Types of Trucks

Types of Trucks in the Trucking Industry

Key feature of the trucking industry is the variety of truck types, each designed to meet specific logistical needs. This article will explore the different types of trucks utilized within the U.S. trucking industry.
Lear about Trailers here.

Semi-Trailer Trucks

Arguably the most recognizable truck, the semi-trailer truck, also known as a semi, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler, is a combined vehicle consisting of a towing engine (the “tractor”) and a trailer to carry freight. These trucks can haul a wide variety of goods and are a staple on interstate highways.
Learn more about Semi Trucks here.

Box Trucks

Box trucks are typically used for transporting appliances, furniture, and other smaller cargo loads. Often seen in use by moving companies, they’re characterized by a cargo area that’s akin to a large box, hence the name.
Learn more about Box Truck here.

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks have a level bed with no sides or roof, allowing for easy loading and unloading of goods from all directions. They are most commonly used for transporting heavy or oversized loads, such as construction equipment, that wouldn’t fit in a closed body truck.

Refrigerated Trucks

Also known as “reefers,” refrigerated trucks are used to transport perishable goods that require a certain temperature to remain fresh, such as food or pharmaceutical products. These trucks have refrigeration units built into their cargo space to maintain the desired temperature.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks are designed for transporting liquids or gases. This can range from basic substances like water to hazardous materials like chemicals or fuel. Their unique cylindrical shape distinguishes these trucks.

Dump Trucks

Typically used in construction, dump trucks transport loose material like sand, gravel, or demolition waste. They have a unique open-box bed, which can be lifted to dump the materials at the destination.
Learn more about Dump Truck here.

Garbage Trucks

Garbage trucks, as the name suggests, are used for collecting and transporting waste. They come in various types, including front loaders, rear loaders, and side loaders, each pertaining to where the waste is loaded from.

Car Haulers

Car haulers, or auto transport trucks, are specifically designed to transport vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships or for long-distance moves. They can be open or enclosed, with enclosed variants providing added protection to the vehicles.

Heavy Haulers

Heavy haulers are used to transport oversized loads or heavy construction equipment. These are specialized trucks that often require additional permits to operate due to their size and weight.

Tow Trucks

Heroes of roadside assistance, tow trucks swiftly rescue and recover vehicles in need, restoring mobility.

• Role of tow trucks in roadside assistance and vehicle recovery.
• Common types: flatbed, hook and chain, wheel-lift, and integrated.
• Instances when tow trucks are indispensable.
  Learn more about Tow Trucks here.

Each type of truck in the trucking industry serves a unique purpose and plays a role in transporting different kinds of goods across the U.S. 
Learn about Cargo Van here.

Here si a great Salesman article on types of box trucks.
Learn more about Different Types of Trucking.
Learn more about different types of trailers used in  trucking here.