If you’re in the market for a used truck or lorry, you’ve probably come across terms like dropside and flatbed. These types of trucks are often used for various commercial purposes, but they each have unique features that make them suited to different tasks. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs whether that be for logistics, agriculture, waste management or general transport. In this article, we will investigate what flatbed and dropside trucks and what sets them apart.
WHAT IS A FLATBED TRUCK?
A flatbed truck is essentially a vehicle with a flat, open cargo area that has no sides or roof. This design makes it incredibly versatile and ideal for transporting large, bulky items that might not fit neatly into a traditional enclosed truck like scaffold poles, copper pipes, steel beams and more. It’s for this reason flatbeds are often used in construction for carrying building materials, large machinery used on-site and other oversized items.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF FLATBEDS?
Open design: Flatbeds have a completely open cargo area, which allows for easy loading and unloading of goods. This is particularly useful when you need to move items quickly or when the cargo is too large for an enclosed space.
Accessibility: The open nature of the flatbed allows for side loading, which can be a significant advantage when dealing with tight spaces or when using equipment like forklifts.
Versatility: Since there are no sides or a roof, flatbeds can accommodate various types of cargo, including those with irregular shapes or sizes.
WHAT IS A DROPSIDE TRUCK?
A dropside truck, on the other hand, is similar to a flatbed but with a bit more functionality. As the name suggests, dropside trucks feature sides that can be folded upwards to act as a physical barrier to prevent the stored materials from simply rolling off but can also be lowered or removed to facilitate efficient loading and unloading. This feature combines the benefits of a flatbed with the added flexibility similar to more standard transport vehicles like curtainsiders and box vans.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF DROPSIDE TRUCKS:
Drop-down sides: The main feature of a dropside truck is its sides that can be dropped down to create an open loading area. This makes it easier to load and unload cargo from the sides, which is especially useful for handling materials like bricks, sand and gravel.
Added security: When the sides are up, they provide a barrier that helps secure the load during transit. This can be particularly important for transporting smaller items that might otherwise fall off a flatbed.
Flexibility: Dropside trucks often come with removable or foldable sides, providing versatility in how the cargo can be handled. This feature allows for both side and rear loading, making it adaptable to various loading scenarios.
CHOOSING BETWEEN DROPSIDE AND FLATBED TRUCKS
When deciding between a dropside and a flatbed truck, it’s a good idea to weigh a few key factors to ensure you pick the right vehicle for your needs. Here’s a closer look at what to consider:
Cargo type: If you frequently transport materials that require side access for loading and unloading, a dropside truck might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you mostly carry large, bulky items that don’t need side access, a flatbed could be more suitable.
Loading and unloading efficiency: Dropside trucks offer more flexibility for loading from the sides, which can speed up the process when dealing with certain types of cargo. Flatbeds, with their open design, may be more efficient for quick loading and unloading when you don’t need the additional side access.
Security needs: For transporting items that need to be secured during transit, dropside trucks provide extra protection with their side panels. If security is less of a concern and you value an open loading area, a flatbed may suffice.
EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF USED DROPSIDE AND FLATBED TRUCKS
Both dropside and flatbed trucks offer distinct advantages that can significantly enhance your operational efficiency. Dropside trucks provide easy side access and added cargo security, making them ideal for handling materials and items that need extra protection. Flatbed trucks, with their open design, are perfect for transporting large or bulky loads quickly and efficiently.
At Law Trucks, we understand the importance of finding the right truck for your needs. Our extensive range of used trucks includes both dropsides and flatbeds from trusted manufacturers including Scania, Iveco and DAF, ensuring you have access to high-quality vehicles that meet your specific requirements. Explore our selection today and find the perfect truck for your business. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Contact us or browse our inventory to discover the ideal used truck for your operations.