Trucks play a vital role in the road transportation system. They are essential for the smooth functioning of the economy. As a transporter, it is important to choose the right truck that meets your needs. To make the right choice, it is necessary to be aware of the different types of trucks available in India. This will help you select the one that is most suitable for your requirements.
Table of Contents
Indian Truck Classification by Size and Payload Capacity
- Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) LCVs are small vehicles typically used for transporting packages, small shipments of merchandise, tools and equipment, and other smaller items over short distances. These vehicles are preferred by small businesses because they are small with a payload capacity of 5 Tons. Which make it easy to navigate city streets. LCVs are cost- effective, fuel effective and easy to purchase and maintain. That’s why it’s no wonder why LCVs are becoming increasingly popular for small businesses and individuals alike. LCVs include pick-up trucks, small panel vans, and small box trucks.
- Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs)These vehicles are larger than LCVs having a payload capacity between 5 to 7 Tons. And are used for hauling goods over longer distances. These types of trucks are mostly preferred by medium and large logistics organizations. Mainly it transports construction materials such as cement, stone, and steel. MCVs are powered by either gasoline or diesel engines and can be seen traveling on highways and smaller roads alike. MCVs include larger panel vans, box trucks, and flatbed trucks.
- Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) They are same as MCVs but are larger and heavier, used for long distances by large logistics organizations and have a payload capacity exceeding 7 Tons. They are used to transport a wide range of goods, from raw materials for manufacturing to perishable foods. HCVs include semi-trucks, tractor trailers, and dump trucks. Usually, these vehicles are powered by diesel engines.
Comparing truck sizes, carrying capacity and actual weight of the vehicle in India
| Truck sizes in feet | Vehicle weight | Maximum weight/Payload capacity | Price |
| 7 L x 4.8 W x 4.8 H | 885 Kgs | Max Load 1050 Kgs | ₹3.99 – ₹6.35 Lakh |
| 9 L x 5.5 W x 5 H | 2.5 Ton | Max Load 5 Ton | ₹10.75 – ₹13.26 Lakh |
| 19 L x 6.5 W x 6H | 6 Ton | Max Load 6 to 10 Ton | ₹12.16 – ₹28.17 Lakh |
| 22 L x 7.5 W x 7 H | 11 Tons | Max Load 6 to 10 Ton | ₹15.5 – ₹25.36 Lakh |
| 32 L x 8 W x 8 H | 9.5 to 10 Tons | Max Load 7 to 9 Ton | ₹ 21.04 – ₹ 24.05 Lakh |
| 32 L x 8 W x 8 H | 10.5 to 11.5 Ton | Max Load 15 to 18 Ton | ₹ 21.04 Lakh – ₹ 24.05 Lakh |
| 40 L X 8 W x 8 H | 18 to 39 Ton | Max Load 21 to 35 Ton | ₹ 25.06 Lakh – ₹ 30.18 Lakh. |
Container Trucks
Containers are essential in India’s trucking industry. They transport heavy goods and materials, often over long distances. They protect the goods from harm and come in various sizes and shapes, such as flatbed, enclosed, and refrigerated containers.
Additionally, the demand for container trucks in India has increased in recent years. Due to the growth of the ecommerce sector and the flourishing manufacturing and logistics industry. As a result, container trucks have become a vital part of the freight delivery network, transporting more goods between cities and states.
These trucks are available in different dimensions. 19 Feet, 20/22/24 Feet and 32 Feet SXL comes under the 6 wheeler trucks and 32 feet MXL comes under 10 wheeler trucks. The most commonly used container trucks for road transportations are:
- 19 Feet Container Truck
- 20/22/24 Feet Container Truck
- 32 Feet SXL/MXL
- 40 Feet Trailer
1. EICHER 19 Feet Trucks
The Eicher 19-foot container truck is a medium-duty truck that transports containers over long distances. It has a durable construction and powerful diesel engine, making it suitable for various applications. This truck has a payload capacity of 6 to 10 Tons and a hydraulic lifting mechanism to facilitate easy loading and unloading of containers. It is commonly used in the logistics, manufacturing, and construction industries for transporting cargo and containers. To learn more about the different models of Eicher 19 FT trucks, visit Eicher’s website.
Applications suitable for Eicher 19 Feet Truck
- Industrial and consumer goods
- Agricultural products, such as produce and grains
- Machinery and equipment
- Construction materials, such as bricks, cement, and steel
- Retail products, such as clothing and electronics, etc.
2. 20/22/24 Feet Trucks
These trucks have specialized trailers or chassis to support the weight and size of a shipping container. And are used for long-distance shipping of goods. The payload capacity of a container truck depends on both the size of the shipping container and the weight capacity of the truck. Container truck dimensions and load capacity vary by model and manufacturer. Generally, the dimensions are 22 L x 7.5 W x 7 H but the length may vary, and they have a payload capacity up to 10 Tons.
