Types of goods and how to transport them

In the complex global trade environment, the movement of goods depends on a wide variety of factors, with the choice of the right transportation mode and vehicle being a pivotal performance. Just as different types of goods possess unique attributes, requirements, and demands, the world of heavy-duty trucks offers an array of specialized options to ensure the safe, efficient, and secure transportation of cargo. This comprehensive article delves into how to choose the right truck to transport every type of goods.

7 different types of trucks 

Before stepping onto the stage of cargo and transport, it is essential to understand the spectrum of heavy-duty vehicles, each designed to cater to distinct transportation needs and types of goods:

The dump truck

With its primary role in the public works and road construction sectors, the dump truck ranges from two- to three-bucket configurations and it’s often equipped with cranes to amplify its capabilities. This heavy-duty truck doesn’t limit itself to construction alone; it easily transitions to other roles. From carrying the weight of sand, gravel, rocks, and soil to transporting consumable raw materials like grains or even managing municipal waste, the dump truck stands as a testament to versatility.

The semi-trailer truck

The semi-trailer truck assumes a prominent role when it comes to moving substantial volumes of goods and hefty machinery. When the semi-trailer truck has 5 axles, its maximum load capacity can be 40 tons. If the truck has 3 axles, then the semi-trailer is going to be able to transport up to 44 tons.

The tanker truck

The tanker truck’s primary purpose lies in the transport of hazardous liquids, encompassing chemical reagents, flammable gasses, and an array of industrial products. It’s a very versatile vehicle, since it’s builtd to transport liquids spanning the spectrum – from agri-food goods to the liquids such as water, fuel oil, hydrocarbons, and even concrete.

The ampliroll truck

The ampliroll truck emerges as a versatile heavy-duty vehicle, distinguished by its incorporation of an articulated hydraulic arm that’s mounted on the truck’s chassis. With a keen focus on functionality, this system facilitates seamless transitions between different cargo formats, accommodating dump bodies, boxes, or containers with efficiency and precision. 

The refrigerated truck

The refrigerated truck is tailored to safeguard goods susceptible to deterioration when exposed to ambient temperatures. Its design revolves around a fortified rear, encapsulating an insulated box that maintains an internal temperature markedly lower than the external environment. This is orchestrated by a cooling mechanism powered by a generator, providing an environment where perishable goods are preserved. There are different types of goods it can transport, such as fresh produce and meats to medicines and even flowers and other plants.

The flatbed truck

Engineered with a specific purpose in mind, the flatbed truck works best for handling outsized cargo that defies confinement within enclosed spaces. Its design is equipped with practical structural elements such as sides or straps that work in tandem to effectively secure and stabilize the cargo throughout its journey. This heavy-duty vehicle finds its niche in a variety of applications, most notably in the transportation of items like vehicles, small boats, and large beams. In situations where conventional enclosed compartments fall short, the flatbed truck emerges as the optimal solution, seamlessly accommodating these sizable loads with precision and ease.

The tautliner truck

Distinguished by its distinctive attributes, the tautliner truck is characterized by the incorporation of removable curtains on both sides and a rear door. This configuration offers practical advantages in terms of facilitating efficient loading and unloading procedures. The presence of these versatile access points enhances operational efficiency by saving valuable time and effort, making the tautliner truck a pragmatic choice for businesses seeking streamlined logistical processes.

8 types of goods and the best trucks for transporting them

Perishable goods

Items with a limited shelf life encompass commodities susceptible to spoilage, decomposition, or loss, covering a spectrum that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and even live animals. Therefore, the most effective means of transporting these types of goods involves the use of refrigerated trucks. These specialized vehicles ensure the preservation of optimal temperatures, thus guaranteeing the integrity of freshness and quality during transit.

Bulk goods

Bulk cargo consists of substances presented in either liquid or granular form, composed of a collection of relatively small solids. Such materials include crude oil, grains, coal, and gravel. Optimal transportation for these types of cargo is made possible by the use of a dump truck, characterized by its open-box bed configuration. This bed is hinged at the rear and incorporates hydraulic rams, empowering the elevation of its front end. This mechanism allows the contents within the bed to be discharged onto the ground behind the truck at the delivery site.

High-Value goods

Road transport companies typically have their own rules for defining valuable shipments, based on the total value of goods loaded onto a trailer, ranging from thousands to millions of euros. High-value goods include things like branded fashion, electronics (phones, tablets, computers), cosmetics, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Even automotive parts like catalytic converters can be considered valuable. Armored trucks are the preferred choice for transporting these goods. These trucks have features like bullet-resistant glass, armor plating, and reinforced shells, designed to withstand robbery attempts, bullets, extreme heat, and collisions.

Hazardous Goods

When it comes to choosing the appropriate vehicle, hazmat trucks take the forefront. These trucks are meticulously designed to transport hazardous materials with utmost safety, adhering rigorously to strict compliance regulations.

Standard Goods

In this case, box trucks are the obvious choice: they provide a protective cargo space, ensuring that goods reach their destination intact and secure.

Oversized Goods

The open configuration of the flatbed trucks is purposefully built to handle substantial and difficult-to-transport items. This type of truck is particularly well-suited for accommodating machinery and vehicles of considerable size and weight.

Fragile Goods

Trucks that feature air-ride suspension are equipped with a suspension system that guarantees a controlled and cushioned transportation experience, which is crucial for safeguarding fragile cargo against jolts and vibrations that could result in damage.

Multifunctional Needs

Ampliroll trucks stand out as one of the most versatile types of truck. They possess the capability to adapt seamlessly to a variety of cargo handling requirements, making them a pragmatic choice for multifaceted transportation demands and many different types of goods.

Enriching global trade

The interplay between goods and trucks forms a crucial backbone for economies and efficient product delivery. Selecting the right truck for different types of goods is vital for smooth logistics. Whether it’s keeping perishable items fresh, securing valuables, or handling hazardous materials, the right truck matters. By understanding cargo characteristics and utilizing appropriate heavy-duty trucks, businesses can enhance their logistics to exceed customer expectations. 

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