Rigid Trucks
A variety of different ‘body’ types can be mounted onto the chassis, enabling the transport of a wide variety of freight, typically over more shorter distances (compared to a tractor unit with semi-trailer).
Once it has been determined that a rigid truck is the right type of vehicle for a transport operation, as opposed to, say, a tractor unit, there are many things to consider when choosing the right type of rigid truck. Much depends on the type of cargo, travel distances, the terrain and specific operational requirements as to which type is most suitable.
Rigid trucks are available in several different sizes and are usually categorised by their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and it typically ranges from 7.5 tonne to 36 tonne.
Smaller, lighter trucks are designed to offer manoeuvrability in urban areas and are suitable for multiple delivery stops. As such, they tend to be used for regional and local deliveries.
Bigger, heavier trucks offer greater cargo capacity and are better suited to long distance transportation. Their greater stability also makes them suitable for ‘off-road’ transport operations.
Rigid trucks can also be categorised by the body type that they have. The types are curtainside trucks, box-van trucks, refrigerated trucks and flatbed trucks.
There are several other types of trucks which can be considered a specialist vehicle, including tipper trucks, cement mixers and drawbar trucks.
Rigid trucks are available that are fuelled by diesel and also by alternative fuels for reduced or zero fuel emissions, such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and electric.
In addition to size and body type, the features that are included, its performance and how it is fuelled are other factors to consider, as are after sales service, including maintenance and repair and, of course, price / hire rates.
The leading manufacturers of rigid trucks are DAF, Volvo, MAN, Renault, Scania, Iveco and Mercedes.
TIP offers rigid trucks on a short-term rental or a long term lease basis from most manufacturers.
