A practical guide to vehicle bodies, weight classes, handling systems and cargo securing. A starting point for preparing a real transport request.
A vehicle is selected from the cargo data and the conditions of the operation. Relevant factors include dimensions and mass, number of units, centre of gravity, cargo sensitivity, required transit time, delivery windows, route, access restrictions, loading and unloading method, and the conditions at the receiving site. Only the full set of information allows the right vehicle configuration to be confirmed.
Gross Vehicle Weight is the maximum mass of a vehicle or combination with its body, equipment, fuel, driver and cargo. It is not payload.
GVW sets the maximum mass of a vehicle or combination in its actual configuration. The selection must account not only for cargo mass, but also for body and equipment weight, the number of axles, permitted axle loads, dimensions and centre-of-gravity distribution. Two vehicles with similar GVW can have different payloads and different operational capability.
| GVW / band | Typical configuration | Operational meaning |
|---|---|---|
| up to 3.5 t | Van / LCV | Express work, small distribution and restricted access. |
| over 3.5 to 7.5 t | Small rigid truck | Local distribution and delivery without a dock. |
| over 7.5 to 12 t | Medium rigid truck | Regional LTL and retail. |
| over 12 to 18 t | Large rigid truck | Heavier distribution and larger volume. |
| over 18 to 26 t | Heavy rigid / crane / tipper | Heavy local and regional cargo. |
| around 32 t | Multi-axle configuration | Value depends on axle layout and market. |
| around 36 t | Multi-axle combination | Value depends on country, axles and route. |
| 40 t | Typical international combination | Reference point for a standard tractor and trailer. |
| 42 t | Higher-limit combination | Only where the configuration and rules of the specific route permit it. |
| 44 t | Intermodal transport or national exceptions | Requires confirmation for country, route and configuration. |
| above 44 t | Special transport | Individual review of axles, route, bridges and permits. |
When selecting a body type, consider cargo access, deck height, the loading and unloading method, required securing equipment and the real availability of the chosen type. The descriptions below help define the requirement, but they do not replace confirmation of the actual vehicle specification.
A light, versatile body for pallets, steel, industrial materials and loads requiring access from the side, rear or top.
Often equipped with: Code XL, sliding or lifting roof, lashing points, rails and load bars.
Availability: High
Points to check: The roof mechanism can reduce vertical clearance during loading or unloading by around 5–10 cm. Confirm the actual height before top loading.
A light, versatile body; an older alternative to a curtainsider and now less common. It often has lower sideboards that form an additional barrier around the load.
Often equipped with: Lower sideboards, side tarpaulin, lashing points, straps, rails and load bars.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Opening and re-fastening the tarpaulin can be more time-consuming than sliding a curtain.
A higher curtainsider, typically giving around 30 cm more usable height than a standard curtain-side body. It is used for light, tall and high-volume loads.
Often equipped with: Sliding or lifting roof, Code XL and height-adjustable suspension.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: The deck is usually around 20–30 cm lower to keep the combination within the 4 m height limit. Check dock height and forklift access.
A tarpaulin body with increased volume. Its main area gives around 30 cm more height than a standard curtain-side body, but it is not a mega: it has a step, and roughly one third of the space remains at standard height.
Often equipped with: Sliding roof, lashing points and often lower sideboards.
Availability: Low
Points to check: The name is often confused with a tandem. Place cargo so it does not conflict with the step or exceed the available height.
A floor system in a tarpaulin trailer. An opening section of the floor contains cradles designed for steel coils.
Often equipped with: Coil cradles, blocking beams, lashing points, anti-slip mats and edge protection.
Availability: Low–medium
Points to check: State the weight, diameter, width, quantity and orientation of the coils. Coilmulde itself does not replace a proper blocking and securing plan.
A floor system in a tarpaulin trailer. Joloda rails and skates allow controlled horizontal movement of the load during loading or unloading.
