Different Types Of Trucks To Explore Diverse Trucking Landscape In India

In the growing Indian transportation network, commercial vehicles act as a powerful workhorse to drive the economy. Considering the diverse trucking industry, different types of trucks are available. Read on

In the evolving trucking industry, commercial vehicles play pivotal roles in the intricate web of logistics and supply chain management. Commercial vehicles from light-duty trucks to heavy-duty trucks are essential to the livelihoods of millions of individuals, ranging from mechanics and truck drivers to fleet operators and logistics professionals. 

The rising trucking industry contributes to the employment generation in India. It boosts socioeconomic development comprehensively by offering opportunities to both skilled and unskilled individuals. To address the different needs of the transportation sector, a variety of trucks form the backbone of cargo movement across the country. 

Moreover, you may have witnessed different types of trucks on Indian roads. Generally, these trucks engaged in cargo transportation are classified in terms of gross vehicle weight (GVW) which specifies their load-carrying capacity. Want to know more about them? Let’s explore the diverse range of trucks to understand their importance for a robust transportation network.  

Related Link: Explore The Best Commercial Vehicles For Small Businesses

1. Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs)

The compact vehicles you may have witnessed plying on the roads carrying fruits, vegetables, water bottles, milk containers, and beverages, among others, might have made you wonder what type of truck it could be. Such cargo vehicles are small commercial vehicles which are compact in size with a gross vehicle weight of approximately 1-2 tonnes.   

The SCVs mainly include cargo three-wheelers, mini trucks, and pickup trucks for ensuring city-based cargo mobility. Commercial vehicles like Tata Ace Gold, Mahindra Jeeto, and Tata Intra V20 Bi-Fuel fall under the SCV segment. Nowadays, electric vehicles made for efficient last-mile delivery come in SCVs like Piaggio Ape E Xtra FX and OSM Rage Plus. 

2. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

Similar to small commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles are compact in size and are designed to transport lightweight cargo material. However, the GVW range of the LCV segment varies from 2-7.5 tonnes approximately to offer relatively more payload capacity than provided by SCVs. 

With better agility and manoeuvrability, LCVs play an important role in navigating narrow streets and congested city lanes. Businesses like couriers, parcel delivery, e-commerce, packers, and movers work with LCVs for efficient last-mile logistics. The LCVs segment involves commercial vehicles like Tata Yodha 2.0, Eicher Pro 2049, Mahindra JAYO, and Ashok Leyland BADA DOST. 

3. Intermediate Commercial Vehicles (ICVs)

The Intermediate commercial vehicles are built to serve as versatile transportation solutions. Thanks to their versatility, the vehicles can adapt to various haulage applications like refrigerated transport, cargo containers, and fire trucks. This ICV segment comprises cargo trucks like Ashok Leyland Partner 6 Tyre, Tata 712 LPT, and tippers like BharatBenz 1217C and Tata 1212 LPK. 

Being larger than the LCVs, the GVW range of ICV segment vehicles is around 7.5-16 tonnes. ICVs are also more powerful than LCVs and more manoeuvrable than heavy-duty trucks. The vehicles can be used for long-haul transportation businesses. 

4. Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs)

Mid-sized trucks that can haul moderate loads such as electronic goods and LPG cylinders, commonly seen on the highways are called medium commercial vehicles. They are equipped with more powerful and high torque generation engines than that of ICVs. 

With an approximate GVW range of 16-28 tonnes, the MCV segment maintains more payload capacity than the ICV segment. This segment consists of medium-duty trucks, tippers, and trailers like Mahindra Blazo X 28, Eicher Pro 6028, and Ashok Leyland 2820-6x4.  

5. Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

Heavy-duty trucks are designed to carry bulky cargo materials smoothly for long lead applications. They fall in the gross vehicle weight category, ranging from approximately 28-tonne to 55-tonne. They can distribute heavy cargo loads like industrial machinery, metallic pipes, and construction materials. 

With the robust body design and high-strength steel chassis frame, the HCVs are built to withstand the rigours of long-haul journeys, offering reliability. HCVs generally offer high-ground clearance with a heavy-duty suspension system to ensure off-road haulage capabilities. 

This commercial vehicle segment includes heavy-duty rigid tippers such as Tata Signa 4825.TK, Ashok Leyland 4825-10x2 DTLA, and Mahindra Blazo X 35 8x4 Tipper and tractor-trailer like Eicher Pro 6055. 

Bottomline

Like the diverse geography in India, the trucking landscape is also quite diverse in addressing the different kinds of transportation requirements of businesses. From bustling urban and semi-urban centres to remote rural regions for which there are trucks of all sizes, the commercial vehicle space is instrumental in helping businesses deliver essential goods and foster economic growth. 

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