What are the Different Types of Trucks by Size in India?

In India, where the logistics and transportation sector is a cornerstone of the economy, trucks come in a wide range of sizes and configurations to meet the diverse needs of the industries.

Understanding the different sizes and types of trucks available is essential for anyone involved in distribution or transportation planning. In addition, it's essential to think about purchasing a truck insurance policy, which will protect the machinery in the event of an accident.

In this article, we will delve into the world of truck sizes in India, exploring their importance, common uses, services provided, specific functions, and geographical areas of operation, and providing examples to illustrate each type.

Trucks come in various sizes to cater to different transportation needs. Here is a list of 7 different types of trucks based on their size and usage:

1. Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicles (EHCVs)

EHCVs can carry larger payloads in a single trip, reducing the need for multiple shipments and lowering transportation costs. This results in lower fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Key Details:

• Importance: EHCVs are the giants of the road, designed for transporting exceptionally heavy and oversized loads, including wind turbine components, industrial machinery, and construction equipment, using hydraulic trailers and low-bed configurations.
• Length: Typically 10 to 15 metres
• Height: Approximately 3.5 to 4 metres
• Capacity of Weight: EHCVs have a weight-carrying capacity exceeding 40 tons and can be customised for even heavier loads.
• Services Provided: They offer specialized services, including transport for massive and oversized loads, with features like hydraulic trailers and low-bed configurations, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
• Geographical Areas: EHCVs are used nationwide, primarily for transporting specialised cargo.
• Examples: Tata Signa 4825T, Bharat Benz 5528TT, Volvo FH16750

2. Multi-Axle Vehicles (MAVs)

Their weight distribution design helps protect road infrastructure and enhance road safety. Efficient cargo transport leads to cost savings for businesses, as it reduces the need for multiple trips.

Key Details:

• Importance: MAVs, are designed to evenly distribute cargo weight, reducing road and bridge wear. They transport heavy goods like construction materials and machinery, minimising road stress with extra axles.
• Length: Typically 10 to 15 metres
• Height: Approximately 3.5 to 4 metres
• Capacity of Weight: MAVs can carry loads ranging from 28 to 40 tons or more, depending on the configuration.
• Services Provided: The additional axles provide greater stability, especially during turns and when navigating uneven terrain. The weight distribution of MAVs contributes to safer transportation, reducing the risk of accidents and cargo shifts. 
• Geographical Areas: MAVs are commonly found on national and state highways.
• Examples: Ashok Leyland 3118, Tata Prima 4032 and BharatBenz 4923.

3. Container Trucks

Container trucks are efficient in the handling of containers to ensure timely delivery and minimise cargo handling at various points in the supply chain. Their standardised design ensures smooth and efficient cargo handling.

Key Details:

• Importance: Container trucks, equipped with container locks and chassis for secure transport, are specialised for moving standardised cargo containers between ports, warehouses, and distribution centres.
• Length: Typically 12 to 14 metres
• Height: Approximately 4 to 4.5 metres
• Capacity of Weight: Container trucks are designed to carry standard ISO containers, which can vary in weight depending on their size and contents. It starts from 7 to 30 tons.
• Services Provided: Container trucks also provide services like intermodal transport, facilitating seamless transitions and cost-effective logistics.
• Geographical Areas: Container trucks are commonly seen around major ports and in areas with significant international trade activity.
• Examples: Eicher Pro 6037, Tata LPT 3718 TK and Ashok Leyland 3718.

4. Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

HCVs offer cost-effective transportation for bulk goods due to their ability to carry large quantities in a single trip. They are known for their reliability in challenging conditions, ensuring goods reach their destinations on time

Key Details:

• Importance: HCVs are the backbone of long-distance transportation, excelling in carrying heavy loads like raw materials, and finished products with their robust design and high load capacities.
• Length: Typically 8 to 10 metres
• Height: Approximately 3 to 3.5 metres
• Capacity of Weight: HCVs typically have a weight-carrying capacity exceeding 20 tons, with some capable of carrying up to 40 tons or more.
• Services Provided: They are designed to withstand the rigours of long-haul journeys, providing reliability and efficiency in transporting heavy cargo.
• Geographical Areas: HCVs traverse national and state highways, connecting every corner of India.
• Examples: Volvo FH, Scania R 500 and BharatBenz 4928T.

5. Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs)

Their flexibility in handling medium loads makes them adaptable to diverse transportation needs. MCVs are designed with fuel-efficient engines, helping businesses reduce their operating costs and environmental impact.

Key Details:

• Importance: Medium commercial vehicles (MCVs) serve as versatile transportation solutions. They are well-suited for medium-distance cargo delivery of various goods, such as consumer products, industrial supplies, and construction materials.
• Length: Typically 5 to 7 metres
• Height: Approximately 2.5 to 3 metres
• Capacity of Weight: MCVs typically have a weight-carrying capacity ranging from 4 to 16 tons.
• Services Provided: The load capacity allows businesses to transport medium-sized loads without the need for a full-size heavy-duty truck. MCVs offer better manoeuvrability that makes them suitable for navigating through tight spaces.
• Geographical Areas: MCVs are commonly seen on both highways and city roads, making them versatile for long and short hauls.
• Examples: Tata 407, Ashok Leyland Partner and Eicher Pro 2049

6. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

Light commercial vehicles come in a compact size that allows them to access narrow lanes and congested areas, reducing the need for multiple handling of goods.

Key Details:

• Importance: Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), designed for agility and manoeuvrability, play a crucial role in last-mile delivery for small businesses by delivering perishable goods and courier services in different areas.
• Length: Typically 3.5 to 4 metres
• Height: Approximately 2.2 to 2.5 metres
• Capacity of Weight: LCVs typically have a weight-carrying capacity ranging from 1 to 3.5 tons.
• Services Provided: They provide quick and efficient delivery services,and even serve as passenger carriers, particularly in rural regions.These vehicles are good for several trips in a single day.
• Geographical Areas: LCVs are predominantly used in urban and semi-urban areas where smaller loads are transported.
• Examples: Tata Ace, Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck and Ashok Leyland Dost.

7. Trailers and Semi-Trailers

Goods can be loaded onto a trailer at the point of origin and unloaded at the destination, reducing the need for multiple handling processes. They are equipped with safety features, such as brakes and lighting.

Key Details:

• Importance: Trailers and semi-trailers are essential in the transportation industry, extending truck capacity to carry diverse loads. They enhance trucks' cargo-carrying capabilities.
• Length: Range between 14 meters to 16 meters
• Height: Range between 4 meters to 6 meters.
• Capacity of Weight: The weight-carrying capacity of trailers and semi-trailers varies widely, depending on the configuration and purpose. It can be around 49 tons to 55 tons.
• Services Provided: Trailers and semi-trailers offer specialized services in the transportation industry, catering to unique cargo needs like refrigerated trailers for perishable goods, and tankers for liquid cargo.
• Geographical Areas: They are used for long-haul transportation on highways and for intermodal logistics, such as container shipping.
• Examples: Tanker trailers for liquid cargo, Refrigerated semi-trailers for perishable goods and Flatbed trailers for oversized cargo