You will learn about the types of trucks and what sets them apart in functionality, size, and purpose in this reference. Discover the different names of trucks, see common truck names with pictures and examples, and explore various categories like light trucks, medium trucks, heavy trucks, special purpose trucks, and off-road trucks.
Contents
Truck Names in English
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo.
- Pickup
- Tractor
- Tow truck
- Fire engine
- Van
- Cement mixer
- Tanker
- Tractor-trailer
- Forklift
- Car transporter
- Semi-trailer truck
- Dump truck
- Box truck
- Flatbed truck
- Garbage truck
- Fire truck
- Refrigerator truck
- Logging truck
- Crane truck
- Flat nose truck
- Panel truck
- Armored truck
- Haul truck
List of Trucks with Pictures and Examples
Pickup
A pickup truck is a type of truck that has an open cargo bed at the back, allowing for the transportation of large items.
- Example: “The farmer used his pickup truck to transport bales of hay from the field to the barn.”
Tractor
A tractor is a powerful vehicle used for pulling heavy loads or performing agricultural tasks such as plowing fields.
- Example: “The farmer used his tractor to pull a trailer full of equipment to the other side of the farm.”
Tow truck
A tow truck is a truck equipped with a crane or winch that is used for towing or transporting disabled vehicles.
- Example: “The tow truck arrived quickly to tow away the car that had broken down on the side of the road.”
Fire engine
A fire engine is a truck equipped with firefighting equipment such as hoses, ladders, and water tanks, used for extinguishing fires.
- Example: “The fire engine rushed to the scene of the burning building, its sirens blaring and lights flashing.”
Van
A van is a type of truck that is designed for transporting goods or people, typically with a closed cargo area and seating for several passengers.
- Example: “The delivery company used a van to transport packages and parcels to customers throughout the city.”
Cement mixer
A cement mixer is a truck equipped with a rotating drum used for mixing and transporting cement for construction projects.
- Example: “The cement mixer arrived at the construction site, ready to mix and pour concrete for the foundation of the new building.”
Tanker
A tanker is a truck designed for transporting liquids or gases in bulk, typically used for transporting fuel, chemicals, or water.
- Example: “The tanker truck delivered a load of gasoline to the gas station, filling up the underground storage tanks.”
Tractor-trailer
A tractor-trailer, also known as a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, is a combination of a tractor unit and a trailer used for transporting goods over long distances.
- Example: “The tractor-trailer traveled across the country, delivering a shipment of goods from one coast to the other.”
Forklift
A forklift is a small truck equipped with two prongs on the front used for lifting and moving heavy loads.
Example: “The warehouse worker used the forklift to move pallets of boxes from one end of the warehouse to the other.”
Car transporter
A car transporter, also known as a car carrier, is a truck designed for transporting multiple cars at once, typically used by car manufacturers or dealerships.
Example: “The car transporter delivered a shipment of brand new cars to the dealership, ready for sale to customers.”
Types of Trucks
Light trucks are ideal for carrying smaller loads, and they have a weight classification of up to 6,350 Kg or 14,000 lb. Some common light trucks include pick-ups, minivans, and SUVs, which are ideal for daily use, transportation of passengers, and small cargo.
Moving up in size, medium trucks are built for hauling larger loads. Their unloaded weight ranges between 6,351 – 11,793 Kg (14,001 – 26,000 lb). Examples of medium trucks include box trucks, flatbeds, or moving vans. These versatile vehicles can be found in various industries, from construction to residential moving.
Heavy trucks have an even more substantial weight classification of 11,794 – 14,969 Kg (26,001 – 33,000 lb). These are the trucks you see on the highway, like semi-trucks or eighteen-wheelers. Heavy trucks are perfect for long-haul shipments, as they can carry larger loads between cities or across states.
Lastly, very heavy trucks are the giants of the road, not meant for regular highway use without special permissions. These trucks consist of specialized transporters, such as heavy haulers for oversized loads and off-road heavy haul trucks used in mining. One notable example of a very heavy truck is the Australian Road Train, which can have up to four or five trailers connected using a coupling system for long-distance cargo transportation.
Light Trucks
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are the go-to choice for many folks who need a vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. These trucks usually have an open cargo bed in the back and can carry everything from construction materials to outdoor recreational gear. Common uses for pickups include:
- Towing: Pickups can tow trailers with ease, making them perfect for folks with boats, ATVs, or even those who need to transport large equipment.
- Off-Roading: Thanks to their sturdy build and powerful engines, many pickup trucks excel in off-road conditions.
- Workhorse: Pickup trucks are often used in construction, landscaping, or as fleet vehicles for companies that require durable and versatile trucks.
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, are a popular choice for families and people who need ample seating and cargo space. They often come with four-wheel drive and can handle various terrains, from city streets to rugged off-road trails. Some advantages of choosing an SUV include:
- Seating Capacity: SUVs typically seat five to eight passengers, providing ample room for families or groups of friends.
- Cargo Space: With their spacious interiors, SUVs easily accommodate luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.
- Safety: SUVs are known for their robust safety features, which can offer increased protection for passengers in the event of a collision.
