The logistics industry is the backbone of international trade and is expected to have a market size worth $11.23 trillion by 2025. For logistics companies, having the right vehicles is crucial for staying competitive and meeting the industry’s rigorous demands.

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That said, finding vehicles within budget, that meet your transportation needs, and are fit for long-term performance and durability can be challenging. However, it’s a necessary part of the logistics business management process. 

With transportation trends ever-changing and the industry growing bigger and more lucrative with every passing year, the need for reliable trucks is tantamount to your company’s growth and success. There are many factors to consider: scalability, safety, training, loading requirements, and fuel efficiency, among others. 

Fortunately, the vehicle market is thriving, and the options are vast. That means you can select from an incredibly wide variety of vehicle options, which is all the more reason to take the selection process seriously. 

Choosing the right truck for transportation is much like choosing the right tool for a project. All vehicles have pros, cons, and unique features. 

The size, scale, and demand of your logistics business are the first few things you must consider when choosing a vehicle or fleet of vehicles to invest in. How big is your operation? What kind of distances are the routes covered? How established is your business? What sort of cargo do you primarily need to transport? 

The answers to all of these questions can give you key insights into how to go about choosing a vehicle that meets your logistics needs. Of course, there is also a budget to consider. The funds you have access to impact what kind of vehicles you can invest in directly. 

Gathering information like this is the first step in deciding which logistics vehicle to buy. Conduct thorough research on your current financial status and review your forecasts to determine what costs are feasible and over what period. 

The Most Popular Vehicles In The Logistics Industry 

There are many different types of logistics vehicles on the market. However, some stand out as particularly practical, affordable, and well-suited to the transportation of goods. 

The main types to be aware of include flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks, straight trucks, tanker trucks, jumbo trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, and tail-lift trucks. Each of these truck types has unique advantages and drawbacks, all of which need to be considered before you can decide which best suits your needs. 

Box trucks

Box trucks are the most familiar and accessible logistics vehicles on the market. With a rectangular box-shaped cargo unit that comes in widely varying sizes, they make handling all sorts of goods simple and straightforward. They also offer valuable protection for cargo against the weather and theft or vandalism.

Jumbo trailer trucks

Sometimes called road trains due to their immense size, jumbo trailer trucks are the heavy-duty trucks of the logistics world. Although they differ from vehicle to vehicle, jumbos typically have two or three levels of storage space, amplifying their ability to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Their heaviness also allows them to handle bigger payloads. 

Flatbed trucks

A flatbed truck is one of the most common logistics trucks. It has an open platform on the back with no sides or roof. It’s a reliable option for transporting bulky, awkwardly sized, oversized goods that won’t fit into conventionally structured trucks. Its large inventory capacity and ability to transport some of the heaviest materials and machinery make it a common sight in the industry. 

Refrigerated trucks

If you transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals, a refrigerated truck (also known as a reefer truck) is the best choice. These trucks form an integral part of the cold chain as they are designed with built-in refrigerators for storing cargo and their temperatures can be adjusted as necessary for the goods in transit. 

Straight trucks

This type of truck features a separate cab and trailer, giving it a higher level of maneuverability than most. The all-in-one configuration allows drivers to turn almost anywhere, provided there is clearance and to easily navigate local and regional routes covering residential areas or roads not designed to handle capacity loads. 

Dump trucks

Dump trucks transport dump material, such as debris, sand, compost, and other heavyweight loose materials. They come in all shapes and sizes, including those with single and multiple axle units. Dump trucks require a skilled professional to drive them, as they are difficult and dangerous to operate without proper experience. Their weight changes constantly as their loads fluctuate and this makes driving them challenging, as it requires various skills. 

Tanker trucks

A tanker truck is the only truck you can use to transport liquids and gasses. As such, they’re a cornerstone of the logistics industry that nothing else can’t replace. The cylindrical box is pressurized and tightly sealed and can be found in various sizes for different modalities and distances of travel. These trucks also require experienced hazmat drivers who know what to do in the case of an accident or chemical spill and who can handle the tankers on the road, whether full or empty.

Semi-trailer trucks

Also known as semis, semi-trailer trucks are another widely used vehicle within the industry. They come in many different configurations and sizes, but what sets them apart is their semi-trailer back end, which is connected to the cab with a fifth-wheel hitch. They are versatile vehicles that can maneuver easily through suburbs and highways. 

Tail-lift trucks

Featuring a hydraulic lift gate, tail-lift trucks have transformed the loading and unloading of heavy cargo. The lift mechanism makes transporting otherwise heavy or awkwardly sized goods easy across long distances. 

Every fleet relies on its vehicles and the people who drive them to keep the logistics world turning and ensure that customers receive their goods timeously and undamaged. The process of selecting which vehicle to invest in takes time, but it is time well spent. This guide can help you make a more informed decision for your logistics company that will set you on the road to success. 

Meta Title: Guide To Choosing Logistics Vehicles | Global Trade Mag

Meta Description: Having vehicles that suit your logistics needs can increase efficiency and turnover. Use this guide to determine what type of vehicle you need for your fleet.