Vehicle sizes and body types

Updated 2 days ago by Ania

Who can use this feature?

This feature is available to all users of the Trans.eu Platform and CargoON.

In this article, you will learn:

• what vehicle size categories are available on the Platform,

• what characterizes the different body types (vehicle bodies),

On the Trans.eu Platform, vehicles are divided into main size categories and body types, making it easier to match the means of transport to the cargo. Below you will find a detailed description of the available options.

Vehicle sizes

There are four main vehicle groups available on the Platform, adapted to different types of orders and cargo characteristics. The vehicle size classification is based on the following:

  • Van - can operate in urban zones where heavy goods vehicles are not allowed. Due to its height, it cannot take cargo from standard warehouse loading docks.
  • With a semi-trailer / With a trailer - can operate in locations with different-sized maneuvering yards. Attention should also be paid to the unloading methods that may not be available for certain types.

VAN

(Delivery vehicle)

The smallest vehicle category, intended mainly for fast and urgent transport operations.

APPLICATION:

  • express transport,
  • transport of smaller loads,
  • dedicated deliveries directly to the consignee.

Often used in industries requiring a fast logistics response, such as automotive or consumer electronics/home appliances.

SOLO

A rigid vehicle in which the driver's cab and the cargo space form one permanently connected unit.

APPLICATION:

  • domestic distribution,
  • international transport of medium-sized loads,
  • regular deliveries to logistics centres and distribution points.

This solution ensures structural stability and good control over the transported goods.

VEHICLE WITH A SEMI-TRAILER

(TRACTOR UNIT)

The most commonly used type of vehicle in long-distance transport. It consists of a tractor unit and a detachable semi-trailer.

APPLICATION:

  • domestic and international transport,
  • full truckload transport,

The ability to detach the semi-trailer increases versatility and operational efficiency, enabling quick swaps and the handling of different body types.

VEHICLE WITH A TRAILER (SET)

A truck with an attached trailer or a special configuration with increased cargo space.

APPLICATION:

  • transport of high-volume cargo,
  • transport operations requiring greater cubic capacity,

This category is particularly useful for cargo with a large volume but relatively low weight.

Body types and subtypes

After selecting the vehicle size, the appropriate body type should be specified. The choice of body type should depend on the nature of the cargo, the loading method, and safety requirements.

TENT

The most versatile and most frequently selected body type. It enables flexible loading and unloading methods.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • loading possible from the rear, side, and top (depending on the subtype),
  • widely used in domestic and international transport,
  • easy to adapt to different types of cargo.

AVAILABLE SUBTYPES:

  • Standard - a classic tarpaulin semi-trailer allowing loading from several sides. A universal solution for most palletized and general cargo.

  • Curtainsider - equipped with sliding side curtains. It enables fast and convenient side loading and often also features a sliding roof. Particularly valued for frequent transshipment operations.

  • Mega – a version adapted for transporting high-volume cargo, with greater available loading height. Used in industries where maximum use of cargo space is crucial.

  • BDE (Back Door Extension) - a semi-trailer with an extendable rear section and a lifting roof. It facilitates the loading of goods that take up the full width of the cargo space, such as household appliances or oversized components.

  • Coilmulde - a specialist semi-trailer equipped with a trough in the floor for the safe transport of coiled cargo, such as steel. It ensures stability and proper positioning of heavy cylindrical goods.

  • Joloda - equipped with a rail system in the floor that enables heavy loads to be moved without using a forklift. A particularly useful solution for transporting paper reels or other heavy industrial components.

  • Jumbo - a specialist tarpaulin version used in road train sets with increased cargo space. It is characterized by a design that enables maximum use of volume, making it especially suitable for transporting lightweight but bulky cargo. It is often used in industries such as automotive, industrial manufacturing, or FMCG, where transporting a large number of cargo units in a single shipment is important.

RIGID BODY

A category covering vehicles with a permanent, enclosed wall structure. It provides a higher level of cargo protection compared to a tarpaulin body.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • solid construction,
  • increased cargo security,
  • better protection against weather conditions and external interference.

AVAILABLE SUBTYPES:

  • Rigid box - a fully enclosed cargo space. Intended for the transport of goods requiring additional protection, such as electronic equipment, high-value products, or cargo sensitive to external conditions.

  • Box – a body with sideboards, often without a fixed roof. It enables convenient top loading using a crane. It is often used for transporting construction materials, steel structures, and non-standard cargo.

COOLER

A body type intended for the transport of goods requiring controlled temperature.

Additionally, it is possible to specify extra requirements in the freight offer:

- additional generator for the reefer

- multi-temperature

- temperature printout

- thermometer

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • insulated cargo space,
  • ability to maintain specific temperature conditions,
  • used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

    AVAILABLE SUBTYPES:
  • Cooler- equipped with a refrigeration unit enabling active cooling or heating of the cargo space. It allows the transport of goods requiring a constant temperature.

  • Isotherm - a thermally insulated body without its own refrigeration unit. It maintains temperature for a certain period, reducing the impact of external conditions.

  • Meat hanging cooler - a specialist refrigerated body equipped with an overhead hook system for transporting animal carcass halves in a hanging position. Mainly used in meat transport.

TIPPER

A body type intended for the transport of loose and bulk materials.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • cargo box with a tipping function,
  • quick and efficient unloading by tipping out the load,
  • used in the construction, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

    VARIANTS:
  • Steel tipper - a design adapted for transporting heavy and demanding materials.
  • Aluminium tipper - often used for transporting materials with lower unit weight.

WALKING FLOOR

(MOVING FLOOR)

An alternative to the classic tipper. Equipped with a moving floor system that enables horizontal unloading without lifting the body.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • unloading in places with limited height,
  • transport of biomass, waste, and recyclable materials,
  • operations requiring controlled, gradual discharge of the load.