Often equipped with: Joloda rails, skates, blocking devices, beams and additional lashing points.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Both the shipper and receiver need compatible equipment and handling procedures. Confirm unit weight, rail width, direction of movement and braking method.
A body with rigid walls, usually heavier than a curtainsider and therefore often with lower payload. It offers better protection from weather, dirt and unauthorised access.
Often equipped with: Anti-theft systems, extra locks, rails, straps and a tail lift.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Loading and unloading are usually rear-only. Check door dimensions, dock height and the lack of side or top access.
A rigid-walled body with insulation that helps keep cargo temperature stable, but does not actively control it.
Often equipped with: Partitions, securing poles, thermometer or temperature monitoring and rear doors.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Trip duration and external conditions matter: the temperature inside can still change. Handling is usually from the rear.
A rigid-walled body with a refrigeration unit that can cool or heat. Depending on the unit and conditions, it usually allows a setpoint in the approximate range of −25°C to +25°C.
Often equipped with: Temperature recorder, partitions, independent zones, double deck, twin floor, standby power and securing poles.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Confirm required temperature and tolerance, whether logging is mandatory and whether the vehicle must be pre-cooled before loading. Loading is generally rear-only.
A refrigerated body with meat hooks, reinforced walls and an overhead rail system for hanging cargo.
Often equipped with: Rails and hooks, temperature recorder, partitions, wash-down equipment and reinforced fixtures.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Cleaning, rail compatibility and usable height are critical. Account for odour and the receiver’s hygiene requirements.
An open body without side walls, fitted with a timber or steel deck. It is used for structures, prefabricated components, machinery, pipes and cargo handled from any side.
Often equipped with: Stanchions, chains, straps, anti-slip mats, edge protectors and weather cover.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: A securing plan is needed, along with weather protection, confirmation of cargo height and width, and the loading and unloading method.
An open body with sideboards, used for building pallets, scaffolding, pipes and similar cargo.
Often equipped with: Stanchions, chains, straps, anti-slip mats and edge protectors.
Availability: Very low
Points to check: Sideboards are an additional barrier, not a substitute for securing. Check their height, side-loading access and the risk of load overhang.
An open body with stanchions, used mainly for timber, pipes and other long items.
Often equipped with: Stanchions, chains, tensioners, straps, dunnage and end-of-load markings.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Define length, number of support points, overhang, anti-roll protection and route limitations.
An extendable trailer for long loads such as beams, pipes, prefabricated parts and power-industry elements.
Often equipped with: Stanchions, chains, tensioners, dunnage, load markings and lashing points.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Confirm extended length, axle loads, overhang and the passability of the whole route.
A semi-low trailer with a lowered deck, used for machinery, lifts and construction equipment with increased height.
Often equipped with: Ramps, winch, wheel chocks, chains, tensioners and wheel restraints.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Deck height, loading and unloading method, ground clearance and ramp angle are key.
A lower semi-low configuration for machinery that needs more height clearance than a standard flatbed can provide.
Often equipped with: Ramps, winch, wheel chocks, chains, tensioners and wheel restraints.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Check deck height, clearance, the loading and unloading method and ramp angle.
A very low-deck trailer for tall or heavy machinery. Versions include single-drop, double-drop/tiefbett and detachable-gooseneck designs.
Often equipped with: Ramps, detachable gooseneck, hydraulic axle steering, chains, tensioners and dunnage.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Check deck height, machine clearance, ramp angles, route transitions and curves, axle loads and any required permits.
A transport combination built from modular axle lines that can be lengthened, widened and configured for very heavy or oversized loads. It helps distribute weight across more axles.
Often equipped with: Hydraulic axle steering, extension modules, beams, dunnage, chains and lifting systems.
Availability: Very low
Points to check: It requires an individual plan: axle layout, bridge and turning analysis, permits and sometimes escorts.
A platform with a sloped rear section, often called a beavertail. It makes it easier to drive vehicles and wheeled machinery onto the deck.
Often equipped with: Ramps, winch, wheel chocks, wheel straps, chains and locks.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Confirm ramp angle, ground clearance, surface condition and a safe securing method after loading.