Application suitable for 22/24/26 container trucks
- FMCD
- Construction materials and tools
- Retail products and store fixtures
- Food and beverage products
- Consumer goods, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics
- Textiles and clothing, etc.
3. 32 Feet SXL
The 32 ft SXL is a popular heavy commercial vehicle in India. Known for its ability to transport containers as well as various goods and materials over long distances. Its dimensions of 32 L x 8 W x 8 H and payload capacity of 7 to 9 tons. Which make it a common choice for logistics businesses of all sizes. At FR8, demand for these trucks is high and they are frequently placed. The 32 ft SXL and MXL, which have the same dimensions but different payload capacities, can often be seen on highways throughout the country.
Applications suitable for 32 Feet SXL
- Most suited for consumer goods such as electronics, furniture and other home appliances
- Chemical and hazardous materials
- Retail products and store fixtures
- Food and beverage products
- Paper products and packaging materials
- Medical and scientific equipment, etc.
4. 32 Feet MXL
The 32 ft MXL is a heavy commercial vehicle commonly used in India for transporting large and heavy goods over long distances. Its dimensions of 32 L x 8 W x 8 H, combined with a powerful engine, make it well-suited for fast travel on intercity and interstate highways. This truck has a payload capacity of up to 18 tons and is an efficient and cost-effective choice for businesses that need to transport heavy items over long distances.
Applications suitable for 32 Feet MXL
- Industrial equipment and machinery
- Automobiles and other vehicles
- Chemical and hazardous materials
- Consumer goods, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics
- Retail products and store fixtures
- Food and beverage products
- Textiles and clothing
- Paper products and packaging materials
- Medical and scientific equipment, etc.
5. 40 Feet Trailer
The 40 feet trailer is a heavy commercial vehicle that can transport up to 35 tons of goods over long distances. It has dimensions of 40 L x 8 W x 8 H and is equipped with advanced features like an electronic braking system, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. This truck is powered by a diesel engine and has a wheelbase of 5.5 meters. It is mainly used on highways and is not often seen in other settings. This type of trailer is commonly used to transport bulk items such as:
Applications suitable for 40 Feet Trailer
- Building materials, such as lumber, concrete, and brick
- Heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes
- Mining equipment and minerals
- Oil and gas drilling equipment
- Renewable energy equipment, such as wind turbines and solar panels
- Telecommunications equipment
- Power generators
- Musical instruments and sound equipment
- Artwork and museum exhibits
- Live animals and pets
- Military equipment and supplies
- Disaster relief supplies
- Humanitarian aid etc.
6. Tata 407
The Tata 407 is a light commercial vehicle with a payload capacity of 5 Tons. It has been manufactured by Tata Motors since 1986. The first model, the 407 EX, has undergone numerous upgrades, including a larger engine, improved suspension, and more comfortable interiors. It offers its owners six benefits: profits, performance, driving comfort, convenience and connectivity, value, and safety and security. Which provide a powerful tool to help them grow their businesses to their full potential.
With a legacy of 34 years, the Tata 407 is a highly valued and emotional tool for many business owners, who have dubbed it “the non-stop profit machine.”
Applications suitable for Tata 407
- Market load, fruits and vegetables, FMCG
- White goods (large electrical goods used domestically such as refrigerators and washing machines)
- E-commerce packages
- Poultry
- Perishable goods like cash, milk, bottle carriers, fish and fish feed, and special applications like garbage tippers and towing vans.
7. Tata Ace
The Tata Ace, a light commercial vehicle, has gained popularity among small businesses in India due to its ability to navigate tight streets and narrow lanes. With a payload capacity of 1050 kg, it is suitable for transporting goods over short distances. Its durability and efficiency have made it a top choice. As a result, Tata Motors has introduced additional vehicles to the Ace family.
The Tata Ace is also known as “Chota Hathi” in Hindi and “Kutty Yanai” in Tamil. Which translate to “small truck” in English.
- Tata Ace gold 2250/CNG 1630 kg (GVW)
- Tata Ace gold 2100/Diesel Plus 1675 kg (GVW)
- Tata Ace gold 2100/Diesel 1675 kg (GVW)
- Tata Ace gold 2100/Petrol CX 1510 kg (GVW)
- Tata Ace gold 2100/Petrol 1615 kg (GVW).
Applications suitable for this model are
- Perishable goods
- FMCG, textiles
- Plastics, scraps, and many other small applications.
In conclusion, trucks are an essential part of the road transportation network in India, and they come in three categories – Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs), and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs). Depending on the type of cargo, size and location, different types of trucks can be used.
Vaishnavi M
I am an HR by profession and a fervent writer at heart. My passion for writing and reading has been an intrinsic part of who I am. I take immense pleasure in sharing my thoughts and the detailed information of the logistics industry through my blogs. Previously in my college days I have published articles on ISBNs. Additionally, my writing ventures have extended to covering topics on Human Resource Management and Trucking and transportation Management reaching international and Indian audiences.
