Types of Freight Trucks: What You Need to Know

Plenty of people earn a living driving trucks today, and for good reason. Industries and consumers alike depend on the work of truck drivers to get the goods that they need. 

Since freight trucking is a $273 billion industry, you can expect to earn your piece of the pie when you have the right assets and equipment for the job. Shopping for a toughly built freight truck that keeps you on the road is the most important piece of the puzzle. 

These tips explain the different types of freight trucks that you can look into when you’re trying to find the right vehicle. 

The Main Types of Freight Trucks

Before shopping for a vehicle, make sure you’re aware of the main types of freight trucks available. There are plenty of options that you can turn to, so you should choose the truck  that’s best for the work that you do. 

Finding a quality truck will set the foundation for your business and allow you to take more routes and earn more each year. Some of the trucks that you can consider include:

Step Deck Trucks

This is a type of truck that is open-air and has a flat platform, along with an elevated platform. Step deck trucks carry heavy loads that don’t need to be covered or protected the entire trip. Truck drivers carry construction equipment, heavy machinery, and other types of loads on step deck trucks. 

Because it is completely open air, you can carry taller loads without worrying about them taking up space or being constricted. Truck drivers can load the lower platform to create more space for tall loads. 

Semi-Trucks

Semi-truck vehicles are the most common types that people use when carrying freight. With a semi-truck, you’re getting the best load capability along with performance and handling. It features a tractor vehicle that you use to drive, along with a trail to haul the weight. 

These trucks have 18 wheels and plenty of power to help you when you’re on the road. You will be able to add many different attachments to the truck to serve you however you need. 

Flatbed Trucks

These options are similar to step deck trucks, in the fact that they are open-air and carry a lot of weight. The main difference is that these beds are completely flat. A flatbed can carry either standard or oversized loads easily. 

You can haul anything from machinery or lumber to another automobile whenever you travel with a flatbed truck. 

Box Trucks

Box trucks are also among the most common vehicles that you can use to help you with your trucking career. These vehicles feature a bad attachment that is square or cube-shaped, and they’re closed on all sides. 

The protective measures allow you to keep your cargo safe and sound. This is an ideal option if you’re hauling items that need to be shielded from inclement weather. Box trucks look like moving trucks, but are larger and allow you to haul more cargo. You will typically use these when your deliveries are local or across short distances. 

Dry Vans

A dry van is a type of vehicle that you can use to carry around all types of goods. It features an enclosed box to protect cargo from the outdoor elements. The main difference is that these vans don’t feature temperature control elements – hence the dry van name. 

Dry vans are of the larger variety, in that they typically span a little more than 50 feet. These vehicles have a low barrier of entry since you only need a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate it. 

Refrigerated Trucks

This is the ideal vehicle that you need when you want to provide some temperature control to your cargo. As the name suggests, these trucks are refrigerated, and the driver will be able to alter the temperature however they’d like. 

These vehicles, also called reefer trucks, are often used by drivers who make deliveries for grocery retailers, medical suppliers, chemical businesses, and other companies that ship perishable goods. 

Vehicle Carriers 

Many truck drivers also specialize in shipping automobiles. They send cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to dealerships and independent buyers. These vehicles feature a tractor that you drive, along with a carrier in the back that lets you arrange and tow all kinds of vehicles of different sizes. 

You can choose between an open-air or closed-air vehicle carriage, depending on whether you want to protect the vehicles from the elements. 

Get the Most From Your Freight Trucks

Now that you understand a bit more about the many different vehicle options around, you can start shipping around with a freight vehicle dealer that can aid you. These professionals can help you out whether you are looking into new, used or refurbished commercial vehicles to carry out your loads. 

Figure out your price range and know what year, make, and model of freight truck you think will be best for your company. Look into EZ Freight Broker Trucking Websites to learn more about finding the freight resources that you need. 

Shop for What You Need

These tips explain the different types of freight trucks that you can look into when you’re shopping for one that will propel your business. When you have the right information, it makes the shopping process easier. Get in touch with a fleet management company that can also help you with your other cargo transport needs. 

Start here and rely on us if you’re interested in learning more about boosting your truck driving career.