This solution increases operational safety and enables unloading in more challenging infrastructure conditions.

TANKER

A body type intended for the transport of liquid and gaseous substances, as well as bulk materials (in silo version).

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • sealed construction,
  • adapted to the specific properties of the transported substance,
  • compliance with specific safety standards.

VARIANTS:

  • Chemical tanker - for transporting chemical substances.
  • Gas tanker – adapted for transporting gases.
  • Fuel tanker – intended for transporting fuels.
  • Food tanker – for food products requiring appropriate hygiene standards.
  • Other tanker – for specific applications.
  • Silo – for transporting bulk materials in powder or granulate form.

Each variant meets specific industry and safety requirements.

CONTAINER

A body type intended for transporting sea containers and swap bodies. Used in intermodal transport, it enables efficient movement of loading units between different means of transport without the need to reload the cargo.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • adapted for transporting intermodal units (ISO containers, tank containers, swap bodies),
  • possibility of handling combined transport (road-rail or road-sea),
  • stable and secure container fastening to the chassis using twist-locks,
  • compliance with ISO standards regarding dimensions and securing points,
  • can be configured for specific container lengths and types,
  • high versatility and quick loading and unloading.

BODY VARIANTS:

20’ Tanker - a body adapted for transporting 20-foot tank containers.

Application:

  • transport of food liquids, chemicals, fuels, and gases,
  • transport operations requiring tightness and appropriate safety conditions.

Characteristic features:

  • reinforced chassis structure,
  • appropriate placement of securing points,
  • possibility of additional ADR safety equipment.

20’ Standard

Body for transporting standard 20-foot ISO containers. Application:

  • transport of general cargo, palletized cargo, and industrial goods,
  • domestic and international transport.

Characteristic features:

  • the most common variant in intermodal transport,
  • optimal for heavy cargo (favourable weight distribution),
  • quick securing thanks to the twist-lock system.

40’ Tanker

Body intended for transporting 40-foot tank containers. Application:

  • transport of larger quantities of liquid substances,
  • long-distance international transport.

Characteristic features:

  • extended chassis frame,
  • reinforced load-bearing structure,
  • possibility of transporting cargo requiring ADR compliance.


    40’ Standard
    Body adapted for transporting standard 40-foot containers. Application:
    • transport of goods in large volumes,
    • sea and rail transport in a door-to-door system.
    Characteristic features:
    • large cargo capacity,
    • optimal for light and high-volume goods,
    • widely used in international logistics.

    45’ Standard
    Body for transporting 45-foot containers (High Cube). Application:
    • transport of high-volume cargo,
    • contract and network logistics (e.g. FMCG industry).
    Characteristic features:
    • extended frame structure,
    • increased cargo space,
    • adaptation to European road transport standards.

    Swap body
    Body intended for transporting swap bodies used mainly in European transport.
    Application:
    • quick body exchange without using a crane (extendable support legs),
    • distribution in a hub system,
    • general cargo and courier transport.
    Characteristic features:
    • possibility of leaving the body on support legs,
    • compatibility with road and rail transport,
    • operational flexibility and shorter logistics operation times.

TRACTOR UNIT

A vehicle without its own cargo space, intended solely for pulling a semi-trailer. It is a basic element of long-distance and intermodal transport.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • no fixed cargo body,
  • compatible with different types of semi-trailers,
  • possibility of quick semi-trailer swaps,
  • high operational flexibility.

APPLICATION:

  • transport using a semi-trailer provided by the ordering party,
  • logistics operations requiring frequent trailer rotation,
  • intermodal transport.

LOG TRAILER

A specialist vehicle intended for transporting cargo of above-standard length.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • design enabling the transport of long elements,
  • often equipped with suitable supports and securing systems,
  • open body form.

APPLICATION:

  • timber transport,
  • transport of pipes, beams, and steel structures,
  • prefabricated elements of considerable length.

The timber truck is suitable wherever a standard cargo space is insufficient in terms of length.

HOOK TRUCK

A vehicle equipped with a hydraulic system for loading and unloading containers using a hook arm. It enables independent handling of containers without additional transshipment equipment.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • quick container exchange system,
  • possibility of handling different types of containers,
  • high operational flexibility.

APPLICATION:

  • transport of construction and industrial containers,
  • transport of waste, scrap, and loose materials,
  • servicing construction sites and collection points.

TOW TRUCK

A vehicle adapted for transporting cars and other wheeled vehicles or machinery.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • platform with ramps or a hydraulic system,
  • possibility of safely securing transported vehicles,
  • structure adapted for loading damaged or non-operational vehicles.

APPLICATION:

  • transport of passenger cars and vans,
  • transport of accident-damaged vehicles,
  • deliveries to dealerships, used-car lots, and individual customers,
  • transport of construction and agricultural machinery.

LOW TRUCK

A specialist vehicle intended for transporting oversized loads and heavy machinery.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • lowered chassis design,
  • possibility of transporting high and heavy loads,
  • adapted for transport requiring special permits.

APPLICATION:

  • transport of construction machinery,
  • transport of industrial equipment,
  • transport of infrastructure elements,
  • oversized cargo.

Low loaders are used in projects requiring specialist logistics planning.

PLATFORM TRAILER

An open body type without fixed walls or roof, or with the possibility of removing them. It provides full access to the cargo space from all sides.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • no side or roof restrictions,
  • possibility of loading from the top, side, and rear,
  • flexibility in securing the cargo.

APPLICATION:

  • transport of steel structures,
  • transport of machinery and equipment,
  • cargo with non-standard shapes,
  • prefabricated and industrial elements.

The flatbed is particularly useful for cargo requiring unrestricted access during loading and an individual securing system.

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