What is a Commercial Truck?

What are the different types of commercial trucks?

There are a variety of commercial truck types that are on the road, each built with a specific purpose. Depending on the unique needs of each business, the type of commercial truck they operate can differ. The most common commercial trucks and their uses include:

1. Tractor-Trailer– Perhaps the most common type of truck, they are often called Semi’s, Big Rigs or Eighteen Wheelers.  In general tractor-trailers are either a day cab (single or tandem axle) or a sleeper truck (tandem axle).
   • Single and Tandem Axle Day Cabs
   • Tandem Axle Sleepers
2. Dump Truck – Dump trucks are identified by the dump body that is upfit to a cab chassis.  They are typically found on or near construction sites, travelling local based on the construction job needs.  In general they are not used for long haul applications.  View our Dump Trucks.
3. Heavy Hauler – These super-heavy commercial trucks are designed to transport heavy loads. Drivers often require special permits to operate these vehicles.
4. Flatbed – As the name implies, a flatbed truck offers a flat bed with no sides or roofs.  They  are frequently used to transport building materials such as lumber, concrete, steel beams, etc. Since the body has no sides, cargo can easily be loaded and unloaded from the sides which requires less strategic loading if multiple stops are needed.
5. Tanker – Tanker trucks are designed to carry liquefied loads or gases.  The trucks are upfit with a tank on the back in place of a trailer. Tanker trucks are frequently used by fuel companies.
6. Refrigerator Truck/Reefer Truck – Reefer trucks offer a temperature controlled cargo area, allowing companies to transport temperature sensitive products. View our Reefer Trucks. 
7. Garbage Truck – Homes and businesses need trash removal services and garage trucks are specifically designed to get the job done faster.
8. Box Trucks/Box Vans/Straight Trucks – chassis cab trucks upfitted with a cargo box for hauling dry goods, that is separate from the cab area.  Commonly used for local transport and “Last Mile” deliveries. View our Box Trucks.
9. Auto Haulers – Auto Hauler trucks are specifically designed to haul car carrying trailers. Learn more about our Auto Haulers.
10. Landscape Truck – Landscape trucks are specially designed to help landscapers easily transport their supplies and equipment from job to job.
11. Roll-Off – Roll-off trucks are upfitted to haul and drop/pick-up roll-off containers that are equipped with wheels.  These trucks are utilized by the waste, construction, and demolition industries.
12. Service Utility – These types of trucks are upfit with custom bodies to make it easier to deliver a service to off-site locations.  These types of trucks are popular with electricians, plumbers, repair vendors, etc. as the truck body compartments allow convenient storage and accessibility of tools and supplies.