Types of Trucks in India: A Comprehensive Overview

India’s bustling roads are home to a diverse fleet of trucks, each with its unique dimensions and capabilities. Whether you’re a logistics professional, a driver, or simply curious about the world of trucking, understanding the various truck sizes in India is essential. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of Indian trucks, their dimensions, weight limits, and the types of goods they transport.

Trucks vs. Lorries: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into the dimensions, let’s clarify the difference between trucks and lorries. In India, these terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of freight vehicles:

Trucks

These vehicles have three or more wheels and are primarily used for transporting cargo. They are commonly seen in metro cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Despite having fewer axles than lorries, trucks in India are efficient for short-distance transportation. 

In India, trucks typically come in different sizes, but a common range for their dimensions is approximately 13 to 14 feet long, 10 to 11 feet high, and 6 to 7 feet wide. However, it's worth noting that these measurements might slightly differ depending on the specific type of truck.

Lorries

Lorries, on the other hand, are typically larger than trucks. They have more axles, making them suitable for long-distance hauls. Their flatbeds can accommodate substantial cargo. In India, lorries can reach up to 13 meters in length, while trucks are usually around 12 meters long. 

The width of a lorry directly impacts its capacity, dictating how much cargo it can carry and how effectively it can navigate through India's diverse terrains and bustling cityscapes. When we talk about lorry width in India, we're looking at a range typically spanning from 2.2 to 2.6 meters.

Also Read: Highway Hero Scheme: Enhancing Comfort and Safety for Truck Drivers

Dimensions of Indian Trucks

In India, truck dimensions are regulated based on road conditions. Trucks are restricted to a width of 3.6 meters on all roads. The length varies from 5 to 12 meters, with longer trucks permitted only on major highways with wide shoulders and sturdy surfaces.

Trucks come in different sizes and designs depending on the type of goods they carry and the terrain they navigate. Pickup trucks are smaller and transport lightweight items, while semi-trailer trucks can carry heavy loads over long distances. 

Some trucks even have separate cargo compartments within the cab. Let’s explore their dimensions:

Standard Truck

• Length: Approximately 5.91 meters
• Width: About 2.8 meters
• Height: Around 3.66 meters
• Weight Capacity: 8,000 to 13,000 kilograms (18,400 to 26,700 pounds)

Common Truck Size

• Length: 13–14 feet
• Height: 10–11 feet
• Width: 6–7 feet
• Weight Limit: Typically 20 tons (may vary based on the truck type)

Road Conditions and Limitations

Indian trucks face restrictions based on their size:

• Height: Governed by legislation
• Width: Uniformly limited to 3.6 meters (narrower than many other countries)
• Length: Ranges from 5 meters to 12 meters
  12-meter trucks are allowed only on major highways with broad shoulders and hard surfaces.
   

Types of Trucks in India

Trucks are available in a wide range of configurations, each designed to meet specific requirements. Their widths are the most important criterion when deciding which tasks they are best suited for. The Indian economy relies heavily on trucks for transportation. To make the most of these trucks, it's important to understand the different types and how they're used. In India, there are various vehicles for transportation needs. 

Light commercial vehicles include mini trucks, tiny trucks, cargo three-wheelers, and light-duty trucks. On the other hand, heavy commercial vehicles include tractor-trailers, semi-trailers, trailers, and low-loaders. Special purpose vehicles are also crucial, such as those used in construction, for transporting loose materials, cement mixers, and dumper trucks for rubbish removal.

Light commercial vehicles

Light commercial vehicles play a significant role in logistics. This is especially true in cities with limited space and narrow streets. LCVs include both compact and pickup trucks. Their specific use is to transport relatively lighter weights. Many online shops, small businesses, and regional wholesalers rely on these vehicles to make last-mile deliveries.

In India, the standard lorry width for LCVs is between 1.5 and 1.9 metres. Because of this, they are great for navigating congested and curving city streets. The reduced profile allows for more movement. It also helps with faster delivery times, which is especially useful in congested areas. 

Because of their small size, LCVs are the preferred choice for businesses looking to deliver things within cities swiftly and efficiently. Tata Ace gold, Mahindra Bolero Pick-up ExtraLong, Tata Intra V 50 and Ashok Leyland Dost are examples of light commercial vehicles.

Medium Commercial Vehicles

Medium Commercial Vehicles are mid-sized trucks. Their size and cargo capacity are perfectly proportioned. This class of vehicles can perform almost anything. They can meet a wide range of transportation needs in many industries. Multi-purpose vehicles serve a wide range of products and transportation requirements in both intra and intercity operations.

MCV vehicle widths typically range from 2.2 to 2.4 metres. For logistical operations, it provides an excellent medium ground. Truck drivers can readily navigate small city highways because they are moderately wide. Furthermore, the size gives adequate cargo space for long hauls between cities. As a result, MCVs have become the ideal choice for businesses seeking a flexible transportation solution. MCVs include Tata 1012 LPT, Mahindra Furio 7 Cargo, and Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1015 HE.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles

In terms of transportation, heavy commercial trucks reign supreme. HCVs are huge trucks that can carry loads weighing 16 to 49 tons or more. These are intended for long-distance logistics and heavy-duty applications. Vehicles such as container trucks and large trailers fit into this category due to their power and capacity to move massive things across great distances. HCVs play an important role in the construction, industrial, and large-scale distribution supply chains.

In India, the average HCV truck width is between 2.5 and 2.6 metres. This characteristic allows these trucks to transport large freight more efficiently while navigating difficult terrains and roadways. HCVs are essential for large-scale transportation companies to operate. With their support, one can transport large amounts of products safely and efficiently. 

Heavy freight vehicles are an important aspect of the country's logistics network since they can deliver large loads over great distances. In India, they are extensively utilized for heavy cargo transportation and can be observed on highways for intercity and interstate travel. HCVs include Eicher Pro 6019T, BharatBenz 2823 C, and Tata LPT 4233.

Choosing the Right Lorry Width for Specific Needs

Tailoring the width of the lorry to specific needs is an important part of guaranteeing efficient and safe delivery. Lorries' width is critical in determining their suitability for various jobs. Both logistics specialists and shippers must understand these intricacies.

Urban Logistics

Transportation in cities involves unique challenges. Due to space limits and traffic, firms in India must be selective about the width of their trucks. Trucks with smaller widths are required in urban environments due to the need for agility. The best solutions for city logistics are LCVs and MCVs with widths ranging from 2.2 to 2.5 metres. Even in congested areas, these vehicles can manoeuvre easily. They can improve delivery efficiency while lowering congestion on local routes.

Inter-City Transportation

Transporting goods over longer distances requires a different approach. Transporting people and commodities between cities necessitates the use of large, heavy-duty trucks. This is where heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) with widths ranging from 2.5 to 2.6 metres come into play. These larger trucks have an advantage in terms of cargo capacity. This makes them suited for the challenges of transporting items over long distances. Because of their strong construction and versatility, HCVs are the way to go when it comes to intercity logistics.

Specialised Cargo

Specific sectors handle shipments with unusual dimensions. This category encompasses excessively large construction materials and machinery. Customized solutions are required for each cargo. To meet legal requirements, wider vehicles may be required, as well as the necessary approvals. The flexibility to modify the vehicle width to fit the load's individual requirements ensures the safe transportation of specialty commodities. It improves the overall efficiency of the logistical operation.

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CMV360 Says

Understanding truck sizes in India is crucial for efficient logistics and safe road travel. Whether you’re a driver or a fleet manager, knowing these dimensions helps navigate India’s diverse roadways effectively.