When you have a heavy load, it needs to be hauled in some type of truck – though not all trucks are the same. They can vary in terms of the weight that they can handle as well as the overall dimensions.
What you are shipping matters, which is why it’s important to work with a freight broker. This ensures that the correct type of truck is matched with the goods that you need to haul. Particularly within the energy, construction, and pipeline industries, there are a lot of equipment and products that can vary dramatically.
By understanding the different types of trucks that heavy haul trucking companies can use to haul a heavy load, you can be sure that your shipments are delivered efficiently, no matter how far they are traveling.
Types of Trucks Capable of Hauling Heavy Loads
To understand the various trucks, it’s important to identify the requirements of the load:
· Height
· Length
· Weight
· Width
Additionally, some vehicles have to be chosen based on the need for special permits, specialty lights, and more.
There are five trucks that are most commonly used for hauling heavy loads.
Freightliner Cascadia
The Freightliner is a brand that is under Daimler Trucks and is an American manufacturer. The brand was founded in 1929 and is currently one of the most popular heavy haulers in the United States. There are Class 5, 6, 7, and 8 models available on the market, which also include day and sleeper caps.
The Cascadia line features a number of different models that are capable of providing heavy haul services. These are particularly popular for longer hauls because of their aerodynamics as well as their fuel efficiency. The engines range from 400-600 horsepower, which, combined with aerodynamics, allows the truck driver to operate higher RPMS in a lower gear – and that improves the truck’s lifespan.
Cascadia models also boast air spring suspension on the hood, providing a smoother ride and ensuring that there’s no slamming down.
Truckers will often choose a Freightliner Cascadia because it is one of the more affordable options on the market, too.
The Freightliner Cascadia 125 Sleeper is a popular option for truckers and typically features a 450-hp Cummins engine and can offer a wide array of heavy haul services.
Kenworth T680
Kenworth Trucks have been around since 1923 and was a successor of Gerlinger Motors. The company produces Class 5, 6, 7, and 8 semi-trucks. The T2680 is one of the more productive models for heavy haul services. This is a class 8 vehicle with a PACCAR engine that varies from 510 to 605 horsepower. It’s one of the most powerful trucks on the road.
The T680 boasts superior control, an advanced navigation system, and a variety of cab options. The load sizes are maximized within this truck, and drivers find that it offers a smooth, fuel-efficient ride.
There are both manual and automatic transmission models available. Hauling is made easy, and it’s one of the more affordable trucks, which is why you’ll see so many on the road.
International Lonestar
The International Lonestar entered the market in 1986. This is a result of International Harvester creating Navistar so that trucks could be manufactured in the United States. The trucks are sold not only in the U.S. but also in Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. There are also over 60 dealers across 90 countries.
The LT series is a semi-truck model that is one of the most popular. It is capable of offering heavy haul services as well as special hauling of livestock.
The heavy haul services are enhanced as a result of International Lonestar’s shape and performance. The shape is designed to reduce the weight load. There’s also a 10-speed transmission that reduces oil churning and friction within the engine. This also helps to keep the transmission cool during longer trips.
A wide array of International truck models can be chosen for heavy hauls, including ones that feature day cabs and sleeper cabs.
Volvo VNX
Volvo was founded in 1928 in Gothenburg, Sweden. While this is the only non-American-made truck on the list, Volvo is the second-largest truck manufacturer in the world – and the VNX series has become popular with heavy haul trucking companies.
The VNX series was launched in 2018 and has the ability to carry loads up to 160,000 pounds. Models within the series include VNX 300, VNX 400, and VNX 740. There’s a 605-hp engine as well as 2060 lb.-ft of torque. This makes it possible for the truck to accommodate an array of loads and routes. There are optional axles, which ensures that unique weight distributions can be met.
Drivers can choose from a variety of lift axles, tridem axles, fifth-wheel slides, and more. Freight brokers will know what a truck has to ensure that your load is properly accommodated.
Peterbilt 379
Peterbilt Trucks have been on the market since 1939 and is a sister company of Kenworth Trucks, under PACCAR. They produce both medium and heavy-duty trucks.
The Peterbilt 379 offers fuel efficiency for long trips, particularly because of the light aluminum body. If the model looks familiar, it is also what was used as the model to create Optimus Prime from the Transformer movies. There’s a large compartment on the model that is perfect for special loads.
One thing that makes this truck unique is the length of the steering axle and box. This leads to excellent maneuverability, which is why it is commonly used when hauling oversized loads or traveling on difficult routes.
Find Out What Truck Should Be Used for Your Load
With so many heavy haul trucking companies out there, you’ll always have the means to have your products or equipment transported efficiently. Even oversized vehicles can be accommodated by different trucks and flatbeds.
It all comes down to logistics – and that’s why you work with an experienced company that can connect you with the right shipper. You’ll get help and support through all phases of transportation.