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Mega vs standard curtainsider trailers, and other body types
The internal height and volume difference between mega and standard curtainsiders, which cargo suits which, and a short look at reefer, box and flatbed types.
· 4 мин четене
Writing "curtainsider" in a listing is often not enough. There are two common kinds, and the difference shows in the volume you can load. The figures below are approximate; they vary by manufacturer and vehicle, so check the vehicle documents for exact values.
Standard curtainsider
A standard curtainsider has an internal length of about 13.6 m, an internal width of about 2.45 m and an internal height of about 2.7 m. Volume is roughly 90 m³. Payload is around 24 tonnes, depending on the axle layout and the vehicle's own weight. It can be loaded from the side curtains or the rear doors, and the roof can be lifted.
Mega trailer
A mega trailer has the same length and width but a taller interior. Internal height is around 3 m, bringing volume to roughly 100 m³. The extra height comes from a lowered floor. Because the roof is higher, the vehicle's overall height rises too, so on some routes you need to check for low bridges, tunnels or special restrictions.
Which cargo suits which?
- Light, bulky goods (packaging, textiles, plastics, furniture): a mega trailer is an advantage; the same pallet count fits with room to spare, or can be stacked.
- Heavy, dense goods (metal, machine parts, food): volume is not the issue; the weight limit decides, so a standard trailer is enough.
- Pallets taller than 2.7 m: a mega is needed.
- General cargo with no tall items: a standard is more flexible and usually more widely available.
State both the height and the vehicle type in the listing so the carrier sends the right truck. Sending tall cargo to the wrong vehicle creates surprises at loading.
Other body types
- Reefer (refrigerated): insulated, temperature controlled body, used for food, pharmaceuticals and sensitive goods. See the article on reefer transport.
- Box body: a rigid-walled closed body. No side loading, and better protected against rain and theft.
- Flatbed and open body: open floor with no sides or roof. Used for machinery, steel, long and wide loads; load securing matters most here (load securing article).
- Tipper, tanker, container chassis: special trailers for bulk, liquids and containers.
Say it in the listing
State the vehicle type (curtainsider, mega, reefer, box, flatbed), the cargo height and the loading direction. On the Order And Load load board you can filter by vehicle type and body type, so your listing reaches the right trucks. For terms, see the Freight Glossary.