Differentiating one type of truck from another isn’t always easy when there are so many types of trucks available. Rigid trucks are one of the most broad categories of vehicles, with multiple types coming under its definition. So, if you’ve come here to find out ‘what is a rigid truck’ then you’ve come to the right place.
At Smith Bros, we have over 50 years of experience in the industry, having pride in helping customers and businesses find the perfect truck for their needs, whether you’re after a tractor, trailer or a rigid truck.
So, what is a rigid truck?
Coming in a range of weights, shapes and sizes, a rigid truck is simply a lorry with a fixed chassis. Sometimes referred to as a ‘straight truck’, rigids are built with the cab and rear loading area as one single vehicle. Rigids, therefore, move as one single structure, making them ideal for the narrow streets of inner city areas where deliveries mean constant loading and unloading.
The city streets are exactly where you’d be likely to see a rigid truck, too, with these vehicles being the optimal choice for waste disposal vans and general delivery lorries. Efficient and easily manoeuvrable, rigid trucks are ideal for general use but are rarely seen on the motorways carrying out long-haul journeys, with articulated lorries being preferable in this area.
What are the benefits of a rigid truck?
There are many different types of rigid trucks that can perform various specialist tasks, with each one bringing its unique benefits to the table.
All-rounded: The all-rounded simplicity of a rigid truck makes it a popular choice for small businesses across the country. Easy to load and offload deliveries, box trucks are one of the most favoured inner-city rigid trucks, being stable, safe and simple to drive. Perfectly versatile, box trucks can fulfil almost any task your business could throw at them.
Manoeuvrability: The compact manoeuvrability of rigid trucks makes them ideal for navigating the sharp corners and awkward roads of busy urban areas. Shorter and more stable than other alternatives, rigid trucks can easily tackle corners and can effortlessly be parked next to businesses on a busy high street to load and offload quickly.
Cost-effective: Thanks to their reduced size and complexity, rigid trucks are typically easier and cheaper to maintain and repair than articulated lorries. More stable and generally safer than their counterparts, choosing a rigid truck will also mean more affordable insurance, saving you and your business money.
What types of rigid trucks are there?
A rigid truck is an umbrella term that describes various types of vehicles, from fire engines to cement mixers. But, here are the most popular subcategories of rigid trucks.
Box trucks
A jack-of-all-trades vehicle, box trucks have a large, enclosed box behind the cab, making it large but also perfectly compact for short deliveries for small businesses. Used predominantly in catering, gardening and small-scale removal businesses, box trucks are versatile vehicles that can take on most logistical challenges.
Tipper trucks
Used primarily for construction, tipper trucks can tip the contents of their rear body. Also known as dump trucks, tipper trucks are essential for the world of construction and agriculture, helping to transport large amounts of loose materials. Large, heavy vehicles, tipper trucks can be tricky to operate and need specialist training to drive.
Tank trucks
Regularly seen on motorways, tank trucks are rigid trucks that are specially made and configured to transport liquid or gas. Normally seen carrying petroleum oil and industrial chemicals, tank trucks are essential for certain tasks, with alternative vehicles being inadequate.
Flatbed trucks
Ideal for transporting large, awkwardly-sized items such as aeroplane parts, flatbed trucks are long and flat with an open bed on which anything can be tied down. Versatile, durable vehicles that can fulfil most construction-related tasks, while there are plenty of positives regarding flatbed lorries, the fact that you have to plan the truck’s route thanks to their sheer size is a drawback.
Refrigerated trucks
As you might be able to guess, refrigerated trucks are exactly what the name suggests. Sometimes known as chiller lorries, these trucks transport perishable food items, chemicals and medicines at a constant, controlled temperature. Such makes them perfect for catering companies and pharmaceutical businesses.
What is the difference between a rigid truck and an articulated lorry?
The key difference between a rigid truck and an articulated lorry is the fact that articulated trucks have two distinct parts. While a rigid truck features a connected cab and trailer, an articulated lorry has a separate tractor and trailer. Far better for transporting large loads over long distances, articulated lorries are formed by tractor units connecting to loaded trailers.
The pivot joint between the cab and the trailer allows articulated lorries to handle sharp corners more efficiently than rigid trucks, yet their sheer size makes them largely unsuitable for urban use. Instead, they are used for cross-country and international travel with the detachable trailer being particularly useful for passing the load to another tractor unit so they can carry on the journey.
For the best rigid trucks for sale, contact Smith Bros
On the search for the best rigid trucks for sale in the UK? At Smith Bros, we can help you. With an expert knowledge of the truck industry, proven with over 50 years of experience under our belts, at Smith Bros, we can elevate your business. Whether you’re looking for a flatbed truck, a rigid, a crane truck or anything else in between, let us help you guide you through the buying process.
Guaranteeing competitive prices and the highest-quality vehicles, contact us now to optimise the operations of your business.
