
There is a prime mover, a truck pulling a wagon, that is attached to multiple trailers, often four or five trailers or more, through a coupling system called a “dog trailer” or “pup trailer”.
An Australian Road Train can measure up to 53.5 meters (175 feet) in length and weigh 200 tonnes (440,000 pounds).
Australian Road Trains are used to transport cargo in Australia’s remote areas, where other modes of transporting cargo would not be practical. It has become substantially more productive and less expensive to move cargo in Australia through the use of Road Trains.
#8. Flatbed Truck.
Flatbed trucks are a type of truck that has an open, flat cargo bed (or deck) without sides or a roof. The frame of the truck attaches to the cargo bed, usually, made of metal.
Flatbed trucks are used to transport a variety of goods, products, and materials that are too large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped to fit inside a closed truck or van.
To haul different types of shipments, there are flatbed trucks of different dimensions and configuration. They can come with a standard or extended flatbed length of up to 48 feet long.
Flatbed trucks are typically used in the construction, landscaping, and transportation industries to load and haul lumber, steel beams, equipment, and any items that may be too large, or too heavy.
#9. Fire Truck.
Fire trucks are emergency response vehicles used during fires and are considered firefighting units or fire apparatus.
Fire trucks are generally equipped with a water tank and a strong pump that allows the engine to spray water or other extinguishing agents onto a fire. The engine will have hoses and nozzles for that purpose as well.
Fire trucks may also have ladders and other equipment made specifically for Firefighters to help rescue a person from a building or other high place. Fire trucks can even have medical equipment and supplies for people requiring emergency medical assistance.
Fire trucks are designed in different shapes and sizes for the different fire departments and the various communities they serve.
#10. Car Transporter or Car Carrier Truck.
Car carrier trucks are used to move cars from one place to another. They typically have a flatbed trailer, or a flatbed truck, with a set of ramps or hydraulic lifts to help you load and transport several cars at the same time.
They are offered in various sizes and designs for different type of vehicles and means of transportation.
Luxury or expensive vehicles are often loaded on a car transporter truck that has an enclosed trailer for improved vehicle security during transport because it’s used to transport cars, it can also support the customer’s request to move their vehicle.
However, some car transporter trucks use an open-air, open bed trailer that can carry three, four, six or eight vehicles at a time.
#11. Tow Truck.
A tow truck carries vehicles that require towing, as they are not able to function, such as problems due to breakdowns and accidents.
A common type of tow truck is a flatbed truck that is flat and open where the bed can be raised and lowered by hydraulic equipment.
Once the vehicle has been lifted onto the flatbed using a winch or other lifting equipment, it is secured with straps or chains from moving around in transit.
Another type is the hook and chain tow truck, where the disabled vehicle can be lifted by the front or rear axle and be towed on its wheels by a hook and chain.
The tow truck improves safety and helps to keep the road clear by removing broken-down or abandoned vehicles from the roadway.
#12. Chiller Truck or Reefers.
This truck transports consumable products like food, medicine and other temperature-sensitive products. The truck contains a refrigeration system to establish and maintain the set temperature during transport for the cargo.
Typically food distributors, grocery stores, and restaurants use these trucks to transport a fresh or frozen food product(s) within a temperature controlled cargo area.
There is a variety of sizes and configurations for transport needs available for these trucks to best fit the cargo transportation needs. Safety elements should be equipped to transport cargo in a safe and secure manner.
#13. Crane Trucks or Mobile Cranes.
A crane truck has a crane at the rear. A crane truck is used to hoist large or heavy items, supplies, or other machinery that is impossible to easily lift with tools or by hand.
An experienced operator can operate the crane of a crane truck from the cab of the truck or with remote control.
Depending on the type of object to be lifted, the crane may have different lifting attachments, such as hooks, chains, and straps. Crane trucks are utilized primarily in construction, mining, and heavy lifting and material handling.
#14. Logging Truck.
Logging trucks are used to transport logs from forests to sawmills or other processing plants. Logging trucks are used in the logging industry. The truck carries raw logs and takes the logs to be prepared into lumber, paper, or other wood products.
Some logging trucks have a short trailer and can carry only a few logs at a time. Some logging trucks have longer trailers and can carry many logs at one time.
Logging trucks are used in off-road and rugged country where they have to travel on winding curvy log transport roads and up steep hillsides. They often have powerful engines, heavy-duty suspension systems, and are built to process and transportation logs.
#15. Tanker Truck.
Tanker trucks transport large volumes of liquids or gases. In the chemical and petroleum industries they usually are called Tanker trucks and support operations to move fuels, chemicals, oils and others, from refineries or processing plants to distribution centers.
Some Tanker trucks have multiple compartments for multiple types and mixtures of liquids or gasses, while other Tanker trucks have only a single compartment for a single type and no mixtures.
Usually, operations with tanker trucks and safe handling of hazardous materials require experienced skilled operators with a considerable amount of training.
