In today’s article I want to talk about lorries – those indispensable helpers that literally spin the wheels of the economy. Let’s understand what is happening on the market, what role these machines play in our lives and what you should pay attention to when choosing.
Let’s start with the numbers. In 2024, the global truck market showed impressive growth, with sales totalling 3.5 million units, a 12% increase on the previous year. This shows that demand for trucks is only growing, and they remain a crucial link in logistics and freight transport.
But the world doesn’t stand still, and lorries are changing too. One of the main trends in recent years has been electrification. Sales of electric trucks have grown by 85% in a year, and that’s just the beginning. And more and more often we hear about testing of unmanned technologies. For example, autonomous trucks are already being tested on the M-11 motorway, which could revolutionise trucking in the future.
In this article I will tell you how lorries are classified, what technical characteristics you should pay attention to and give some tips on the choice.
Definition of a lorry
According to ISO standards, a truck is a vehicle designed for the transportation of goods, with a technically permissible maximum mass of more than 3.5 tonnes. This is not just a machine, but a complex mechanism that is designed to perform heavy tasks. The main design features of the trucks include a reinforced frame, capable of withstanding loads of up to 90 tonnes in bending, which ensures durability and reliability even in the harshest operating conditions.
Another important detail is the special transmission, which transmits torque up to 3500 Nm. This allows the trucks to cope with heavy loads and difficult road surfaces. The truck tyres, designed for loads of up to 5 tonnes per wheel, are no less important. They provide stability and safety during transport.
The general characteristics of trucks vary widely: the maximum weight can range from 3.5 to 44 tonnes, length up to 20 metres (e.g. for road trains) and height up to 4 metres. These parameters make trucks universal tools for a wide range of tasks in logistics, construction and other industries.
History of trucks development
The history of trucks began in 1896, when German engineer Gottlieb Daimler presented the world’s first truck. His creation could carry up to 1.5 tonnes of cargo, which was a real breakthrough for that time. Since then, lorries have come a long way in their evolution from simple mechanisms to high-tech machines.
In the 1920s, a landmark event took place – the introduction of diesel engines. They became more economical and powerful, which significantly increased the efficiency of trucking. The 1950s saw the introduction of air suspension, which made the ride more comfortable and also allowed the body height to be adjusted for easy loading and unloading. And in the 1990s, the era of electronic control systems began, which improved the safety and accuracy of truck driving.
The domestic car industry also made a significant contribution to the development of truck transport. In 1947, the YAZ-200, the first Soviet truck with a diesel engine, was produced. It became a symbol of post-war reconstruction of the country. And in 1976 the production of the legendary KAMAZ-5320 began, which still remains one of the most mass-produced trucks in history – more than 2 million units were produced.
Today, trucks are not just transport, but high-tech complexes that continue to evolve. From the first models to modern road trains capable of carrying dozens of tonnes of cargo – the history of trucks is the history of progress that drives the economy forward. Additionally, for those who appreciate the thrill of gambling, it’s worth checking out Stay Casino, a legally compliant online casino known for its quick payouts. Here, you can take advantage of a unique offer – Stay casino 20 free spins no deposit. This is a great way to enjoy gaming in a secure and responsible environment.
Classification of trucks
Trucks are a large category of vehicles that differ from each other in various parameters. To better understand their features, let’s understand the main types of classification.
By payload
This is one of the key parameters that determines how much cargo the vehicle can carry. Trucks are divided into three main categories:
- Light (up to 3.5 tonnes). For example, small vans for delivering goods.
- Medium (3.5 to 12 tonnes). Used for urban and regional transport.
- Heavy (over 12 tonnes). These are mainline tractors, dump trucks and other vehicles for transporting large batches of goods.
By number of axles
The number of axles directly affects the payload and stability of the vehicle. The main types are:
- Two-axle (4×2). The most common configuration, suitable for most roads. Load per axle – up to 10 tonnes.
- Tri-axle (6×2, 6×4). Used for transporting heavier loads. Turning radius – from 8 to 12 metres.
- Four-axle (8×4). Designed for particularly heavy loads, often used in construction.
There are also special configurations: multi-axle road trains (up to 9 axles) and modular vehicles, which allow transport of super-heavy and oversized cargoes.
Body type
The body type determines what kind of cargo can be transported. The main varieties are:
- Flatbed. Body length up to 13.6 metres, suitable for transporting construction materials, containers.
- Vans. Volume up to 120 cubic metres, used for the delivery of goods, including perishables.
