A truck is a large truck designed to transport bulky goods. This name comes from the German Fuhre - force, load. Previously, so-called wide and long carts harnessed by horses or oxen. The height of the truck was arbitrary. Depending on the specifics of the transported things, the sides of the cart could be removed or vice versa build up.
Why are trucks needed?
With the development of the automotive industry, this word began to be used as the name of large tractors towing semi-trailers. Today, such vehicles are used to transport goods over long distances. Typically, trucks are used by large companies and manufacturing enterprises.
They are convenient in that they can accommodate bulky goods, the volume of which reaches 120 cubic meters. Moreover, in tilt trailers, the units transported can be completely different - special fasteners allow you to securely fix them. For transportation of bulk products or building materials, special onboard long trailers are usually used, with extended sides that increase the height of the truck.
When transporting special equipment and oversized cargo, length meters with reinforced frames are used.
Cargo specifics
All transported goods are divided into classes and types. Among them are especially distinguished:
- dangerous;
- oversized;
- perishable.
Each of these types has its own standards and requirements for transportation. Transportation of cargo, if the height of the truck allows it, can be tare-piece or bulk. Tare-piece transportation is a more reliable shipping option.
For any transported items, a certain type of suitable motor vehicle equipped with special equipment is selected. According to the characteristics of the transported units - their volume, weight, storage temperature and packaging method - determine the type of semitrailer.
Truck dimensions: selection by type of cargo and its dimensions
Many transport companies rent modern wagons for rent. Today, the choice of trucks offered is very diverse. And the most popular are:
- semitrailers;
- refrigerated bodies and semi-trailers;
- "Road trains" or eurotrucks;
- insulated bodies;
- oversized cargo platforms;
- open platforms;
- body type "Jumbo".
The heaviness, length, width and height of the truck may vary depending on the type and model. For example, a standard “road train” can carry from 16 to 25 tons. It will include from 22 to 33 pallets. The useful volume can vary from 60 to 120 cubic meters. This type of vehicle is perfect for transporting most types of cargo, except for dangerous, perishable and long ones.
But it’s unlikely that someone will use the platform for oversized cargo (despite the fact that it can carry from 20 to 40 tons) for transporting loaded pallets - usually oversized units, containers, construction mechanisms and special equipment are moved on it. The height of the truck from the ground to the top of the cargo can be more than three meters.
The right vehicle is a guarantee of quality and reliable delivery.
Types of heavy trucks
One of the most common types of heavy trucks are flatbed semi-trailers. They are used in the transportation of pipes, metal fittings, building materials.
A shaded semi-trailer may have sides or metal racks instead. In such a heavy cargo transport everything that is suitable in size and temperature. Thanks to the distinctive design features, it is convenient to carry out loading and unloading operations in this type of semi-trailer. The height of the 20 ton truck is usually 2.45 meters. Very often during transportation of some goods the tent frame is removed. Then this semi-trailer is used as an open platform.
For transportation of bulk cargo (gravel, sand, grain, etc.) use long semi-trailers equipped with a tipping unloading platform. Semi-trailers can unload from one or three sides.
When transporting perishable products, medicines and flowers, isothermal semi-trailers or refrigerated trailers are usually used.
With the help of special tankers, oil products are transported. They are equipped with double walls, the space between which is filled with flammable material.
Body type "Jumbo" have a large internal volume. Thanks to the special design and dimensions of the truck, they are very spacious. A distinctive feature here is the unusual shape of the broken frame and smaller rear wheels. For transportation of heavy cargo, the weight of which reaches more than a hundred tons, special low loader trawls with a large number of axles are used.
Truck construction
Large vehicles designed to carry heavy loads over long distances consist of two components: a cargo tractor and a semi-trailer. They are connected with special supports and clutches. A semitrailer is not a self-propelled vehicle. Usually it moves as part of a road train.
Wagon capacity
Truck capacity determines the number of axles of the semi-trailer. The body, which has one axle, is designed for transportation, weighing up to 2 tons, and the two axles of the semi-trailer are capable of transporting up to 8 tons. The multi-axle semi-trailer is designed for loads weighing more than 20 tons.
The height of the truck from the ground to the top, its length and width, determine the usable volume of vehicles. On average, it is from 60 to 96 cubic meters. The semitrailer may have air or spring suspension. The second option is usually used in off-road conditions.
Cargo heaviness
The vehicle heaviness together with the load is determined by two criteria: total weight and axle load. There are specific guidelines for these criteria. If at least one of them is exceeded, then the load is equated to heavy. For its transportation, special permission is required for transportation and the provision of additional traffic safety measures. There are certain requirements for the height of the truck.