Size of each piece
Include packaging, protrusions and pallet overhang. Share a drawing for irregular shapes.
Truck & trailer guide
Choose around the cargo.
A practical guide to truck and trailer selection, loading access and the information to confirm before booking.
01 / Equipment options
Start with the handling needs.
| Equipment | Typical consideration | Confirm before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed box | Covered transport for packaged goods. | Internal space, rear-door opening, loading height and handling equipment. |
| Curtainsider | Side access where the loading method requires it. | Loading access and the specific securing plan; do not assume curtains restrain cargo. |
| Flatbed or platform | Cargo needing open access for lifting or loading. | Weather protection, lifting points, restraints and route suitability. |
| Refrigerated vehicle | Cargo with a defined temperature-control requirement. | Written operating instructions, equipment capability and monitoring arrangements. |
| Low-bed or specialist trailer | Machinery or cargo needing a specialised loading profile. | Full drawings, centre of gravity, loading method and route assessment. |
| Container chassis | A compatible shipping container moving by road. | Container type and mass, securing interface and site arrangements. |
These are equipment categories, not a statement of local fleet availability. The carrier confirms the actual unit, configuration and suitability.
Reference: Schmitz Cargobull — manufacturer equipment examples.
02 / Cargo details
Measure the packed shipment.
Send dimensions and weight with their units. A nominal trailer size alone does not tell us whether your shipment will fit.
Weight & distribution
Give individual weights and the total. Flag concentrated loads or an off-centre load.
Stacking & orientation
State whether cargo can be stacked or rotated and any restrictions from its manufacturer.
Loading access
Explain whether loading is from the rear, side or above, and what equipment is available.
A volume estimate does not confirm physical fit or legal payload. Use the calculators for planning, then have the carrier check the actual equipment and route.
03 / Loading plan
Confirm the whole operation.
Check both sites
Share entrance restrictions, loading-bay details, ground conditions and receiving hours. Identify who supplies any forklift, crane or loading team.
Agree equipment and restraints
Ask the transport team to confirm the loading and securing arrangement for the actual cargo and vehicle. Packaging must suit the handling and journey.
Check capacity against the route
Have the carrier review vehicle and axle limits, load distribution, dimensions and any route-specific permissions. There is no universal payload for every truck.
Confirm the handover
Agree contacts, cargo condition records and unloading responsibility before dispatch. Recheck the plan if the cargo or vehicle changes.
Reference: IMO/ILO/UNECE — CTU Code.
04 / Common questions
Before you request equipment.
Can you choose a truck from CBM alone?
No. Volume is one input. Packed dimensions, individual piece weight, load distribution, access and stacking restrictions also affect the choice.
Does every trailer of the same type have the same capacity?
No. Specifications vary by unit and configuration. Road and axle restrictions may also limit the usable load on a particular route.
What should I send for machinery?
Provide dimensions, weight, photos or drawings, lifting points and centre-of-gravity information where available. Describe how it will be loaded and unloaded.
What if the shipment needs cooling?
Share the product owner’s written handling instructions before booking. Use our reefer cargo guide to organise the operating and handover details.