- Dump trucks. Body lifting angle of 45-50°, ideal for bulk goods.
- Tanker trucks. Volume up to 40 cubic metres, designed for liquids, including fuel and chemicals.
- Refrigerators. Maintain a temperature range from -25°C to +12°C and are used for transporting foodstuffs.
There are also specialised superstructures such as tow trucks, rubbish trucks and concrete mixers (drum volume 7-12 cubic metres).
By engine type
The type of engine affects the power, economy and environmental friendliness of the truck. The main types are:
- Diesel. Power 150-750 hp, torque 1200-3500 Nm, fuel consumption 25-45 litres/100 km. The most common due to reliability and high efficiency.
- Gas (CNG, LNG). More environmentally friendly, but less powerful than diesel.
- Hybrid. Combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which reduces fuel consumption.
- Electric. Environmentally friendly, but still limited in mileage range.
Modern engines meet environmental standards such as Euro-6, which limits NOx emissions to 0.4 g/kW⋅h.
By wheel formula
The wheel formula determines the type of drive and off-road capability of the vehicle. The main variants are:
- 4×2. Standard configuration for paved roads.
- 4×4. Increased cross-country ability, suitable for off-road.
- 6×4, 6×6. Used for heavy loads and difficult road conditions.
- 8×4, 8×8. Designed for extra heavy loads and construction equipment.
Each configuration has its own features. For example, all-wheel drive versions (6×6, 8×8) provide maximum cross-country ability, but increase fuel consumption.
Technical characteristics
Modern trucks are designed taking into account a variety of parameters: from payload and engine power to fuel efficiency and dimensions. Let’s take a look at the key characteristics that determine the capabilities of trucks in different areas of operation.
Payload
The payload capacity of modern trucks ranges from 1.5 to 44 tonnes. However, there are also specialised versions – heavy trucks, capable of carrying oversized and extra-heavy loads weighing up to 100 tonnes and more.
Several factors affect the payload:
- Frame design. Reinforced spars and additional cross members increase the rigidity of the structure and allow it to withstand heavy loads.
- Suspension. Pneumatic suspension improves transport comfort, while spring suspension provides reliability under heavy loads.
- Number of axles. The more axles, the higher the payload capacity. Four-axle models usually have a maximum permissible weight of up to 44 tonnes, and trucks with five or more axles are used for special transport.
Heavy-duty vehicles and specialised equipment, such as quarry dump trucks, can go well beyond the standard figures. For example, quarry giants like BelAZ-75710 can carry up to 450 tonnes of cargo.
Engine power
Modern trucks are equipped with diesel engines with a working volume from 4.5 to 16.1 litres and power from 150 to 750 hp.
Torque is an equally important parameter for a truck, as it determines the ability of the vehicle to start from a place under load and confidently overcome climbs. Torque values of modern models range from 500 to 3500 Nm.
The following technologies are used to improve engine efficiency:
- Turbocharging – increases power by supplying more air to the cylinders.
- Intercooler – cools the air after turbocharging, increasing engine efficiency.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems – reduce emissions, increasing environmental friendliness.
These technologies allow trucks to combine high power with reasonable fuel consumption.
Fuel efficiency
The fuel consumption of trucks depends on their type and operating conditions:
- Long-haul tractors consume an average of 25-35 litres/100 km.
- Trucks for distribution delivery – 15-25 l/100 km.
The following solutions are used to reduce fuel consumption:
- Aerodynamic packages. Special fairings on the cab and chassis reduce air resistance, reducing consumption by 7-10%.
- Telematics systems. Allows you to analyse your driving style and optimise routes, resulting in fuel savings of up to 15%.
In addition to traditional diesel fuel, trucks are increasingly switching to alternative energy sources:
- NGVs (CNG, CNG) reduce CO₂ emissions and cut fuel costs by up to 30 per cent.
- Electric trucks are still limited in range, but are already being used extensively in urban areas.
Dimensions and dimensions
Dimensions of trucks depend on their type and purpose:
- The length of a single truck – up to 12 m.
- Auto-train (with a trailer) – up to 20 m.
- Width – 2.55 m (standard for Europe).
- Height – up to 4 m.
Wheelbase – distance between front and rear axles – varies from 3.6 to 6.7 m, which affects manoeuvrability. Turning radius ranges from 8 to 14 metres.
There are also special versions of trucks:
- Low frame tractors are designed for the transport of oversized cargo and have a fifth wheel height of 850-1150 mm.
- Compound chassis – used for transporting construction equipment and modular structures.
