Trucks are the most widely used mode of transportation in the world, and both air and ocean freight need their help. One of the most popular types of trucks is the straight truck.

A straight truck is any truck where the cab and trailer cannot be separated from each other. That is to say, the tractor (also known as the cab) is connected to the same frame as the trailer or the cargo box and cannot be disassembled. 

This article will introduce detailed information about straight trucks, hoping to help you.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is a straight truck

• Types of Straight Trucks

• Goods suitable for direct loading trucks

• Straight truck carrying capacity

• Cost of straight truck

• How to Drive a Straight Truck

• Difference Between Straight Truck and Trailer

• Why Invest in Straight Trucks

What is a straight truck

In contrast to traditional semi-trailer trucks, which have separate cabs and trailers, candy bar trucks look like they're made from one unit (cab and trailer or bed combination). There are many types of straight trucks, each with a unique purpose.

Straight trucks are also smaller than your traditional semi truck and under the all-important 26,000-pound threshold. Depending on the truck make and model, straight trucks are between 10 and 26 feet long and 6 to 8 feet tall. the

Because of this characteristic, straight trucks are the most popular type of truck, and the rear can be equipped with refrigeration units or special material handling equipment such as lift doors and aerial work platforms. They can therefore be used in various activities such as agriculture, construction, utilities, maintenance, logistics, etc. Therefore, these types of straight trucks are designed in a certain way to facilitate their purpose. the

Types of Straight Trucks

Straight trucks are used in a wide variety of industries. In addition to the most common vans, many practical special vehicles have also been born according to the characteristics of straight trucks. The common ones are as follows:

box truck

Also known as cube trucks or cube vans, box trucks are one of the most common types of straight trucks. They come in different sizes and their main purpose is to transport goods between different locations. These trucks are engineered to be fuel-efficient, rugged and reliable, offering fast turnaround times and affordable maintenance. Most shipping companies, freight forwarders and even manufacturers use box trucks to move goods between facilities or directly to customers. the

Refrigerated truck

The refrigerated truck is equipped with a refrigeration device. They are also equipped with a temperature control function that regulates the temperature inside the refrigeration unit. Refrigerated trucks are often used to transport various refrigerated or frozen foods, ice cubes, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc. Additionally, medicines and vaccines that require refrigerated temperatures can be transported using this truck. Vans play an important role in the growing demand for cold chain industry related services. the

Crane cargo truck

Cargo crane trucks are configured in almost the same way as side tilting straight trucks, with a jib crane for lifting and unloading cargo. Extremely versatile, this crane has nearly 180 degrees of maneuverability and can lift up to several tons at a time.

Dump truck

Dump trucks are also straight trucks designed to transport and unload large quantities of sand, dirt, gravel and mining waste. Dump trucks are often found on construction and mining sites and come in a variety of sizes. the

Fire truck

Believe it or not, fire trucks are also straight trucks because the towing unit is attached to the rear by a single frame. Fire trucks are designed to transport firefighters, water and firefighting equipment to help fight fires.

Aerial work platform truck

These types of straight-going trucks are equipped with a telescoping access lift to help position people in elevated workspaces. They are commonly used in the service industry and are ideal for maintenance work, repairs and inspections. the

Rubbish truck

Garbage trucks, sometimes called waste collection vehicles, are designed to collect and transport waste. This direct loading vehicle is equipped with a garbage compactor that compresses garbage to increase the overall carrying capacity.

Concrete mixer truck

A concrete mixer truck is also a straight truck because the cab is attached to the cement mixing unit on a single frame. These trucks transport water, aggregate and cement from batch processing plants to construction sites.

Goods suitable for direct loading trucks

Straight trucks are used in various industries and can carry a wide variety of goods depending on the function they are paired with, so you can often see logistics, construction, general goods, retail, medical, energy, and more.

• Chemical materials
• Furniture or personal items
• Various mechanical equipment
• Medicines and Vaccines
• Food
• Gasoline
• Waste
• Building materials
• etc.

Straight Truck Specifications

Straight trucks will vary in size and weight limits. However, most straight trucks fall between Class III and IV, with a gross vehicle weight rating between 10,000 and 26,000 lbs. However, it's worth noting that straight trucks with higher maximum capacities do exist. Here are things you should also keep in mind:

Straight Truck Length: Most straight trucks are between 10 and 26 feet long from end to end.

Straight Truck Height: Straight trucks typically stand 8 to 10 feet tall.

As different countries and regions have different definitions and regulations on straight trucks, please discuss the relevant specifications with your partners in detail.

Carrying capacity of straight trucks

The single chassis of a straight truck is typically rated up to 33,000 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which makes it a Class 7. While this is sufficient for most jobs, Tier 8 vehicles are more efficient and can run up to 80,000 GVWR or more! Higher loads do require more certification, including truck and driver, so this may add to the costs we discussed above.

Cost of straight truck

The price of a straight truck depends on its size, condition, type, and how it is installed. For example, a brand new 4 wheel straight truck can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Larger straight trucks require more, and can cost anywhere from $45,000 to $10,000 or more.

Of course, if you need more functions and carrying methods, or add decoration to your cab, you may need to spend more.

How to Drive a Straight Truck

First of all, it goes without saying that you need a driver's license that can drive the appropriate specification. Therefore, you need to obtain a corresponding driver's license or verify the qualification of a truck driver according to local laws and regulations.

Compared with ordinary cars and pickup trucks, straight trucks, as large commercial vehicles, require rich driving experience and skills. It usually takes a considerable amount of time to get used to.

The Difference Between Straight Trucks and Tow Trucks

A straight truck has front wheels, and rear wheels. It can have a flatbed body, or a box body, or some custom body.

A trailer is two parts. The tractor is the part with an engine, front wheels, and rear wheels and a fifth wheel hitch plate. the trailer has 2,4, or more wheels and a hitch pin that hooks to the fifth wheel hitch plate . There are electric connections between the tractor and trailer, as well as compressed air brake lines.

Why Invest in Straight Trucks

Extremely versatile, straight trucks are known to be a valuable asset to companies of all types, and dealers can also reap a great deal of money from them. Let's take a closer look at why straight trucks are worth investing in.

Affordable

Since straight trucks come in a variety of configurations and lengths, entry is affordable. Thus, companies such as freight forwarders, manufacturers or trucking companies can choose from a variety of different direct trucks to suit their needs.

Easy to operate

Pull-through trucks are easier to maneuver than tow-trailer and semi-trailer trucks because the cab and cargo components are mounted on one frame. This makes operating a straight truck more convenient and easier to learn.

Improve security

Trucks with independent trailers require optimal load distribution to avoid tailing. Since straight trucks are defined as having all axles connected to one frame, there is no risk of fish tailing and therefore safer to drive.

Reasonable maintenance cost

Operating a fleet of trucks can also afford maintenance. Straight trucks don't have fifth wheels and lock handles that need to be maintained and replaced. Additionally, light to medium duty trucks typically feature simple engine designs that require little maintenance.

Large load capacity

Straight trucks have a large cargo bed and a strong frame that can support a total load capacity of up to 54,000 lbs. In turn, this means that operating costs per mile can be significantly lower, for example, the more trucks are used for backhaul trucking.

Low space requirements

Parking a drive-thru truck also requires less space than a tractor trailer, since the tractor and trailer are often stored in separate locations.

Are you looking for a suitable straight truck manufacturer?

Contact us if you are looking for the right straight truck or looking to invest in a straight truck into a dealership environment. JMC is a well-known manufacturer of straight trucks, light trucks and pickup trucks in China. We provide high quality and competitively priced commercial vehicles to the world. Browse our products and get in touch with our sales managers.