Freight shipping is the moving of commodities, goods, and cargo in bulk. Freight transportation is critical in order to get items to their destination on schedule, safely, and affordably. There are different types of trucks are available for freight shipping. Freight types of trailers deliver items in almost every sector, but not all cargo can be transported similarly.
Fortunately, several types of freight trucks satisfy various industrial demands for moving products across the country and worldwide. You should be familiar with the several types of freight loads that carriers frequently provide at a trucking company in Texas as you might be surprised at how many there are.
Different Types of Trucks for Freight Shipping
It is critical to understand what different types of freight vehicles carry and which are most suited to your specific requirements, Let’s look at some of the most well-known freight trucks in the business to determine which type is perfect for you.
Flatbed Freight Truck
There are several types of trucks used to transport freight. Flatbed trucking is one of the most popular options among them. A flat, open trailer is mounted to the back of flatbed vehicles. These trailers do not have connected sides or roofs.
Because of this, they are an excellent solution for delivering huge items that would be too broad for a freight truck with an enclosed trailer. The open trailer also makes it easier to secure, load, and unload items, such as building materials, heavy equipment, automobiles, and other large cargo.
A flatbed trailer can transport anything from scaffolding to airplanes. If it is too large to fit in a regular trailer, it will most likely be transported on a flatbed. As the name suggests, a flatbed is a level and open on all sides.
Flatbed trucks can transport up to 48,000 pounds, and some have specific modifications that allow them to expand trailer length. Furthermore, their versatility makes them popular among transportation and logistics firms.
Semi Trailer
Semi-trucks are other types of truck which are known as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and big rigs are all names for semi-trailers. They are one of the most prevalent types of freight trucks to be seen on the road.
Semi-trailers are so-called because they lack a front axle and wheels, instead relying on a hitch or fifth-wheel attachment. Semi-trailers may pull one or two extra trailers to transport more goods.
Semi-trucks are extremely flexible and transport anything from consumer goods to raw resources. Semi-trucks are ideal for transporting freight across vast distances because they can tow many trailers.
Step Deck
A step deck is an open trailer that, like a flatbed truck, can transport higher freight since it is constructed for that purpose and is also often referred to as a lowboy truck. Step decks feature two levels and the bottom level is intended for tall or bulky items that might be difficult to accommodate on the upper level.
As a result, they are easier to load and unload. A step deck trailer allows you to carry huge and tall things without additional permissions and to fit more stuff on the other deck.
Dry Van Freight Truck
Dry vans are another popular kind of freight transportation, and they’re often the type you’ll see traveling beside you on a lengthy stretch of road. Dry vans, as opposed to an expediting sprinter van, are attached to an enclosed trailer with a roof and sides. These trailers are great for individuals who want to safeguard their cargo from the elements and any potential harm.
Due to their relatively limited trailer space, dry vans are suitable for delivering big amounts of packed, palletized, or loose cargo, such as groceries and clothing. Their enclosed cargo spaces also enable load securement systems, like load bars for trucks, to be easier to apply. Vehicles, machinery, and other forms of equipment can also be transported by dry vans as long as the cargo fits within the trailer.
Reefer
A reefer truck, also known as a refrigerated truck, is a temperature-controlled freight vehicle that transports items that must be maintained within a certain temperature range. Reefers, for example, frequently transport and distribute goods to supermarket warehouses and retailers.
The refrigeration unit is located in the trailer’s front or above the truck’s cab. To avoid spoiling, the driver must constantly monitor the temperature. Reefer trucks deliver anything that must be maintained at a specified temperature, including food, medications, chemicals, and hazardous goods. Reefer truck deliveries are more time critical than other forms of freight because chilled items deteriorate rapidly.
The Box Truck
A box truck is another types of trucks which are smaller commercial truck than most others. This vehicle is commonly used to relocate homes, distribute packages, and do other tasks. They are commonly utilized for last-mile delivery. Box trucks are distinguished by their rectangular cargo compartments and smaller freight vehicle sizes.
A box truck’s cargo box rests directly on the frame. The truck’s box is usually separate from the driver’s compartment. These trucks are ideal for local deliveries since they can easily handle tiny streets and tight corners.
Tanker Freight Truck
Tankers are formidable trucks that we would be remiss if we did not include in our analysis of various trucks for transporting freight. You may have also seen these enormous males in the lane next to you. These trucks commonly deliver liquid goods such as petroleum, industrial chemical fluids, and wine.
Furthermore, depending on the cargo, the cylindrical tanks on these vehicles can be chilled. Tankers are the only temperature-controlled possibilities in the freighting family because of this feature. This makes it a popular alternative for firms whose cargo requires specific transit conditions, such as pharmaceutical or oil and gas industries.
Bull Hauler
Bull haulers, also known as livestock or cattle liners, are trailers constructed specifically for transporting live animals. To be humane to the animals, livestock transportation is subject to additional laws. These trailers have open sections for air circulation.
Auto Hauler
Auto haulers, often known as car carrier trailers, are specially constructed trucks that can transport various cars. When transporting smaller personal automobiles, they frequently have two levels. They include built-in ramps for loading and unloading cars and may be open or closed depending on the trailer.
So, these were the different types of trucks for freight shipping. Hopefully, you now have a clear idea about different types of trucks.
