Skip to main content
All CollectionsPlatform 'How to?' Guides (new)
Platform Guide: How to choose the right vehicle
Platform Guide: How to choose the right vehicle
Svjetlana Dajic avatar
Written by Svjetlana Dajic
Updated over 8 months ago

⚠️ This article represents general guidelines on cargo configuration and is not a definitive list or exact measurement for all cargo capacity.

At Zencargo we offer 5 types of vehicles (boxed, curtain sided, refrigerated, sliding roof and hiab) and they come in various sizes.

Depending on the type of product that you are shipping and quantity of that product (number of pallets, boxes or weight) you will need one of these vehicles. Please take a look at different vehicles and their specifications to make your choice.

BOXED

Boxed trucks typically refer to trucks that have an enclosed cargo area with a box-like structure that is separated from the cab. These trucks are designed for the transportation of goods, equipment, or products and come in various sizes and configurations to meet different needs.

This table shows the general size and capacity of these types of trucks.

Boxed truck size

Pallet capacity *non stackable

Max cargo weight

Dimensions

Van box

5 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 3 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

1200 kg

Length 3.6m, Width 1.2m, Height 1.7m

3.5t box

5-6 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 4-5 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

11000 kg

Length 3.7m, Width 1.75m, Height 1.85m

7.5t box

14 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 10-12 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

2500 - 3500 kg

Length 6.1m, Width 2.4m, Height 2.5m

Straight truck

12 - 13 US pallets (48x40 in)

14000 - 15000 lbs

Length 288in, Width 91in, Height 89in

18t box

20 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 16 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

4500 - 7500 kg

Length 8.2m, Width 2.4m, Height 2.6m

13.6m box

33 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

22000 - 24000 kg

Length 13.6m, Width 2.4m, Height 2.7m

53ft boxed trailer

26 US pallets (48x40 in)

43000 - 44000 lbs

Length 52in, Width 102 in, Height 110in

Mega boxed trailer

34 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

32800 kg

Length 13.9m, Width 2.5m, Height 2.9m

If your truck is carrying hazardous cargo or needs a health certificate then you can tell us about that by selecting one of the representing checkboxes. If your 7.5t box truck needs a tail lift, you will also be able to select that checkbox under the size of the truck.

CURTAIN SIDED

Curtain sided trucks have an enclosed cargo area, but instead of solid walls, they feature flexible curtains (usually made of reinforced fabric) on the sides. These curtains can be easily opened for loading and unloading, making them a popular choice for quick access to cargo.

This table shows the general size and capacity of these types of trucks.

Curtain sided truck size

Pallet capacity *non stackable

Max cargo weight

Dimensions

3.5t curtain sided

8 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or

6 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

900 - 1000 kg

Length 4m, Width 2m, Height 2m

7.5t curtain sided

12 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 10 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

2500 kg

Length 6m, Width 2.2m, Height 2.2m

18t curtain sided

16 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 12-14 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

8000 - 9000 kg

Length 8m, Width 2.4m, Height 2.5m

13.6m curtain sided

28 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

26000 kg

Length 13m, Width 2.4m, Height 3m

Mega curtain sided

34 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

32800 kg

Length 13.9m, Width 2.5m, Height 2.9m

Risk level tells us the value of the goods that you are transporting. If the goods are for example highly theft attractive (i.e. over 1000£) it’s better to go with the boxed truck. If it’s a shorter trip and the truck is not stopping on the way you could go with the curtain sided truck.

REFRIGERATED

Refrigerated trucks (reefers) are trucks equipped with refrigeration units used for transporting goods that require temperature-controlled conditions to preserve their quality and freshness (i.e. cosmetics, medicine, flowers, fruits and vegetables, etc.)

This table shows the general size and capacity of these types of trucks.

Refrigerated truck

Pallet capacity
*non stackable

Max weight

Dimensions

18t refrigerated

18 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 16 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

9500 kg

Length 10.9m, Width 2.5m, Height 3.8m

13.6m refrigerated

33 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

24000 kg

Length 13.6m, Width 2.5m, Height 2.9m

SLIDING ROOF

Sliding roof truck is a type of truck that features a flexible roof system that can be easily opened and closed. It allows for efficient loading and unloading using cranes or forklifts from the top, while the curtains enable easy access from the sides of the truck. This type of a truck is used for handling oversized or heavy cargo that may be challenging to load through traditional rear doors.

This table shows the general size and capacity of these types of trucks.

Sliding roof truck

Pallet capacity
*non stackable

Max weight

Dimensions

18t sliding roof

18 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 16 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

9500 kg

Length 10.9m, Width 2.5m, Height 3.8m

13.6m sliding roof

33 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

24000 kg

Length 13.6m, Width 2.5m, Height 2.9m

HIAB

A Hiab truck is a type of truck equipped with a hydraulic crane or lifting device, commonly known as a Hiab crane. It is mostly used to put containers on a truck.

This table shows the general size and capacity of these types of trucks.

Hiab truck

Pallet capacity

Max weight

Dimensions

18t hiab

18 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 16 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

9500 kg

Length 10.9m, Width 2.5m, Height 3.8m

13.6m hiab

33 EU pallets (120x80 cm) or 26 UK pallets (120x100 cm)

24000 kg

Length 13.6m, Width 2.5m, Height 2.9m

Did this answer your question?