A vehicle body for transporting cars, usually with a steel deck and securing systems that limit vehicle movement.
Often equipped with: Ramps, winch, wheel chocks, wheel straps or loops, hydraulic deck and locking devices.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Check ramp angle, vehicle clearance, whether the vehicle rolls, its condition and the loading method.
A body for bulk materials that unloads by lifting the body. It is available in rear-tipping and side-tipping versions.
Often equipped with: Tarpaulin or cover, rear- or side-tipping system, sensors and stabilising components.
Availability: Low–medium
Points to check: Stable, level ground, free space above the vehicle and on the discharge side, plus an even load distribution, are required.
A trailer with a hydraulic moving floor that unloads cargo horizontally. Used for waste, biomass, timber, bulk goods and light high-volume cargo.
Often equipped with: Hydraulic floor system, tarpaulin or roof, cleaning equipment and rear safety elements.
Availability: Low–medium
Points to check: Confirm cargo type, loading method, unloading direction and mechanism cleanliness. Not every load can be moved across the floor.
A tanker for chemical products; the tank, seals and fittings must be compatible with the exact substance.
Often equipped with: Compartments, pump or compressor, hoses, couplings, fittings, cleaning system and ADR equipment.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Provide product, hazard class, density, temperature, required couplings, previous cargo and cleaning requirements.
A tanker for fuels and petroleum products, usually divided into compartments for different products or receivers.
Often equipped with: Compartments, pump, meter, hoses, couplings, earthing system and ADR equipment.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Product, number of compartments, discharge method, receiver requirements, safety zone and ADR procedures matter.
A tanker for liquid food products where hygiene, cleaning history and tank compatibility with the product are critical.
Often equipped with: Insulation, pump, food-grade hoses, couplings, cleaning system and temperature logging.
Availability: Low
Points to check: State the product, temperature requirements, cleaning method, receiver couplings and any quality requirements.
A tanker for compressed or liquefied gases. Selection depends on gas type, pressure, temperature and unloading technology.
Often equipped with: Safety valves, pressure gauges, hoses, pressure fittings, couplings and ADR equipment.
Availability: Very low
Points to check: Confirm gas type, operating pressure, temperature, couplings, safety zone and discharge procedure.
A trailer for cement, flour, ash, granulates and other powdery or loose goods that are pneumatically discharged.
Often equipped with: Compressor, hoses, filters, couplings, pressure gauges and dust-control equipment.
Availability: Low
Points to check: Check required pressure, flow rate, coupling diameter, filtration and receiving-installation readiness.
A chassis with twist-locks for 20, 40 and 45 ft containers, including tank containers. It is not a conventional cargo body but a platform matched to the container.
Often equipped with: Twist-locks, extendable chassis, fittings for different container lengths and, where needed, a genset for reefer containers.
Availability: Medium
Points to check: Confirm container length and mass, lock positions, centre of gravity, axle loads and access to the terminal or ramp.
A handling system decides whether the cargo can be operated without a dock, consignee equipment or an extra transshipment. State the equipment, operating side and required lifting capacity in the request.
When folded, the platform remains vertically or horizontally at the rear of the body. Used for distribution and pallets where self-service handling without a dock is needed.
Capacity at the real load centre, platform dimensions, clear space behind the vehicle and ground conditions.
The platform travels on vertical guides mounted at the rear of the body. It provides stable vertical lifting, particularly on box bodies.
Capacity, platform width and lift height, rear access and the effect of the guides on the door opening.
It is not permanently integrated into the body: it is attached to the vehicle for loading or unloading and then taken on the road with the vehicle after the operation.
Vehicle compatibility, attachment method, capacity, ground conditions and space required to position the lift.
Self-loading and unloading of construction goods, machinery or containers.
Capacity at the exact reach, stabilisers, lifting point and ground.
Forklift carried with the vehicle for pallets without a dock or local equipment.
