Match body type and payload to your industry — dropside for building sites, refrigerated for cold chain, box body for deliveries.
Construction sites demand durable trucks that can handle rough terrain, heavy loads and frequent loading. The right truck for construction depends on what you carry and where you deliver.
Construction trucks typically need higher payload capacity (5–12 tons) and durable bodies that withstand daily loading.
Delivery trucks need easy loading, weather protection and fuel efficiency. The right body type saves time on every route.
Delivery trucks typically operate in the 1–8 ton payload range with a focus on fuel economy and manoeuvrability in urban areas.
Refrigerated transport requires specialised equipment. The truck body and refrigeration unit must maintain consistent temperatures for food safety and compliance.
See our truck body types guide for more details on refrigerated bodies.
| Factor | Construction | Delivery & distribution | Cold storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common body types | Dropside, tipper, chassis cab | Box body, curtain side, refrigerated box | Refrigerated box body, insulated with a built-in fridge/freezer unit |
| Typical cargo | Bricks, sand, timber, building materials, rubble | Furniture, retail goods, parcels, palletised loads | Frozen, chilled and ambient food and perishables |
| Typical payload | 5–12 tons | 1–8 tons | Set by the delivery role the truck fills |
| Features to look for | Reinforced suspension, heavy-duty tyres, underbody protection; 4x4 where site access is poor | Tail lift where there is no loading dock; automatic transmission for urban routes | Fridge unit mounting type — rear-mount, under-mount or nose-mount |
| Main checks before buying | Body durability for daily loading; suspension and tyres suited to rough terrain | Fuel economy and manoeuvrability in urban areas; lockable, weatherproof body | Temperature range (−5°C vs −20°C), insulation panels, door seals, floor drainage, fridge service history |
Dropside trucks are the most popular choice for construction because the sides open for easy loading of bricks, sand, timber and building materials. Tippers suit loose materials needing tipping discharge, and a chassis cab lets you mount a custom body.
Construction work typically needs a higher payload capacity of 5 to 12 tons, along with durable bodies that withstand daily loading. Look for reinforced suspension, heavy-duty tyres and underbody protection for site work.
Box body trucks are the standard for furniture, retail goods and parcels because they are lockable and weatherproof. Curtain side suits palletised goods needing fast forklift loading, and refrigerated box bodies are essential for cold chain delivery.
Delivery and distribution trucks typically operate in the 1 to 8 ton payload range, with the emphasis on fuel economy and manoeuvrability in urban areas. Tail lifts help where no loading dock is available.
Verify the temperature range: some units only cool to -5°C while others reach -20°C for frozen goods. Check the fridge unit mounting type, inspect insulation panels, door seals and floor drainage, and ask for the compressor and refrigerant service history.
Licensing depends on the vehicle. Some trucks require a Code 10 or Code 14 licence, so confirm the requirement for the specific truck and payload before buying, alongside maintenance costs, parts availability and dealer support.
Tell us about your business and we will recommend the right truck body type and payload.