Tanker trucks and other vehicles that carry hazardous materials are regulated by, and must follow regulation standards, like those of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States.
#16. Furniture Truck.
Furniture trucks are used for transporting furniture and other household items. Furniture trucks are used by individuals and moving companies to move their belongings.
Furniture trucks come in different sizes and configurations for transporting different types and amounts of furniture and household goods.
Furniture trucks may have tie-downs, moving pads, and other protections for furniture and other items.
Furniture trucks facilitate the movement and delivery of large and bulky items over long distances, while minimizing the risk of potential damage to the items.
#17. Highway Maintenance Truck.
A highway maintenance truck is a truck that is used to maintain and repair highways and other types of roadways.
These trucks are explicitly built for highway maintenance workers while they occur roadway maintenance and repair functions.
This truck is equipped with tools, like snowplow blades, salt spreaders, street sweepers, and pothole patching tools. In the winter, snowplow blades will plow snow and ice off of highways and roadways.
Salt spreaders spread salt or other de-icing material onto the road surface to create traction and minimize the risk of accidents.
Street sweepers are used to clean the surface of the road, and pothole patching tools used repair potholes and other damage to the surface. Overall, highway maintenance trucks are an integral part of keeping highways and roadways safe and in good condition.
#18. Livestock Truck.
“Livestock trucks” are vehicles that are seen to be associated with the stock that hauls live animals.
Livestock trucks are implemented specifically for transportation of livestock (cows, pigs, sheep, horses, etc.), and they may have cages or compartments for individual animals, generally mechanisms to securely open and close those cages or compartments.
Some have ventilators or watering systems to ensure animals are transported safely and comfortably. Livestock trucks, just as an automobile, come in various sizes to carry varying types and numbers of animals.
#19. Snow Plows.
Snowplow trucks are used to remove snow from roads, highways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. Snowplow trucks have attachments, including a plow blade, which can be mounted on the front, back, or both ends of the truck and operated manually or through hydraulic methods.
The blade can be adjusted to either totally remove snow from the surface or push some to the side of the road.
Snowplow trucks are important to keep the roads clear and safe for travel during winter. Snowplow trucks come in different types to accommodate different types and amounts of snow and ice.
#20. Trailer Truck.
A trailer truck consists of a tractor unit and one or more trailers. It is also known as a semi-truck, a tractor-trailer, and an 18-wheeler.
The tractor unit is referred to as the cab, or cab-over-engine.
It is the front portion that contains the engine, driver’s cabin, and other components.
The trailer is a long, rectangular box commonly used to transport freight or other cargo. The trailers can be flatbeds, dry vans, refrigerated van, tankers, or other specialized trailers, depending on the cargo.
#21. Off-road Truck.
A heavy-duty off-road truck, or off-highway truck, is made for off-road applications and use in extreme conditions.
Off-road trucks have suspension systems that can absorb large force, more robust tires and larger tires, for uneven and rough terrain and steep hills. A much higher ground clearance will also facilitate the passage of such obstacles as rocks and logs.
Off-road trucks are used in the construction, mining or other industries that typically occur in rough and uneven terrain. Off-road trucks are more important for industries that need to extract, transport and process materials where heavy equipment is usually needed.
Selecting the Right Truck for a Particular Application
The choice of truck for a specific application depends on several factors, including:
#1. Payload.
An important consideration when selecting a truck, is its payload. Be sure to think about the weight and size of the payload to transport as well as any attachments or equipment that may be needed. The payload the truck is capable of handling should be sufficient for the load’s weight and size.
#2. Distance and route.
Also, a consideration is the distance of the route. Consider the length of the route as well as the road conditions and type of terrain. Off-road trucks are better for terrain that is rougher. Long-distance trucks, which have aerodynamic designs, may be more efficient.
#3. Fuel Efficiency.
In particular, for long-distance transport application or high-volume application, the trucks fuel efficiency is an important factor in its operation. Fuel efficiency can be affected by many factors including engine size, type of transmission, and aerodynamics.
#4. Maintenance and Repair Costs.
Another consideration when purchasing a truck, is the maintenance costs and repair costs. Truck costs can also be lower, over time, is the truck is thought of as reliable and durable.
#5. Driver Comfort and Safety.
Another factor to consider is the driver’s comfort and safety. Drivers can be safer and fatigue-less, with the inclusion of comfort, climate control, and safety features like airbags and antilock brakes.
#6. Regulations.
When selecting a truck the local, state, and federal regulations should all be considered as well. Regulations may place restrictions on principle size, weight, and emissions based on local or state laws which may affect the truck.
#7. Cost.
Finally, the costs associated with the truck should be considered as well. The costs should take into consideration the initial purchase as well as the costs of operating the truck like fuel and maintenance.
Closing It Up
That is all. Thanks for reading and I hope I covered all about “Types of Trucks.” It would be helpful if you could inform me if there is anything I forgot or if you have any questions about anything I wrote.