Truck Types

There are a wide variety of uses for vehicles that can carry either large or heavy objects or even large quantities of objects (bulk). This page will outline some of the truck types that are common within the UK. All truck types are available as rigid configurations and most of what is covered are available simply by changing the type of trailer.

Flat Bed
Probably the most versatile, the flat bed truck can carry most load types. depending on the load, it may have to be protected through 'roping and sheeting'. This is becoming less common with more flexible curtain type trucks. When loads do need to be roped and sheeted, the rope is more often ratchet straps.

Low Loader
Similar to a flat bed, this type of vehicle provides a bed for the load to sit on and is very versatile. The low loader is most commonly used to transport heavy loads in particular other vehicles. A similar concept is the car transporter covered later.

Skeletal
A frame trailer designed to carry containers only. these containers can be boxes with doors, used similar to a box van or be a tanker with the container frame around. The main purpose for using containers is their flexibility in transportation. Containers are easily transported via rail and sea.

Car Transporter
This type of vehicle / trailer is purpose built for one operation, transporting of cars and vans.

Tipper
Whether rigid (more common) or artic, tippers are used for carrying bulk quantities of loose material. The load is usually loaded by bucket or specialist loading equipment and then tipped at its destination.

Curtainsider
These trailers are used for general haulage typically palletised loads. The curtain sides make it faster for fork lift trucks to access the pallets and unload.

Box Van
rigid bodied vehicles and trailers where the load is accessed from the back only. these vehicles / trailers often have tail lifts fitted for unloading using a simple pump truck.

Tilt
More common in Europe than in the UK, these curtain based trailers have a frame that is covered completely with a curtain. Unloading is not as simple as with the more widely used curtainsider.

Tanker
Used on both dry (powders) and wet (liquids) loads, tankers move high quantities of material. tankers can be temperature controlled. For powders, air is used to blow the powder out.

Cattle
cattle trailers are designed to move large numbers of livestock.

Mobile Crane
A specialist piece of machinery, but still based on a truck vehicle.

Military
The military use various specialised vehicles and trailers for carrying personnel, supplies and weapons. Tank transporters are an example. They use heavy haulage tractors with low loader trailers.

Other!
There are a number of specialist vehicles used by public authorities, the fire brigade and others. Dustbin Lorries, Fire Engines and Cement Mixers are just a few.