Mini Trucks
Mini trucks are smaller than other light truck categories, making them an excellent choice for those who require a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient vehicle. These trucks often have a compact cab and cargo bed, making them great for everyday tasks and light hauling jobs. Benefits of mini trucks include:
- Fuel Efficiency: Mini trucks often have smaller engines, resulting in improved fuel economy compared to their larger counterparts.
- Maneuverability: The compact size of mini trucks allows for easier navigation in tight spaces, such as city streets and parking lots.
- Affordability: Mini trucks typically come with a lower price tag, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Medium Trucks
Box Trucks
Box trucks are versatile vehicles that you might see delivering goods to your local store. They feature a large, enclosed cargo area on the back, which makes them perfect for transporting goods while protecting them from the elements. Businesses often rely on box trucks for logistics and moving inventory from place to place. Some have a cutaway van chassis, which makes it easier to maneuver.
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks are another type of medium truck that is well-suited for transporting various types of cargo, both large and small. They have a flat, open cargo area and tie-down hooks on the platform for securing loads during transport. Flatbed trucks are ideal for carrying construction materials, machinery, or oversized items that might not fit inside an enclosed cargo space.
Firetrucks
Firetrucks are specialized medium trucks designed to assist firefighting operations. They play a critical role in our communities, as they are equipped with water pumps, hoses, ladders, and other essential firefighting equipment. You may have noticed that firetrucks come in different sizes and configurations, depending on the community’s specific needs and firefighting requirements. Sometimes, they are used for medical emergencies as well.
Heavy Trucks
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are primarily used in the construction industry to transport heavy materials like sand, gravel, or dirt. They feature an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and equipped with hydraulic rams to lift the front. This allows the contents of the bed to be deposited (“dumped”) on the ground behind the truck when the bed is raised. There are various types of dump trucks such as standard dump trucks, transfer dump trucks, and articulated dump trucks. Each type has its own advantages and is suited for specific tasks.
Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks, also known as waste collection vehicles or refuse collection vehicles, are specifically designed to collect and transport municipal solid waste. These trucks have a hydraulically operated mechanism at the rear, which helps in loading the garbage into the truck’s body. There are different types of garbage trucks:
- Front Loaders: These trucks have a front-mounted container that is picked up with forks, emptied over the cab, and returned to the ground.
- Rear loaders: This type of truck has a rear loading mechanism with a bin-tipping device to help lift and empty waste containers.
- Side loaders: Side loader trucks feature an automated side arm that can reach out, grab, and empty waste containers on the side of the truck.
Log Carrier Trucks
Log carrier trucks, also known as logging trucks or timber lorries, are specifically designed to transport logs from the forest to the processing facilities. These trucks come with specialized trailers and strong, durable frames to hold the heavy loads. There are two main types of log carrier trucks:
- Rigid frame trucks: These trucks have a single rigid chassis and are mostly used for short hauls within the forest or to a nearby processing site.
- Articulated trucks: These trucks come with a separate tractor and trailer, offering more flexibility and maneuverability on rough terrain or in tight spaces.
Special Purpose Trucks
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are designed to assist in moving vehicles that have either broken down, been in an accident, or are parked illegally. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, with different mechanisms for towing, such as flatbed tow trucks and boom tow trucks. Flatbed tow trucks have a long, flat platform for safely carrying vehicles, while boom tow trucks use a hydraulic arm to lift and transport vehicles. Overall, tow trucks provide essential services for keeping roads clear and safe.
Cement Mixer Trucks
Cement mixer trucks are specifically designed for transporting and mixing cement. These trucks have a large, revolving drum attached to the back that mixes the cement while it’s being transported. This ensures that the cement is a uniform consistency as it reaches its destination. The cement mixer truck’s drum is driven by its own power source separate from the truck’s engine, and is usually equipped with a chute to pour the cement exactly where it’s needed on-site. These trucks are essential for construction projects of all sizes.
Refrigerated Trucks
Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are temperature-controlled vehicles designed to transport perishable goods such as food, medicine, and certain chemicals. These trucks have a refrigeration unit attached to the cargo area to maintain a specific temperature throughout the journey. Depending on the product being carried, refrigerated trucks can maintain temperatures ranging from slightly above freezing to well below zero. By keeping perishable products chilled, these trucks ensure that goods reach their destination safely and in prime condition, playing a vital role in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Off-Road Trucks
The Jeep Gladiator has received a lot of attention already. It comes standard with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission. Supported by four-wheel drive, even the base model of this truck boasts impressive capabilities on challenging terrains.
For the truck lovers out there who enjoy next-level off-roading, we have the Ford F-150 Raptor, a top-rated off-road truck built to dominate any terrain. Ford has managed to blend performance and capability in this beast of a truck, which is popular among off-road enthusiasts of all levels.
To make our list even more diverse, let’s not forget the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which has a well-deserved reputation for being a reliable off-road companion. The truck stands out with its advanced suspension system, giving it unparalleled control and a smoother ride even on the roughest paths.
Learn different types of vehicles video with American English pronunciation.
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