How much cargo fits in one truck? It is an important question for logistics professionals and for traders who want to optimise their transport processes and make sure goods arrive safely. The truck is the backbone of road freight, moving large quantities of goods efficiently and economically. In this article we look in detail at how much cargo a truck can carry, taking into account different truck types, load space sizes and other key factors.
Truck capacity: the main factors
A truck's capacity depends on several factors, including the truck type, the size of the load space, the type of cargo and weight limits. Let's look at these more closely:
Truck types and their capacity
1. Semi-trailer
Dimensions and capacity: A standard semi-trailer has an internal length of about 13.6 metres, a height of 2.7 metres and a width of 2.5 metres. That gives room for about 33–34 Euro pallets or 75–90 cubic metres of cargo.
Use: Semi-trailers are often used for general cargo, as they are flexible and can carry many different types of goods.
2. Drawbar trailer
Dimensions and capacity: A truck and drawbar trailer combination is usually about 18–25 metres long in total. It can carry up to 38–40 Euro pallets or 90–120 cubic metres of cargo.
Use: Drawbar combinations are often used for high-volume and heavy loads, as they offer more capacity and stability.
3. Mega trailer
Dimensions and capacity: A mega trailer has a similar internal length to a standard semi-trailer, but its height reaches up to 3 metres. This raises capacity to up to 100 cubic metres and gives room for 34–38 Euro pallets.
Use: Mega trailers are used for particularly large and bulky goods that need more vertical space.
4. Refrigerated truck
Dimensions and capacity: The capacity of a refrigerated truck (reefer) depends on the insulation thickness and the cooling unit, but it usually holds 75–80 cubic metres of cargo.
Use: Reefers carry temperature-sensitive goods such as food and medicines and keep them in good condition during transport.
Cargo type and loading
The type of cargo and how it is loaded play a big part in a truck's capacity. For example:
Bulk goods: Sand, gravel and other loose materials need specific bodies and can affect how full the truck gets.
Packaged goods: Properly packed and stacked goods let you make the most of the space and increase capacity.
Irregularly shaped goods: These can take up more space and reduce overall capacity.
Weight limits
Laws in the European Union and other regions set weight limits for trucks. The maximum permitted gross weight is usually 40 tonnes, including the weight of the truck itself. Weight limits can restrict how much cargo can be carried at once, especially with heavy materials.
The role of software in freight planning
Modern logistics software plays an important role in optimising truck capacity. Here are some key software features that help make road freight more efficient:
Load space optimisation
Dedicated algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) can analyse cargo dimensions and weights to suggest the best loading layouts. This helps make the most of the space and reduce empty running.
Route optimisation
Logistics platforms can calculate the most efficient routes, taking into account traffic, road conditions and delivery deadlines. This cuts fuel use and driving time and makes freight transport more economical.
Real-time tracking
GPS tracking and IoT devices make it possible to follow trucks and cargo in real time. This helps logistics managers keep shipments under control and react quickly to problems such as delays or damaged goods.
How to choose the right truck
Choosing the right truck depends on several factors, including the type of cargo, its volume and its destination. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Assess the cargo
The size, shape and weight of the cargo determine which type of truck is best suited. Heavy and large goods may require special vehicles, such as low-loaders or semi-trailers.
Work out volume and frequency
How often goods need to be moved, and how much at a time, determines the size and type of truck you need. If you run frequent trips, a larger truck may be the more economical choice.
Weigh up the costs
On top of the direct rental or purchase cost, factor in fuel, maintenance and any road tolls. Some truck types can be more expensive to maintain or attract higher tolls.
Summary
The question "How much cargo fits in a truck?" has no single answer, because it depends on many factors, including the truck type, the properties of the cargo and legal weight limits. Modern logistics software and technology help optimise truck capacity and the transport process by giving better visibility and control. Choosing the right truck and planning freight efficiently can cut costs considerably and make the supply chain more efficient.
Logistics professionals and companies need to take all of these factors into account to move goods safely and efficiently. By understanding the properties of the cargo and the truck, and by using modern technology, you can get the most out of every load and keep both customers and your own business satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
How much cargo fits in a semi-trailer?
A standard semi-trailer has an internal length of about 13.6 metres, a height of 2.7 metres and a width of 2.5 metres. That gives room for about 33–34 Euro pallets or 75–90 cubic metres of cargo. Semi-trailers are used for general cargo because they are flexible and suit many different types of goods.
How much cargo fits in a truck and drawbar trailer combination?
A truck and drawbar trailer combination is usually 18–25 metres long in total. It can carry up to 38–40 Euro pallets or 90–120 cubic metres of cargo. Drawbar combinations are used for high-volume and heavy loads, as they offer more capacity and stability.
How much cargo fits in a mega trailer?
A mega trailer has a similar internal length to a standard semi-trailer, but its height reaches up to 3 metres. This raises capacity to up to 100 cubic metres and gives room for 34–38 Euro pallets. Mega trailers are used for bulky goods that need more vertical space.
How much cargo fits in a refrigerated truck?
The capacity of a refrigerated truck (reefer) depends on the insulation thickness and the cooling unit, but it usually holds 75–80 cubic metres of cargo. Reefers carry temperature-sensitive goods such as food and medicines and keep them in good condition during transport.
What affects how much a truck can carry?
A truck's capacity depends on the truck type, the type of cargo and how it is loaded, weight limits and the legal maximum gross weight. Loose or irregularly shaped goods may need more space, while well-packed goods let you use the space to the full.
How does logistics software help optimise truck capacity?
Modern logistics software helps you make the most of truck capacity through load space optimisation, route optimisation and real-time tracking. It can analyse cargo dimensions and weights, suggest the best loading layouts, cut fuel use and driving time, and help get goods delivered safely.
How do you choose the right truck for a load?
The right truck depends on the cargo's properties, volume, frequency and destination. Assess the size, shape and weight of the goods, work out the volume to be moved and weigh up the costs, including rental, fuel, maintenance and road tolls. Heavy or large goods may need special truck types, such as semi-trailers or low-loaders.
Why is there no single answer to how much cargo a truck can carry?
A truck's capacity depends on many factors, including the truck type, the cargo's properties, legal weight limits and how the cargo is loaded. Modern software and technology help optimise capacity and the transport process, but there is no exact standard figure.
