Cargo Vehicles: Complete Guide to Types for Land Freight Transport
Cargo vehicles are the backbone of land logistics and fundamental pieces in any supply chain. Their correct selection determines the efficiency, safety and profitability of freight transport. From last mile distribution to the most massive freight across Europe, each type of truck and van is designed for a specific load and route. As experts in land transport, we break down the main types of cargo vehicles and their essential characteristics.
Vans
Agility for last mile and urban distribution
Vans are the smallest and most agile cargo vehicles in land transport.
Main Characteristics
Their compact design and maneuverability make them ideal for urban environments and limited access. They are fast and fuel-efficient for light loads.
Common Uses
Perfect for last mile, parcel delivery, express shipments, urban distribution, and low volume and weight goods.
Logistics Advantages
Speed over short distances, access to restricted areas, flexibility for urgent deliveries.
Rigid Trucks
The balance between capacity and maneuverability
Rigid trucks (or "box trucks") are cargo vehicles where the cabin and box form a single structure.
Main Characteristics
They offer superior load capacity to vans, while maintaining good maneuverability compared to articulated trucks. The closed box provides greater security and protection for goods.
Common Uses
National distribution of general merchandise, moving, transport of construction materials in urban and suburban environments.
Logistics Advantages
Versatility for various types of cargo, balance between capacity and agility, inherent security of the box.
Articulated Trucks (Trailers)
The backbone of long-distance transport
Articulated trucks, commonly known as trailers, are the most used type of cargo vehicle for long-distance freight transport and large volumes. They consist of a tractor head and a semi-trailer.
Main Characteristics
Maximum load capacity in weight and volume, optimized for efficiency on highways and international routes.
Common Uses
Full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL) long distance, both national transport in Spain and international Europe.
Logistics Advantages
High efficiency, cost reduction per ton/kilometer, versatility of semi-trailers.
Mega-trucks and Duotrailers
Maximizing volume efficiency
Mega-trucks and duotrailers are the evolution of articulated trucks and road trains, designed to transport even greater cargo volume.
Main Characteristics
Cargo vehicle sets with greater length and GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), formed by several units (e.g., tractor head + two semi-trailers). They require special regulations and permits.
Common Uses
High volume transport between large logistics centers or factories.
Logistics Advantages
Extreme efficiency per ton transported, emission reduction per cargo unit, cost optimization.
Tanker Trucks
Specialists in liquid and bulk cargo
Tanker trucks are cargo vehicles designed for transporting bulk goods in liquid, gaseous or powdered state.
Main Characteristics
They have a cylindrical or elliptical tank. They require specific ADR certifications and regulations if transporting dangerous goods (e.g., fuels, chemicals).
Common Uses
Transport of liquids (water, milk, oil), gases (LPG, LNG), cement, flour.
Logistics Advantages
Safe transport of specific loads that cannot be packaged, comply with strict regulations.
Platform Trucks
Solutions for indivisible and large dimension cargo
Platform trucks are cargo vehicles with a flat loading surface, without sides or roof.
Main Characteristics
They allow loading and unloading from any angle and are ideal for goods with dimensions or weights that exceed standard limits.
Common Uses
Transport of machinery, prefabricated structures, pipes, wood, special or indivisible loads.
Logistics Advantages
Flexibility for atypical loads, capacity for large dimensions, ease of handling.
Choosing the right cargo vehicle: the key to your logistics success
Understanding the particularities of each type of cargo vehicle is fundamental to optimize your freight logistics and ensure the supply chain flows smoothly.
The right choice directly impacts cost, delivery times and the safety of your shipment, for that reason, at Envio x Envio, we have the experience and technology to advise you and offer you the ideal land transport solution for your cargo, always guaranteeing maximum efficiency.