Types of Freight Trucks That Are in Demand Now

1. Why Are Freight Trucks Important?
2. Examples of Different Freight Trucks
3. Refrigerated freight trucks
4. Semi-trailer freight trucks
5. Tanker freight trucks
6. Flatbed freight trucks
7. Luxury car and vehicle freight trucks
8. Dry van freight truck
9. Mining industry freight trucks
10. Long-distance freight trucks
11. Box freight trucks
12. Are Electric Freight Trucks in Demand?
13. Final Thoughts

Freight trucks are used to transport goods from one place to another. There are many types of freight trucks in demand right now. Every type of freight vehicle has its advantages and drawbacks.

Read on to learn which would be most suitable for your purposes.

Why Are Freight Trucks Important?

Trucks are one type of vehicle used for transporting people and goods across large distances. For example, trucks allow you to buy products online, send packages via mail, or even ship items across oceans.

Freight trucks transport everything from large machinery to small household appliances. You might think of them as big moving vans, but they belong to a class of vehicles called motor carriers. Motor carriers operate under federal law and must follow specific rules.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safe­ty Administration (FMCSA) oversees the trucking industry and sets safety standards for drivers. These include things like hours of service and maximum weight limits.

A driver's job is to deliver shipments safely. It includes ensuring that the load doesn't exceed the vehicle's capacity. Trucks are licensed by states and registered with the FMCSA.

Truck drivers use GPS devices to track their location during trips. Then, when they arrive at their destinations, drivers record their mileage and log their hours.

In addition to tracking miles driven, truck drivers keep records of where they stop along the way. They do this because many companies require proof of delivery.

Examples of Different Freight Trucks

Here are the most common truck types in use in 2022.

Refrigerated freight trucks

These trucks transport perishable foods such as dairy products, fish, meat produce, and other foodstuffs. Refrigerated freight trucks have special refrigeration systems that help maintain freshness.

They are often equipped with air conditioning units to keep the cargo cool. The temperature inside these trucks can be controlled using thermostats. Some refrigerators have insulated walls to prevent heat from escaping.

Semi-trailer freight trucks

This type of truck is commonly referred to as a semi-tractor trailer. This is because it combines the features of both a tractor and a trailer. Semi-trailers are usually longer than regular trailers.

Some semi-trailers are equipped with sleeper compartments. Drivers can rest in these areas while driving long distances. Others have cabins that provide sleeping quarters for passengers.

Tanker freight trucks

Tankers are used to transport oil and fuel. They're usually filled with liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Some tankers are fitted with heating systems to prevent freezing. Others have insulation to keep cargo warm.

Flatbed freight trucks

Flatbed freight trucks are perfect for oversized load hauling, as it is physically demanding. Flatbeds are popular among shippers because they can hold up to 40 tons of cargo. In addition, the bed of the truck is flat so that it can easily fit into shipping containers. This is great for oversized cargo and machinery.

Luxury car and vehicle freight trucks

These freight trucks carry high-end automobiles like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes Benz across the United States. They're called "luxury car carriers." Companies say it takes about four years of experience to become a licensed luxury car carrier.

Dry van freight truck

Dry van freight trucks are used to haul dry goods. Examples include boxes, crates, pallets, and bags.

Mining industry freight trucks

Mining trucks are among the most dangerous jobs out here. Not only do you have to deal with heavy machinery, but these freight trucks are designed to drive long distances over harsh terrain.

Long-distance freight trucks

Long-distance freight trucks are used to transport large loads over great distances. For example, they may be used to move items from one state to another or even between countries.

Box freight trucks

A box freight truck is an open-top freight truck. Boxes are typically loaded onto them by forklifts or cranes. It gets its nickname from its box-like cargo compartment. A cargo box is usually attached to a vehicle using a metal framework called a "cargo rack." However, some box truck drivers have a door between their cab and the load they carry.

A box truck comes in different sizes and is usually used to transport items from one place to another. For example, it may be used for moving home goods, transporting parcels, or delivering food.

Are Electric Freight Trucks in Demand?

The rise of electric vehicles has been slow, but it looks like there's no stopping the trend. In fact, according to data from the International Energy Agency, electric cars and light commercial vehicles are set to outpace the growth of passenger car sales over the next decade.

In 2018, electric vehicle sales grew by nearly 50% compared to 2017, which is expected to continue into the coming years. By 2040, IEA estimates that electric vehicles will account for about 25% of total light vehicle sales globally and be the go-to choice.

Electric freight trucks are even further ahead. They already make up 10% of European truck registrations. And they're growing fast. In 2016, fully electric trucks accounted for just 2% of European truck registrations, but by 2020, that number hit 12%.

A shift towards electric transport is unlikely to reduce global oil consumption. On the contrary, it's likely to increase. This is because as electric vehicles become more common, people will use less gasoline and diesel fuel, reducing fuel costs. But they'll still need electricity to power those vehicles.

Final Thoughts

In the end, freight trucking is an exciting industry. There are various trucks and freight vehicles used in the United States today. Large freight transport goods from place to place, making them perfect for transporting cargo across state lines. They're also better than smaller vehicles like vans and pickup trucks.

For example, they're much safer than smaller trucks because they have larger tires and better brakes. And since they carry heavier loads, they tend to travel faster than smaller trucks.

If you're interested in learning more about the ins and outs of freight trucking and the types of truckers in demand now, or you're interested in transporting your vehicle, check out our freight shipping services at A1 Auto Transport. We're ready to help you find the most efficient way to move whatever you need – get a free quote to help you on your way.