Commercial truck classification is usually based on the maximum loaded weight of the truck using the transport unit gross weight rating and sometimes also the trailer gross weight rating.

Load capacity is the most important feature to check prior to loading as it refers to the total cargo weight that we can safely carry, adding the transport unit’s weight.

The following list of various types of trucks typically used in International Road Transport is intended to classify trucks according to their main characteristics (capacity / payload).

Semi-trailer truck

Trucks with tarpaulin or euro-tent are the most common body type, suitable for the transportation of most cargoes. The transportation unit’s design – top and side frames can be removed if required, so that loading / unloading from side and from top can be possible – allows for special lifting equipment and / or cranes. By removing the tent and frame, we can also use the wagon as an open platform for loading pallets.

Refrigerators

Refrigerated trucks are designed mainly for the transport of food and have their own cooling system, completely independent from the environment. They can maintain a certain temperature for long time allowing for frozen products to be transported over long distances without quality loss.

Jumbo type semi-trailer trucks

JUMBO type trailers have enlarged capacity due to their loading height of 3 meters. This is achieved by a special L-shaped floor and the reduced size of tires of the vehicle. This type of truck is very popular in automotive industry loadings.

Low loaders

A low loader is a heavy-duty trailer that has the lowest running height available. The loading floor is very close to the ground. This makes it possible to transport high loads. The specifications and dimensions of low loader trailers vary. Low loaders are designed for the transport of OOG cargo.

Open Platform

Open platforms are used for transportation of cargo that is not affected from external weather conditions as well as for oversized equipment that would not normally fit into standard semitrailer trucks. Also, they are preferred when the transported cargo requires loading / unloading from the top or side.

TYPE OF TRUCK	DIMENSIONS / PAYLOAD	COMMENTS
Tent semi-trailer truck	Length: 13.6 m Width: 2.45 m Height: 2.5 – 2.78 m Payload: 20 – 25 tons	The capacity ranges from 82 to 92 m3 depending on semi-trailer height
Tent truck “road train” type (vehicle and body on a common frame + trailer)	Length: 6.00 – 8.00 m Width: 2.45 m Height: 2.50 – 2.78 m Payload: 20 – 25 tons	The capacity ranges from 110 to 120 m3 depending on body and trailer height and weight
Refrigerated truck (semi-trailer refrigerator with temperature range +25С° to -25С°)	Length: 13.60 m Width: 2.45 m Height: 2.50 m Payload: 3 – 25 tons	The capacity ranges from 82 to 92 m3 depending on semi-trailer height
Tent semi-trailer truck “JUMBО” type	Length: 13.60 m Width: 2.45 m Height: 3.00 m Payload: Up to 20 tons	The capacity ranges from 100 to 105 m3 depending on semi-trailer height
Open Platform	Length: 13.60 m Width: 2.45 m Height: — Payload: 20 – 25 tons