Choosing the Right Truck: Understanding Types of Freight Trucks

When it comes to moving goods across the country, selecting the right truck is more than just a logistics decision — it’s crucial for your business. Whether you're a shipper, freight broker, or carrier, knowing the types of freight trucks available is key to ensuring safe, cost-effective, and efficient transport.

In this article, we'll break down the most common types of freight trucks, their uses, and when to choose each one.

Why Truck Type Matters

Every product is different, just as every load is unique. Choosing the wrong truck can have serious consequences, including:

• Increased costs

• Damaged freight

• Delays in delivery

• Compliance issues with the law

  
  

That is why selecting the right freight truck type is step one in planning a successful shipment.

1. Dry Van Truck

Dry vans are the most commonly used freight trucks on the road today. They are fully enclosed trailers designed for transporting non-perishable goods.

Best for:

• Palletized freight

• Consumer goods

• Electronics

• Clothing

• Packaged products

  
  

Why use it?

Dry vans provide protection from weather and theft, easy loading dock access, and great versatility.

Standard size:

• 53 feet (can carry up to 45,000 lbs)

  
  

2. Flatbed Truck

Flatbeds are open trailers without sides or a roof. They are ideal for large, oversized, or irregularly shaped freight.

Best for:

• Machinery

• Lumber

• Construction materials

• Steel coils

• Vehicles

  
  

Why use it?

Flatbeds enable easy side or crane loading, making them perfect for freight that cannot fit in a standard trailer.

Variants include:

• Step Deck (Drop Deck): For taller loads

• Double Drop: For extra-high or oversized cargo

  
  

3. Refrigerated Truck (Reefer)

Reefers are specialized dry vans equipped with refrigeration units to control temperature and protect perishable goods.

Best for:

• Produce

• Meat and dairy

• Pharmaceuticals

• Frozen foods

  
  

Why use it?

Reefers maintain cold chain integrity, prevent spoilage, and meet health regulations.

Note:

Using reefers requires special fuel for the refrigeration unit. This may influence transportation costs.

4. Box Truck (Straight Truck)

Box trucks have a cargo area directly attached to the cab. They are often utilized for local or regional freight deliveries.

Best for:

• Small retail deliveries

• Furniture

• Parcel shipping

• Home goods

  
  

Why use it?

Box trucks are highly maneuverable in urban areas, do not require a trailer, and are perfect for short hauls.

Common sizes:

• 16–26 feet

  
  

5. Tanker Truck

Tanker trucks are designed explicitly for transporting liquids, gases, or hazardous materials.

Best for:

• Fuel

• Chemicals

• Milk or food-grade liquids

• Industrial liquids

  
  

Why use it?

They are built to transport fluid cargo safely while complying with hazmat regulations.

Variants include:

• Food-grade tankers

• Chemical tankers

• Cryogenic tankers

  
  

Requires:

A CDL with a hazmat endorsement to operate.

6. Intermodal (Container) Truck

These trucks haul standard shipping containers, typically from ports, rail yards, or warehouses.

Best for:

• International or cross-border freight

• Imports and exports

• Long-haul plus rail or ship connections

  
  

Why use it?

Intermodal trucks allow containers to be transported between ships, rails, and trucks without unloading cargo.

Standard container sizes:

• 20-foot

• 40-foot

• 53-foot

  
  

7. Hot Shot Truck

Hot shot trucks are typically dually pickup trucks equipped with flatbed trailers. They are used for urgent or smaller loads.

Best for:

• Time-sensitive shipments

• Smaller LTL (less-than-truckload) loads

• Regional hauls

• Vehicle shipments

  
  

Why use it?

Hot shot trucks are fast, flexible, and lower-cost alternatives for small loads.

Trailer types:

• Gooseneck

• Bumper pull

• Lowboy

  
  

8. Curtain Side Truck

Curtain side trucks resemble flatbeds but include retractable side curtains for easy access.

Best for:

• Palletized freight

• Machinery

• Freight needing crane loading but also weather protection

  
  

Why use it?

They offer a combination of flatbed access and dry van security while providing quick access without tarping.

9. Lowboy Trailer

Lowboys are specialized flatbeds that are very low to the ground, ideal for hauling extra-tall or heavy equipment.

Best for:

• Excavators

• Bulldozers

• Industrial machinery

  
  

Why use it?

They meet DOT height regulations while carrying massive loads efficiently.

Common use:

Transporting oversized and over-dimensional freight.

10. RGN Trailer (Removable Gooseneck)

RGN trailers are flatbeds with a detachable front that allows self-propelled cargo to be driven or rolled onto the trailer.

Best for:

• Heavy equipment

• Rolling machinery

• Large vehicles

  
  

Why use it?

The low deck height and front-loading access make RGN trailers ideal for heavy cargo.

Note:

Due to their size and weight, RGN freight often requires special permits.

Bonus: Specialized Freight Trucks

Depending on your niche, there are additional types of freight trucks, including:

• Dump trucks (for gravel, soil, demolition)

• Logging trucks (for transporting timber)

• Car haulers (open or enclosed transport)

• Livestock trailers (for farm animals)

  
  

Each truck type serves a particular industry and cargo type, making it crucial to select the right one based on your needs.

How to Choose the Right Freight Truck Type

Choosing the right truck involves considering these critical factors:

1. Freight dimensions – Weight, height, width, and length

2. Cargo type – Perishable, hazardous, palletized, or loose

3. Loading method – Forklift, crane, or hand-loaded

4. Route requirements – Long-haul versus regional, urban versus rural

5. Regulatory needs – Hazmat, temperature control, or DOT permits

   
   

Final Thoughts: Why Understanding Freight Truck Types Matters

The logistics world can be complex. However, understanding the different types of freight trucks gives you a significant advantage. Whether you are:

• Booking shipments

• Starting a freight brokerage

• Dispatching carriers

• Or simply looking to learn how freight moves

  
  

Utilizing the wrong truck can lead to damaged freight, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses. On the other hand, choosing the right truck ensures that supply chains operate smoothly and efficiently, leading to successful outcomes.

For more insights on the types of freight trucks, visit Freight Cypher.