Truck, Van & Container Types
Dimensions, payload limits, and when to use each type
Semi-Trailers (Tilt / Curtainside)
The workhorses of European road freight. A tractor unit pulls a semi-trailer connected via a fifth wheel coupling. The most common configuration is a 2-axle tractor + 3-axle trailer.
| Type | Internal L×W×H | Volume | EUR pallets | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Trailer | 13,600 × 2,480 × 2,700 mm | 90 m³ | 33 | 24,000 kg |
| Mega Trailer | 13,600 × 2,480 × 3,000 mm | 100 m³ | 33 | 24,000 kg |
| Short Trailer (City) | 7,700 × 2,480 × 2,700 mm | 51 m³ | 19 | 12,000 kg |
Standard Trailer — 13.6m
The default for FTL (Full Truck Load) shipments across Europe. Internal length of 13,600mm fits 33 EUR pallets or 26 FIN pallets. Maximum gross vehicle weight is 40 tonnes (some countries allow 44t). Available as tilt/curtainside (most common), box body, or flatbed.
- Loading: Rear doors (standard) and/or side curtains
- Door opening: ~2,440 × 2,680mm (rear)
- Floor height: ~1,350mm from ground (needs loading dock or forklift)
- Best for: FTL shipments, palletized cargo, general freight
Mega Trailer — 13.6m with 3.0m height
Same length and width as a standard trailer but 300mm taller internally (3,000mm vs 2,700mm). Achieves this by using smaller wheels, a lowered chassis, or both. The extra height is valuable for light, voluminous cargo.
- Extra volume: ~10 m³ more than standard (100 vs 90 m³)
- Same footprint: Still fits 33 EUR pallets
- Trade-off: Slightly lower payload due to lower chassis, some height restrictions on routes
- Best for: Light but bulky cargo (automotive parts, furniture, packaging)
Vans
For smaller shipments, express deliveries, and urban distribution. No loading dock required — most have a tail lift or can be loaded from ground level.
| Type | Internal L×W×H | Volume | EUR pallets | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Van (3.5t) | 4,200 × 2,000 × 2,100 mm | 17 m³ | 6-8 | 1,000–1,200 kg |
| Large Van (3.5t) | 4,700 × 2,100 × 2,200 mm | 22 m³ | 8-10 | 1,200–1,400 kg |
| 7.5t Truck | 6,000 × 2,400 × 2,400 mm | 35 m³ | 14-16 | 3,000–3,500 kg |
| 12t Truck | 7,200 × 2,450 × 2,500 mm | 44 m³ | 18 | 5,500–6,000 kg |
When to Use a Van vs a Truck
- 3.5t Van: No tachograph required (under EU rules), can be driven with a standard B license, no road tolls in most countries. Perfect for express and time-critical shipments up to 1.2 tonnes.
- 7.5t Truck: Requires C1 license and tachograph. Good middle ground between van and full trailer — fits half a trailer worth of pallets.
- 12t Truck: Requires C license. Often used for regional distribution, construction supplies, and moving. Can carry about 18 EUR pallets.
Shipping Containers
Standardized by ISO 668 and ISO 1496. Used for sea freight, rail, and intermodal transport. Can be loaded onto a container chassis trailer for road transport.
| Type | Internal L×W×H | Volume | EUR pallets | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard (20'DC) | 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm | 33.2 m³ | 10-11 | 28,200 kg |
| 40ft Standard (40'DC) | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm | 67.7 m³ | 23-24 | 26,680 kg |
| 40ft High Cube (40'HC) | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm | 76.3 m³ | 23-24 | 26,460 kg |
| 20ft Reefer (20'RF) | 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,235 mm | 27.9 m³ | 9 | 27,400 kg |
| 45ft High Cube (45'HC) | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm | 86.1 m³ | 26-27 | 27,600 kg |
Container vs Trailer — Key Differences
| 40ft Container | 13.6m Trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal width | 2,352 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Internal length | 12,032 mm | 13,600 mm |
| EUR pallets | 23-24 | 33 |
| Loading | Rear doors only | Rear + side curtains |
| Max payload | 26,680 kg | 24,000 kg |
Containers are narrower and shorter than trailers, which means EUR pallets don't fit as efficiently. The 2,352mm width only fits 2 EUR pallets across (2 × 1,200 = 2,400mm — tight) compared to 3 across in a trailer (3 × 800 = 2,400mm crosswise).
Specialized Vehicle Types
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Temperature-controlled trailers or containers for perishable goods (food, pharmaceuticals). The refrigeration unit reduces internal space by 200-400mm in length. Temperature range typically -25°C to +25°C.
Flatbed / Platform
No walls or roof. Used for oversized cargo, machinery, steel, timber. Can be loaded from top or sides with a crane. Not suitable for palletized goods in most cases.
Double-Deck Trailer
A trailer with an adjustable second floor, effectively doubling the floor area. Used for light, non-stackable cargo. Each deck typically has about 1,350mm of height. Popular in automotive parts logistics.
Swap Body (Wechselbrücke)
A demountable box that can be transferred between a truck chassis and a rail wagon. Common in German and Scandinavian intermodal transport. Standard sizes: C715 (7.15m), C745 (7.45m), C782 (7.82m).
Which Vehicle Do I Need?
| Cargo | Recommended vehicle |
|---|---|
| 1-8 EUR pallets, time-critical | 3.5t Van |
| 10-18 EUR pallets, regional | 7.5t or 12t Truck |
| 19-33 EUR pallets | Standard 13.6m Trailer |
| Light bulky cargo (furniture, packaging) | Mega Trailer (3.0m height) |
| Sea freight / intermodal | 40ft HC Container |
| Temperature-sensitive | Reefer trailer or container |
| Oversized / machinery | Flatbed |
Plan your load for any vehicle
Our 3D planner supports standard trailers, mega, short, vans, containers, and custom dimensions.