Trucks that are used in the freight and transportation industry are generally made up of two main parts: a cab and a trailer. The cab is the front part of the truck where the driver sits and drives. It’s also where all the engine equipment is located. The trailer is attached to the back of the cab and can be swapped out depending on what the vehicle is shipping and its space requirements.
There are many different truck cab options on the market, each with slight differences in their size, power, sleep arrangements, and more. There are also many different types of trailers that can be attached to a cab. These trailers can completely change the capabilities of the truck, what it’s used for, and how it’s defined.
It’s important for dispatchers to know about the different types of trucks and trailers out there, so that they can accurately dispatch the right kind of truck and driver for the job. If you’re considering dispatcher training, read on to learn more about the different types of trucks you could encounter during your career.
1. Grads of Dispatcher Training Might Know About Flatbed Trailer Trucks
Flatbed trucks are very common in the freight and transportation industry because they are versatile and easy to load and unload. As their name would suggest, flatbed trucks have a completely flat and level body. Freight can be loaded onto the truck from the back, sides, and edges, making it an extremely efficient option.
As professionals with dispatcher training might know, flatbed trucks are generally used by shippers for transporting heavy goods that aren’t fragile. Because flatbed trucks aren’t covered by a hard shell, they are not ideal for transporting breakable items. However, for items that aren’t delicate or sensitive to weather conditions, the flatbed truck is a great option.
2. Grads of Dispatcher Training Might Know About Box Trailer Trucks
Box trucks, otherwise known as dry vans or enclosed trailers, are similar to flatbed trucks, but are enclosed. These trucks are ideal for moving freight that is more delicate, as the freight is protected inside the vehicle from weather or any other hazardous elements that may come in contact with the truck while it’s being driven.
Box trucks come in all different sizes. They are used to transport a wide variety of items, and they also come in several varieties. Some box trucks are complete vehicles with the cab and the trailer attached, while other box trucks have separate cabs and trailers. It’s common to see either option used by moving and shipping companies—especially for items like furniture and boxes.
3. Grads of Dispatcher Training Might Know About Refrigerator Trailer Trucks
For dispatchers with careers in the auto industry, refrigerator trucks are the go-to truck type for transporting perishable goods. Refrigerator trucks are similar to box trucks in their shape and structure. Where they differ is that refrigerated trucks are capable of keeping perishable items fresh and cold. They come in a variety of different sizes and are generally used for transporting food, frozen goods, flowers, or medications like vaccines that must be kept cool.
4. Grads of Dispatcher Training Might Know About Lowboy Trailer Trucks
Lowboy trucks are similar to flatbed trucks because they are uncovered, but they are different because they are lower and closer to the ground. Lowboy trucks come in handy when shippers are transporting tall goods that may be taller than the height limit for box trailers or flatbeds. In addition, by having the freight closer to the ground, the truck can drive under overpasses or bridges they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to fit under. As you might discover throughout your career, these trucks can come in handy for a variety of different shipments.
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