26 spec sheets

Vehicle and Trailer Types

Internal dimensions, volume, tonnage and pallet count for every vehicle and trailer — tap one and its spec sheet opens.

Whether a load fits a vehicle comes down to two numbers: how many m³ and how many tonnes. Below are the internal dimensions, volume, payload and pallet count of every road vehicle and trailer type. The same spec sheets are embedded in the listing sheet and the Vehicles tab — press the ⓘ mark above a type and it opens right there.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Vehicle Types

From van to tractor unit — what pulls the load.

Van (minivan, panel van)

The nimblest vehicle for city and short-haul work; fits into narrow streets and indoor car parks.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length4.20 – 6.20 m

Width1.70 – 2.20 m

Height1.60 – 2.20 m

Volume11 – 30 m³

Payload1 – 3 t

Pallets4 – 8 pallets

LoadingRear and side

Part loadCourier and parcelsSmall home/office movesE-commerce distribution

Panel vans and minivans are of this type too — up to 3.5 t they can be driven on a category B licence.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Light truck (midilli)

The mid-size between a van and a truck; reaches city spots a truck cannot.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length6.20 – 7.20 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.10 – 2.50 m

Volume32 – 45 m³

Payload3 – 8 t

Pallets14 – 16 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

City distributionHome/office movesFurniturePart load

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Truck

The classic vehicle for domestic part and full loads; fits every loading dock.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length7.00 – 8.00 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.35 – 2.60 m

Volume40 – 52 m³

Payload8 – 10 t

Pallets16 – 18 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

General cargoPalletBuilding materialsFood

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

8-wheel truck

Four-axle heavy truck; the highest tonnage on routes a semi-truck cannot take.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length8.00 – 9.00 m

Width2.45 – 2.55 m

Height2.45 – 2.60 m

Volume48 – 60 m³

Payload12 – 16 t

Pallets18 – 20 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

Heavy general cargoConstructionBulk cargoCoils and sheet metal

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

10-wheel truck

Five-axle truck; approaches semi-truck tonnage and manoeuvres more easily.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length9.50 – 10.50 m

Width2.45 – 2.55 m

Height2.40 – 2.60 m

Volume56 – 70 m³

Payload18 – 22 t

Pallets20 – 22 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

Heavy general cargoExcavation and bulkBuilding materials

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Multi-axle (centipede)

Multi-axle heavy truck — spreading the load keeps it comfortably inside axle-weight limits.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length9.20 – 9.50 m

Width2.45 – 2.55 m

Height2.50 – 2.65 m

Volume56 – 64 m³

Payload20 – 24 t

Pallets20 – 22 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

Heavy bulk cargoExcavated earthGrainConstruction

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Semi-truck (tractor + trailer)

The standard for long-haul and export; the unit of measure for a full load.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m

Volume86 – 92 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets (80×120)

LoadingRear, side and top

Full truckloadExportPalletLong-haul general cargo

Abroad the total laden weight is usually capped at 40 t; the lighter the tare, the more payload.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

ADR semi-truck

A semi-truck certified for dangerous goods — vehicle, equipment and driver are each documented separately.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m

Volume86 – 92 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets (80×120)

LoadingRear; on tankers through the top filling hatch

ChemicalsPaint and solventsBatteriesClass 1–9 dangerous goods

The orange ADR plate, the driver’s ADR training certificate, the vehicle approval certificate and firefighting equipment are mandatory.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

13.60 m semi-truck

The European standard 13.60 m trailer — the pallet pattern fits exactly, so no space is wasted.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.48 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m

Volume86 – 92 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets (80×120) · 26 industrial pallets (100×120)

LoadingRear, side and top

ExportPalletFull-truckload general cargo

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Semi-truck — short trailer

A shortened tractor set for tight facilities and city spots a 13.60 m trailer cannot enter.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length7.20 – 10.00 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m

Volume46 – 67 m³

Payload20 – 24 t

Pallets18 – 24 pallets

LoadingRear, side and top

Tight docks and facilitiesHeavy urban loadsShort-haul full loads

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Trailer and Body Types

The body the load goes into — same tractor, different trailer, an entirely different job.

Open body

Open top with short hinged sides — the place for anything craned in from above.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length6.00 – 13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height0.60 – 1.00 m (side board)

VolumeDepends on the load — no height limit on top

Payload8 – 26 t (depending on vehicle)

LoadingTop, side and rear

Building materialsTimber and profilesPipesOut-of-gauge pieces

Dimensions depend on the vehicle carrying the body; the load is secured with tarpaulin and straps.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Closed body

Box body — closes the load off completely from weather, dust and prying eyes.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length6.00 – 13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.40 – 2.70 m

Volume36 – 92 m³

Payload8 – 26 t (depending on vehicle)

Pallets16 – 33 pallets depending on vehicle

LoadingRear (also from the side on models with side doors)

White goodsFurniturePackaged foodHome/office moves

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Refrigerated

An insulated trailer with a refrigeration unit; holds the temperature steady all the way.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.20 – 13.40 m

Width2.44 – 2.46 m

Height2.45 – 2.60 m

Volume79 – 86 m³

Payload22 – 24 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets

LoadingRear

Fresh fruit and vegetablesMeat and dairyFrozen foodMedicines and vaccines

The temperature range is usually −25 °C … +25 °C. Food exports require an ATP certificate and a temperature recorder; insulation makes the internal dimensions slightly smaller than a standard trailer.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Curtain-side (tautliner)

A trailer whose curtains open end to end — side loading by forklift stays free.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.48 m

Height2.60 – 2.75 m

Volume87 – 93 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets

LoadingFull side opening, plus top and rear

PalletCoils and sheet metalBeveragesSites that need fast loading

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Tipper

A body that tips hydraulically and discharges itself — no handling for bulk cargo.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length5.00 – 9.00 m

