Overview of truck body types

Flat Beds

A flat bed truck is made up of a chassis fitted with a platform body on which goods are carried. Cargo is secured on the deck with ropes or sheeting. Flat beds are flexible and can accommodate many different types of loads.

Tippers

Tippers have an open top body that can be unloaded when the body is tipped backwards (using a hydraulic arm) and the tailgate is released. Typical loads include aggregates such as soil, sand and stone.

Curtain-siders

Curtain-siders have a fixed, roofed frame with a flexible curtain fixed to both sides of the frame. They are ideal for carrying pallets that require protection from the weather. Curtain-siders provide easy access to the load for efficient loading and unloading, but have less security than box bodied vehicles.

Box bodies

Also known by the brand name Pantec, these trucks comprise of a rigid body with solid sides and generally have solid rear-opening doors or roller shutters. Box bodied vehicles are ideal for transporting loads which require security and for making deliveries in urban areas.

Temperature-controlled bodies

These are box bodies made of insulated material with a refrigerator unit attached. They are designed to carry temperature-sensitive loads such as chilled or frozen products. The refrigerator is driven by either the main engine or a separate engine.

Luton peak bodies

Luton peak bodies are box vans with an additional section over the cab for holding any loose cargo or other tools. They are often used for furniture transport and removals.

Road tankers

Road tankers have a permanent tank fitted to the chassis for the transportation of liquids, gases or powders. Tankers are not commonly fitted to small trucks, but are sometimes used for specialised operations (e.g. grease trap cleaners, waste disposal).