Trucks play a major role in logistics operations, whether transporting goods in bulk or facilitating last-mile deliveries. What’s more, there are numerous types of trucks that businesses can choose from based on their unique transportation requirements.
Thus, if you are planning to open a business or have one that heavily relies on road transportation, you must know the various types of trucks available, their characteristics, and their uses. Keep reading to learn more.
Decoding the Different Types of Trucks Used in Logistics Operations
Several parameters can be used to classify the various types of trucks used in logistics. Nowadays, most businesses usually choose trucks based on the cargo bed dimensions and the load-carrying capacity.
Additionally, they may consider selecting trucks based on the goods they are transporting. For instance, companies will use tanker trucks when shipping liquids or gases. Also, when transporting perishable materials like dairy goods, seafood, pharmaceuticals, etc., businesses need to go for refrigerated trucks.
Types of Trucks Used in Logistics: Based on Load-Carrying Capacity
The best way to decide which type of truck is suitable for your business is by assessing its load-carrying capacity. In this regard, here are the common types of trucks that are used in the logistics industry:
Light Commercial Trucks
Light commercial trucks have a maximum load-carrying capacity of 3.5 tons. They have a smaller form factor and are thus highly suitable for moving merchandise quickly, especially in urban areas.
Characteristics:
- Decent payload capacity
- Lower operation costs thanks to fuel-efficient engines
Common Uses:
- Transporting materials like fruits, vegetables, beverages, and white goods
- Facilitating multiple trips within a single day
- Shifting one or two household items, especially suitable for bachelors or students.
- Versatile for all kinds of on-demand logistics needs for both individuals and businesses.
Examples:
- Mahindra JAYO
- Tata 709g LPT
- Tata Ace
- Tata Ace Gold Pickup Truck
- Tata Intro V30
- Ashok Leyland BADA DOST
Medium Commercial Trucks
Medium commercial trucks have payload capacities ranging from 3.5 tons to 16 tons. They are highly durable and can be used for door-to-door deliveries and short-distance transportation between cities.
Characteristics:
- More fuel-efficient compared to heavy commercial trucks
- Easy to handle and navigate in urban areas
- Can easily tow light commercial trucks
Common Uses:
- Pickup and delivery of bulk light and medium-weight goods
- Usable as service bodies
- Suitable for regional logistics, small utility transportation, and light garbage truck operations
Examples:
- Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck Plus
- Tata 407
- Ashok Leyland Ecomet
- Mahindra Furio 7
Heavy Commercial Trucks
Heavy commercial trucks usually have a load-bearing capacity ranging from 16 tons to 49 tons and more. These vehicles are generally used for intercity and interstate transportation and cater to large-scale transportation requirements.
Characteristics:
- Heavy-duty build, suitable for carrying goods over long distances
- Powerful engine enabling the truck to handle heavy cargo
- High gradability, making it easy to tackle slopes, hills, and other elevated areas
Common Uses:
- Carrying heavy-weight, high-volume goods like construction materials, mining goods, and other industrial items
- Towing trailers and other light and medium vehicles
- Facilitating long-distance transportation
Examples:
- Ashok Leyland 2518
- Tata 1618
- BharatBenz 4228R
- Mahindra Blazo X 46
- Volvo FM 400 HD
Thus, businesses must own different types of trucks based on the delivery requirement. However, that is not always a cost-effective solution.
In this regard, Porter Enterprise can be an excellent choice.
Our vast fleet of specialised vehicles enables businesses to choose a truck best suited for their logistics requirements.
Avail Hassle-Free Online Truck Rentals with Porter Enterprise
Porter Enterprise allows you to book trucks online in just a few simple steps. After you book a pickup with us, our system assigns a verified driver-partner for your delivery. They arrive at your doorstep, load the goods, and safely transport them to your specified drop location.
Moreover, we have a vast fleet of trucks for both light and heavy goods requirements. This enables you to choose a vehicle that aptly caters to your delivery requirements, thus maximising space utility and serving as a cost-effective delivery solution.
Enjoy Seamless Intercity Logistics with Porter Enterprise
In addition to providing numerous types of trucks, Porter Enterprise also ensures seamless deliveries for a wide range of items.
Our specialised trucks enable you to transport FMCG items, processed foods, e-commerce merchandise, business parcels, agricultural goods, pharmaceutical items, and more.
What’s more, we currently offer our services in 20 cities across India!
Benefits of Renting Different Types of Trucks for Businesses and Individuals
Individual and business logistics requirements tend to vary. Thus, the types of trucks that they need to rent to fulfil them will also differ. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Here are the benefits that they can get by renting trucks as per their delivery requirement:
- Faster Deliveries: Companies can fulfil deliveries much faster by choosing trucks based on the goods type, volume, and drop location distance. They can use light commercial trucks for small shipments within the city and heavy commercial trucks for intercity and interstate deliveries.
- Cost Effectiveness: Selecting different types of trucks enables businesses to choose vehicles that can help them maximise space usage, saving their overall shipping costs.
- Transport a Wide Array of Goods: Companies can book trucks based on their goods’ shipping requirements. For example, food and pharmaceuticals need to be transported in refrigerated trucks, while construction materials like sand and cement can only be shipped in dump trucks.
Download the Porter app to access all the types of trucks you need for your business’s logistics!
