Know Your Truck Types

If you’ve ever driven down an Australian highway, you’ve seen just how many different commercial trucks are out there, each built for a specific job. From small delivery trucks weaving through city streets to massive road trains stretching across the outback, every truck type plays a role in keeping businesses running and goods moving. We’ve put together this guide to commercial truck types to help you determine which types might be the right fit for your business.

Light vs Heavy Trucks: Where’s the Line?

The first way to categorise trucks is by size. Generally, trucks in Australia fall into two categories: light trucks and heavy trucks.

Light trucks are smaller commercial vehicles, usually with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) under 4.5 tonnes, which means they can be driven on a standard car licence. These are commonly used for local deliveries, small business operations, and tradespeople who need extra storage space without the hassle of upgrading their licence.

Heavy trucks, on the other hand, are anything over 4.5 tonnes GVM and require a heavy vehicle licence. They’re built for serious work, from freight transport to construction, and are the backbone of industries that rely on moving large quantities of goods and materials.

If you’re running a small business that requires light transport, you’re likely dealing with light trucks designed for efficiency and convenience. However, if you’re in freight, logistics, agriculture, or construction, you’ll be looking at heavy trucks built for durability and high payload capacity.

Choosing the right one depends on how much weight you’re moving, how often you’re on the road, and the driving regulations you need to comply with.

Rigid vs Articulated Trucks

Beyond size, another major way trucks are classified is by whether they are rigid or articulated.

Rigid trucks are built on a single, solid frame, meaning the cab and cargo area are all part of the same structure. These are the go-to choice for urban deliveries and construction materials because they are easier to drive, park, and manoeuvre through city streets. You’ll commonly see rigid trucks in the form of box trucks, tipper trucks for moving gravel or sand, and refrigerated trucks transporting perishable goods.

Articulated trucks, in contrast, consist of a separate cab (known as a prime mover) that pulls a semi-trailer. These trucks are designed for long-haul transport, heavy loads, and high efficiency. The most common examples include semi-trailers, B-Doubles, and even massive road trains that are used for outback freight. Articulated trucks can carry significantly more than their rigid counterparts and often offer better fuel efficiency per tonne of cargo. While they require more skill to operate, they are essential for businesses that need to transport large quantities over long distances.

Common Truck Types and Their Uses

Within the categories of light and heavy, rigid and articulated, there are various truck configurations designed for specific industries.

Flatbed trucks, for example, feature an open cargo tray, making them ideal for transporting construction materials and oversized equipment that can be loaded from any angle.

Tipper trucks, which have a hydraulic lift system to dump materials like gravel or dirt, are a staple in construction and earthmoving.

Box trucks, also known as pantechs, are fully enclosed, providing protection from the elements. These are commonly used for furniture removals, parcel deliveries, and transporting retail goods. Some box trucks are refrigerated, making them essential for businesses that deal with food and pharmaceuticals.

Tanker trucks are built to transport liquids or gases, whether it’s fuel, chemicals, or even milk. These trucks often require specialised handling due to the risks associated with their hazardous cargo. Similarly, car carriers are designed to transport multiple vehicles at once, often in a two-level configuration to maximise efficiency.

Road trains are perhaps the most recognisable trucks on Australian highways. These are the largest trucks allowed on public roads, consisting of multiple trailers hitched together. They are primarily used in remote areas where rail transport isn’t an option, carrying bulk freight over thousands of kilometres.

Understanding Truck Classifications in Australia

Trucks in Australia are grouped into different classes based on their size, weight, and function.

Class 1 heavy vehicles include special-purpose trucks like cranes and fire trucks that serve specific roles beyond freight transport.

Class 2 heavy vehicles cover general freight trucks such as semi-trailers, livestock carriers, and fuel tankers that operate within legal weight and dimension limits.

Class 3 heavy vehicles refer to heavy duty vehicles that exceed standard regulations, such as oversized road trains and extra-long tow trucks.

In addition to these classifications, trucks can also be described based on their axle configurations. A common way to do this is with numbers like 6×4 or 8×6, which indicate how many wheels a truck has and how many of them are powered. For example, a 6×4 truck has six wheels in total, with four being driven by the engine. These configurations affect a truck’s traction, stability, and load-bearing capacity, making them important considerations for businesses operating in off-road or heavy-duty environments.

Which Truck is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right truck depends on your business needs. If you’re looking for a practical city delivery vehicle, a rigid box truck or refrigerated truck is a great option. If you need something for hauling heavy materials, a tipper truck or flatbed truck will serve you well, while for long-haul freight, an articulated truck like a semi-trailer or B-Double is the most efficient choice.

Finance Your Truck with Credit One

No matter what type of truck your business needs, we can help. At Credit One, we have access to a wide range of truck finance and trailer finance options. Whether you’re looking for dealer sale finance or private sale truck loan, our team of experts work with you to design a loan package that fits your business and budget.

If you’re ready to expand your fleet or purchase your first commercial truck, explore your finance options with our truck loan calculator to get an idea of what your next truck will cost you. And if you have any questions, contact us to speak with a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team, and start your journey to truck ownership with Credit One!