Rigid Trucks
Rigid trucks are among the most common types of vehicles in general haulage. They feature a single, fixed chassis with an attached cargo body, making them ideal for urban and regional deliveries.
Key Features:
-
Load capacity: 7–26 tonnes
-
Easy manoeuvrability in city streets
-
Ideal for multi-drop deliveries
Typical Uses:
-
Retail deliveries
-
Palletised goods
-
Furniture and appliances
Articulated Trucks (Lorries / Tractor-Trailers)
Articulated trucks are designed for flexibility and high-capacity hauling. They consist of a tractor unit and detachable trailer, making them suitable for national and long-distance shipments.
Key Features:
-
Load capacity: 18–44 tonnes
-
Detachable trailer for quick loading/unloading
-
Excellent for FTL (Full Truck Load) shipments
Typical Uses:
-
Industrial goods
-
Large-volume retail shipments
-
Cross-border deliveries
Box Vans / Panel Vans
Box vans are smaller types of vehicles ideal for last-mile deliveries and light cargo. Fully enclosed, they provide security and weather protection.
Key Features:
-
Payload: 1–3 tonnes
-
Perfect for urban and suburban routes
-
Can be refrigerated for perishable goods
Typical Uses:
-
E-commerce parcels
-
Small furniture
-
Temperature-sensitive goods
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks are open, flat platforms designed for bulky or irregular-shaped cargo. They are a versatile category among types of vehicles for general haulage.
Key Features:
-
Load capacity: 5–30 tonnes
-
Open design allows easy loading/unloading
-
Requires secure strapping for safety
Typical Uses:
-
Construction materials
-
Machinery
-
Oversized pallets
Curtain-Sided Trucks
Curtain-sided trucks combine flexibility and protection, making them popular types of vehicles for general haulage.
Key Features:
-
Load capacity: 18–44 tonnes
-
Flexible side loading and unloading
-
Provides weather protection similar to box vans
Typical Uses:
-
Palletised FMCG goods
-
Retail stock deliveries
-
General distribution requiring quick access
Comparison Table of Vehicle Types
| Vehicle Type | Load Capacity | Key Advantages | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Truck | 7–26t | Urban manoeuvrability, multi-drop | Retail, pallets, appliances |
| Articulated Truck | 18–44t | High volume, long-distance | Industrial goods, FTL shipments |
| Box Van / Panel Van | 1–3t | Security, weather protection | Parcels, e-commerce, small furniture |
| Flatbed Truck | 5–30t | Easy loading of oversized goods | Construction materials, machinery |
| Curtain-Sided Truck | 18–44t | Flexible loading, weather protection | FMCG, pallets, general distribution |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vehicle
Selecting the right types of vehicles depends on operational requirements:
-
Cargo Type: Palletised goods, machinery, or perishable items need specific vehicles.
-
Route & Distance: Urban routes often use rigid trucks; long-distance hauls need articulated vehicles.
-
Load Volume: FTL vs LTL affects vehicle choice.
-
Regulatory Compliance: Vehicle weight restrictions and licenses differ.
-
Cost Efficiency: The right vehicle reduces fuel and operational costs.
For further guidance, see our blog Tips to Choose the Right General Haulage Company.
Future Trends in General Haulage Vehicles
The haulage industry is evolving, with new types of vehicles entering the market:
-
Electric Trucks: Reduce emissions for urban and regional deliveries
-
Telematics-enabled Vehicles: GPS tracking and route optimisation
-
Autonomous/Assisted Trucks: Enhancing long-haul efficiency
-
Temperature-Controlled Trailers: Expanding capabilities for perishables
Conclusion
Understanding the types of vehicles used in general haulage is key for businesses seeking efficient, reliable, and compliant transport solutions. Choosing the right vehicle type improves delivery performance, reduces operational risks, and ensures cost-effective logistics. Partnering with a professional general haulage logistics service provides the expertise and fleet needed for all types of shipments.
FAQ
Q1. What are the main types of vehicles in general haulage?
Rigid trucks, articulated trucks, box vans, flatbeds, and curtain-sided trucks are the primary types used.
Q2. How do I select the best vehicle for my cargo?
Consider load type, distance, route restrictions, and volume before choosing the appropriate vehicle type.
Q3. Can smaller vehicles be used for large shipments?
Smaller vehicles can handle LTL or multi-drop shipments but are not suitable for large-volume FTL deliveries.
Q4. Are electric trucks suitable for UK haulage?
Yes, electric trucks are increasingly used for urban and regional deliveries to reduce emissions.
Q5. What is the difference between flatbed and curtain-sided trucks?
Flatbeds are open platforms for oversized goods, whereas curtain-sided trucks allow side loading while providing weather protection.
HAVE A LOGISTICS EMERGENCY? FOR AN IMMEDIATE SAME DAY QUOTE