Articulated trucks have become a key asset in the freight transportation industry due to their versatile design and capacity to handle heavy loads. But what makes them unique, and why are they used across so many industries? In this article by Tigertruck, a company specializing in national groupage transport and international groupage transport, we’ll explain in detail what an articulated truck is, its main characteristics, and the types of cargo it typically transports.
What is an Articulated Truck?
An articulated truck is a type of transport vehicle made up of two main parts: a cab (also known as the tractor or tractor unit) and a trailer (or semi-trailer). These two sections are connected by a joint, allowing the trailer to move independently from the cab. This design provides greater maneuverability than rigid trucks.
This vehicle type is highly efficient for transporting heavy and bulky goods, as it can navigate various road types, including challenging terrains. The flexibility of its design allows articulated trucks to adapt to different types of trailers, making them an ideal choice for multiple industries.
Main Features of an Articulated Trailer
Articulated trailers have several distinctive features that set them apart from other transport vehicles.
Load Capacity
Thanks to the joint between the tractor and the trailer, articulated trucks can carry much larger loads than traditional trucks, assisting in both international road transporte and national road transport. Their load capacity can vary, but they generally carry up to 24 tons of cargo, and lighter setups may even allow up to 25 tons.
Transport Versatility
An articulated trailer can use different types of trailers according to transport needs. This adaptability means they can carry anything from containers, bulk cargo, and refrigerated products to heavy industrial equipment. The flexibility in cargo types is one of the most valued aspects of these vehicles.
Safety in Transport
Since articulated trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, they come equipped with advanced safety systems. These include powerful brakes, stability systems, and, in some models, driver-assist features to prevent accidents.
What Does an Articulated Truck Transport?
The load capacity and versatility of articulated trucks enable them to transport a wide variety of goods.
Palletized Goods
At Tigertruck, we handle palletized goods, a process in which cargo is stacked on a surface, usually a pallet, to facilitate handling, storage, and transport. The result is a unified load that consolidates multiple products or items.
Bulk Goods
One common use for articulated trucks is the transportation of bulk goods, including products like sand, gravel, coal, and cement. These materials are transported in trailers specifically designed to allow for quick loading and unloading.
Refrigerated Products
Many articulated trucks are equipped with refrigerated trailers, also known as “reefers.” These vehicles are used to transport perishable goods such as food, medicines, and chemicals that require controlled temperatures to remain in good condition during transit.
Heavy Machinery and Equipment
With their robustness and load capacity, articulated trucks are ideal for transporting heavy machinery and industrial equipment. They facilitate the movement of large machinery parts to hard-to-reach locations, such as construction sites or mining facilities.
Advantages of Using an Articulated Truck
Articulated trucks offer numerous advantages over other transport vehicles, making them a popular choice across different sectors:
- Increased Load Capacity: They can carry more cargo in a single trip, reducing logistical costs.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite their size, articulated trucks are designed to be fuel-efficient, benefiting both the carrier and the environment.
- Versatile Cargo Options: The ability to interchange trailers allows the vehicle to be adapted to different types of transport as needed.
- Reduced Delivery Times: Articulated trucks are optimized for transporting large volumes of goods, leading to greater efficiency and shorter delivery times.
FAQs about Articulated Trailers
What distinguishes an articulated truck from a rigid truck?
The main difference is in the structure. Rigid trucks do not have joints between the cab and trailer, which limits their maneuverability and the types of cargo they can carry. Articulated trucks offer greater flexibility and maneuverability.
What is the load capacity of an articulated truck?
Load capacity can vary, but generally, articulated trucks can carry between 20 and 40 tons of cargo, depending on the model and the type of trailer used.
Which industries use articulated trucks?
Articulated trucks are used across a wide range of industries, including construction, mining, logistics, food transport, and manufacturing.
What types of trailers can an articulated truck use?
An articulated truck can utilize different types of trailers, such as flatbeds, refrigerated trailers, dump trailers, tankers, and container carriers, depending on the type of cargo being transported.
Conclusion
Articulated trucks are essential in the world of freight transportation. With their flexibility, load capacity, and efficiency, these vehicles are used across various industries to transport everything from bulk goods to heavy equipment. Their ability to maneuver on difficult terrains and adapt the trailer to the client’s needs makes the articulated truck a highly valued option in the transportation sector.
Remember that Tigertruck also specializes in dangerous goods transportation by road.
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