Trucks are large motorized vehicles that are used in transportation and logistics. It is a technical answer to the problem of sending large loads from one point to another on the map when the rest of the means are incapable.
How big they are depends on the regulations of each country. Some consider cargo vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg as ‘trucks’. Others go so far as to accept as ‘mega-trucks’ vehicles of 25.25 meters in length, up to 60 tons, and even duo trailers of 13.6 meters each and 70 tons.
Most trucks still rely on fossil fuels to get around. However, the energy density of batteries has already achieved the commercialization of electric trucks. And, during the transition and cheapening period, hydrogen alternatives may emerge.
How efficient are trucks?
To measure efficiency, both the emissions and energy consumption of a vehicle when transporting one kilogram over one kilometre are measured.
Truck transport is more efficient than air transport but less so than electric trains or large ships. The great advantage of this modality is the shipment of ‘small’ quantities (a container) and being ability to reach dispersed urban centres that do not have maritime or rail access.
The road infrastructure that trucks need
Just as the train needs tracks and the plane airports, truck traffic to meet logistical needs requires paved roads. Especially when they are a certain size.
With 3.5-tonne trucks, virtually any road infrastructure is suitable. For large tonnage trucks, the road must be adapted to the stresses that arise when these vehicles accelerate or brake.
Types of trucks
Below, we explain the characteristics of the main types of heavy vehicles used for the land transport of short, medium and long-distance goods:
Rigid trucks
Due to their limited dimensions, these vehicles normally transport land in the city. They have a single-piece structure; the driver’s cab and the trailer are inseparable parts of the same structure. Due to their small size, they are usually used for urban transport and parcels.
Articulated trucks
These transport vehicles have (at least) two differentiated rigid structures joined by an articulable point. We can determine the following types:
Trailers
This type of truck is used to carry out the international transport of goods. Composed of a part called a tractor truck and another called a semi-trailer. The first corresponds to the head (cab, which is not used for loading but for towing), and the second is the one that contains the trailer with the load, also called the platform. When we talk about road land transport and the different types of heavy vehicles, the image that comes to mind is probably that of a trailer.
Road Train
This type of vehicle consists of a truck that can operate alone or with one or more semi-trailers attached. Unlike previous models, it doesn’t need a trailer to transport goods; trailers are only added when extra space is required. However, a key challenge with these trucks is manoeuvring on certain roads, as their extended length can be problematic on routes not designed for such large vehicles.
Mega trucks
Mega trucks are specialized vehicles that carry more goods and are significantly bigger than trailers.
Nevertheless, there are even more unexpected modes of transportation. Since 2016, we have encountered these vehicles while driving on Spanish roads. These vehicles can carry substantial amounts of goods, can measure up to around 25 meters in length, and can transport approximately 60 tons of weight. However, authorization is necessary to move these vehicles in addition to the fact that they can only move by highway or highways, the maximum speed allowed for this truck is 80 km.