Width2.30 – 2.50 m

Height1.00 – 1.80 m (body)

Volume12 – 45 m³

Payload20 – 30 t

LoadingTop loading, rear tipping discharge

Excavated earthSand and gravelMinerals and oreGrainScrap

The body tips up to discharge, so the area must be clear of power lines and overhangs.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Tarpaulin body

Tarpaulin over a frame — opens on three sides, the most common export trailer.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m

Volume86 – 92 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets

LoadingTop, side and rear

General dry cargoPalletTextilesMachinery

For customs-sealed transport the TIR cord and sealing arrangement must be intact.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Flatbed trailer (platform)

A flat platform — fully open on top and sides; loaded by crane from any direction.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.48 – 2.55 m

HeightOpen — no height limit on top

VolumeDepends on the load

Payload25 – 30 t

LoadingTop, side and rear

Out-of-gauge cargoPipes and profilesTimberPrecast elementsContainer

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Closed trailer (box)

A hard-sided closed semi-trailer — safer and sturdier than a curtain-sider.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.48 m

Height2.60 – 2.75 m

Volume87 – 93 m³

Payload24 – 26 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets

LoadingRear

High-value cargoElectronicsPackaged goodsFurniture

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Mega trailer (high volume)

Low chassis + high roof — the trailer that yields the most m³ at the same tonnage.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length13.60 m

Width2.48 m

Height2.90 – 3.00 m

Volume98 – 101 m³

Payload24 – 25 t

Pallets33 Euro pallets (double-stacked when height allows)

LoadingRear, side and top

Automotive supply industryLight but bulky cargoPackagingFurniture

The low chassis makes ramps and speed bumps critical; overall height sits at the 4.00 m limit.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Lowbed (low deck)

The deck sits close to the ground — keeps tall machinery under the 4 m height limit.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length8.00 – 15.00 m (extendable)

Width2.50 – 3.00 m

Height0.35 – 0.90 m (deck height)

VolumeDepends on the load

Payload30 – 100+ t

LoadingBy ramp at the rear, by crane from above

Construction machineryExcavators and dozersTransformersHeavy industrial equipment

Out-of-gauge loads need a special transport permit and usually an escort vehicle.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Step-deck lowbed

A lowbed with a well in the middle — brings even the tallest machine within the height limit.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length8.50 – 13.50 m

Width2.55 – 3.00 m

Height0.25 – 0.45 m (well floor)

VolumeDepends on the load

Payload40 – 120 t

LoadingBy ramp at the rear, by crane from above

Tall construction machineryTower cranesGenerators and transformersProject cargo

For heavy and out-of-gauge transport, the route permit and bridge/viaduct clearance are obtained in advance.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Tanker

A compartmented steel/stainless tank for liquids — filled and emptied by pump.

Volume20,000 – 40,000 litres (20 – 40 m³)

Payload20 – 30 t

LoadingTop filling, bottom/pump discharge

FuelLPGChemicalsVegetable oilMilk and drinking water

Usually has 3 – 7 compartments. Hazardous liquids require an ADR-certified vehicle and driver; food requires a cleaning certificate.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Container chassis (20’/40’/45’)

A bare chassis that locks and carries the container — port to door in one piece.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length20' / 40' / 45' container slot

Width2.50 m

HeightThe container’s own height

Volume20' 33 m³ · 40' 67 m³ · 40' HC 76 m³

Payload30 – 34 t

LoadingThe container is set down by crane or reach stacker

Import and export containersPort–warehouse drayageIntermodal leg

The sliding (extendable) chassis adjusts between 20/40/45 ft; the twist locks are checked before departure.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Silo tanker

A pressurised tank for powder and granular bulk — discharges into the silo through a hose.

Volume30 – 60 m³

Payload25 – 30 t

LoadingFilling through top hatches, pressurised discharge by compressor

Cement and calciteFlour and sugarAnimal feedPlastic granulateLime and gypsum

Discharge runs at 2 – 2.5 bar; food and construction products are never carried in the same tank.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Car carrier

A double-deck hydraulic platform — carries cars stacked and tilted.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length16.50 – 20.00 m (full set)

Width2.50 – 2.55 m

Height4.00 m (loaded overall)

VolumeMeasured in number of cars

Payload6 – 8 cars (9 – 11 with a drawbar trailer)

LoadingDriven on via the hydraulic ramp at the rear

New vehicle deliveriesUsed vehicle transportDealer and factory outboundRental fleet transfers

For damaged or non-running vehicles, ask for a carrier with a winch.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Livestock body

A ventilated, multi-deck bedded body — built to animal welfare regulations.

Internal Dimensions · Inside the Trailer / Body

Length9.00 – 13.60 m

Width2.45 – 2.50 m

Height2.60 – 2.70 m (2 – 3 decks)

VolumeDepends on deck count and species

Payload18 – 24 t

LoadingBy ramp at the rear and side

CattleSheep and goatsPoultryBreeding stock transport

A veterinary health report, a movement declaration and a livestock transport authorisation are mandatory; journey times and rest intervals are limited by regulation.

Dimensions are industry averages; they vary by make, model and body builder. Not binding.

Have a vehicle? On the Vehicles tab of Listing Tracker pick your type and its spec sheet opens underneath, reminding you of the typical capacity value. Have cargo instead? When you post a listing the same spec sheets sit next to the vehicle and body type choices.

Other sections of the reference

28 land crossingsBorder Crossings 10 typesContainer Dimensions 11 termsIncoterms 2020 27 documentsTransport Documents 37 termsLogistics Glossary