Capacity, surface, access width, turning space and gradients.
Short movement of pallets on a level surface after tail-lift unloading.
Pallet mass, thresholds, stairs, slopes, door width and floor condition.
Vehicle, machine or forklift access to the deck.
Approach angle, clearance, width, axle mass, grip and securing.
Controlled pulling of disabled, unpowered or skid-mounted cargo.
Pulling force, attachment points, guiding path and blocking.
Rails and skates for horizontal movement of heavy reels, coils and sheet metal.
Unit mass, centre of gravity, rail width and blocking.
Hydraulic slats move cargo horizontally.
Material, discharge direction, mechanism cleanliness and site conditions.
Gravity discharge by lifting the deck.
Level and load-bearing ground, overhead clearance and even cargo distribution.
Transfers liquid between the tank and the receiver installation.
Product, connections, flow rate, temperature and flushing process.
Pneumatic discharge of cement, flour, ash and granulates.
Pressure, output, connection diameter, filtration and the receiving installation.
Lifts, lowers and exchanges a roll-off container or skip.
Container length, hook height, mass, yard and placement sequence.
Top access for an overhead crane or mobile crane.
Crane height, full roof opening, weather and Code XL.
Specify equipment only when it is needed to execute the operation or secure the cargo. “Fully equipped vehicle” is not a specification.
Reinforced body structure under defined stowage conditions.
Code XL document and cargo compliance with the certificate conditions.
Two pallet levels and non-stackable cargo.
Pallet dimensions, unit mass, beam capacity and number of levels.
Top loading by overhead or mobile crane.
Whether the roof must slide, lift and what clearance is required.
Product separation, temperature zones or movement blocking.
Position, capacity, sealing and locking method.
Furniture, interiors and surface-sensitive cargo.
Rail type, strap count, blankets, edge protectors and interior cleanliness.
Hanging meat transport.
Capacity, spacing, working height and cleanliness requirements.
Empty pallets outside the main loading space.
Pallet quantity, type and mounting position.
Mechanical locking of a container on a container chassis.
Container type, lock spacing and container position.
Different temperatures in one body.
Zone count, temperature and tolerance of each zone.
Product separation or higher refrigeration independence.
Whether independent zones are required rather than one setting.
Keeps refrigeration running during a stop.
Stop duration, power availability and emergency procedure.
Documents maintained transport conditions.
Recording range, frequency, report format and data recipient.
Live reading or continuous logged monitoring with alerts.
Whether a reading is enough or alerts are required.
Stabilise pallets and divide zones in a reefer or closed body.
Height, capacity, position and rail compatibility.
Friction or direct lashing of pallets, machinery, timber and steel.
Count, length, LC, STF, lashing angle and anchor points.
One type of strap ratchet, typically improving handling and tension.
Whether ERGO is specifically required; not every strap needs it.
Increase friction under the cargo.
Floor type, mass, layer count and surface condition.
Protect straps and packaging from cutting and crushing.
Edge material and shape, strap load and protector count.
Block pallets and cartons along the vehicle.
Rail type, beam capacity and number of blocking points.
Adjustable anchor points and load locks.
Spacing, capacity, beam compatibility and mounting height.
Machinery, steel and heavy items with anchor points.
Permitted force, cargo and vehicle points, and protection against loosening.
Pipes, timber, long items and building materials.
Height, spacing, capacity and additional anti-roll securing.
Coils, pipes, machinery and pressure distribution.
Cargo shape, capacity and blocking method.
Fill gaps between cargo units.
Permitted use, pressure and puncture protection.
Protection against weather, dust and material loss.
Protection range, securing method and wind resistance; it does not stop cargo movement.
Delivery tracking and route control, especially for high-value cargo.
Whether location, customer access and alerts are needed.
Closure of the loading space where customs sealing is required.
Ability to apply a seal and access to customs points.
Limits unauthorised access.
Locking method, parking and key handover.
Plates and markings resulting from the transport type.
The complete requirement; “ADR” alone is not enough.