25 Popular Types of Trucks Around the World
Trucks are the workhorses of our roads, moving goods and keeping our world running. But did you know there’s a wide variety of trucks out there, each designed for specific tasks?
From nimble delivery vans to massive mining trucks, the world of trucks is diverse and interesting.
I’m here to take you on a tour of the most popular truck types worldwide. In this post, I’ll show you 25 different trucks that play crucial roles in various industries.
You’ll learn about their unique features, uses, and why they’re important.
Get ready to expand your knowledge of these powerful machines!
List of Truck Varieties You Should Know
1. Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are known for their compact design, open cargo bed, and versatility. They are often used for both personal and light commercial purposes.
They offer a balance between passenger comfort and cargo-carrying capability.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $70,000 |
| Available Brands | Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Australia |
| Ideal For | Light cargo, off-road driving |
| How to Maintain | Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping the cargo bed clean from debris. |
Fun Facts:
- Pickup trucks are one of the best-selling vehicle types in the U.S.
- Many pickups come equipped with powerful engines, often V6 or V8.
2. Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are heavy-duty vehicles that transport loose materials like sand, gravel, or demolition waste.
They have a hydraulic system to lift the bed and unload the cargo.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Available Brands | Caterpillar, Volvo, Mack |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in construction-heavy areas |
| Ideal For | Transporting construction material, waste removal |
| How to Maintain | Ensure hydraulic systems are functioning and tires are regularly checked for wear. |
Fun Facts:
- The largest dump trucks can carry over 400 tons of material.
- Dump trucks have been in use since the early 1900s.
3. Semi-trucks (18-Wheelers)
Semi-trucks, commonly known as 18-wheelers, are designed for long-distance freight transport.
These powerful vehicles haul large trailers and are a staple of the logistics industry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Available Brands | Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Europe |
| Ideal For | Long-distance freight transport |
| How to Maintain | Regular engine checks, brake inspections, and keeping the trailer secure. |
Fun Facts:
- An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 40 tons when fully loaded.
- Semi-trucks can travel up to 1 million miles over their lifetime with proper maintenance.
4. Box Trucks
Box trucks feature an enclosed cargo area, making them ideal for transporting goods that must be protected from the elements.
They are widely used in delivery services and moving companies.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Available Brands | Isuzu, Ford, GMC |
| Popular in Which Region | Urban areas globally |
| Ideal For | Deliveries, small business logistics |
| How to Maintain | Regular engine and tire checks ensure cargo space is clean and free from damage. |
Fun Facts:
- Food service companies often use box trucks to deliver products.
- Many box trucks can be driven with a standard driver’s license.
5. Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks feature an open platform without sides or a roof, making them ideal for transporting large or oddly shaped cargo.
These trucks are common in the construction and manufacturing industries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Available Brands | Ford, Ram, International |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Europe |
| Ideal For | Transporting oversized equipment and materials |
| How to Maintain | Ensure the bed is kept clean and secured properly when transporting cargo. |
Fun Facts:
- Flatbed trucks are often used to transport construction materials like steel beams.
- They are highly versatile and can handle a wide variety of loads.
6. Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are equipped with mechanisms to lift and transport disabled vehicles.
They come in different types, including hook-and-chain, flatbed, and wheel-lift trucks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Available Brands | Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge |
| Popular in Which Region | Global |
| Ideal For | Vehicle recovery and transportation |
| How to Maintain | Ensure towing equipment is properly lubricated and maintained and engine checks are regular. |
Fun Facts:
- Tow trucks originated in the early 1900s, inspired by the need to recover wrecked vehicles.
- Some tow trucks are capable of hauling vehicles as large as buses.
7. Monster Trucks
Monster trucks are massive vehicles designed for off-road and performance shows.
They are equipped with oversized tires and high-powered engines and are often seen in stunt and demolition events.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Available Brands | Custom-built by various builders |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, especially in the U.S. |
| Ideal For | Entertainment and stunt shows |
| How to Maintain | Regular engine maintenance, tire checks, and suspension system inspection. |
Fun Facts:
- Monster trucks can jump over 30 feet in the air during shows.
- The tires alone can weigh up to 900 pounds each.
8. Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks are specialized vehicles designed to transport liquids and gases, including fuel, water, and chemicals.
They feature cylindrical tanks and advanced safety systems to handle hazardous materials.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $80,000 – $250,000 |
| Available Brands | Freightliner, Volvo, Peterbilt |
| Popular in Which Region | Global |
| Ideal For | Transporting liquids and hazardous materials |
| How to Maintain | Ensure tanks are regularly cleaned and inspected and safety systems are functioning. |
Fun Facts:
- Tanker trucks can carry up to 11,600 gallons of fuel.
- They are often equipped with multiple compartments to transport different types of liquids.
9. Fire Trucks
Fire trucks are designed specifically for emergency fire response.
They are equipped with water hoses, pumps, ladders, and other essential firefighting tools to assist fire departments in controlling and extinguishing fires.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $250,000 – $1 million |
| Available Brands | Pierce, Rosenbauer, E-ONE |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in urban areas |
| Ideal For | Firefighting and emergency rescue operations |
| How to Maintain | Regular checks of water pumps, ladders, and electrical systems. |
Fun Facts:
- The largest fire trucks can carry over 3,000 gallons of water.
- Some fire trucks are equipped with foam systems to handle chemical fires.
10. Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks, also known as refuse trucks, are designed for waste collection.
They feature compactors to crush and reduce the volume of waste, making them a vital part of city sanitation systems.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Available Brands | Mack, Peterbilt, Volvo |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in urban areas |
| Ideal For | Waste collection and disposal |
| How to Maintain | Regular maintenance of hydraulic compactors and waste collection mechanisms. |
Fun Facts:
- Garbage trucks can compact up to 1,000 cubic feet of trash in a single load.
- The first modern garbage truck was invented in the 1930s with a built-in compactor.
11. Concrete Mixer Trucks
Concrete mixer trucks are equipped with rotating drums that keep concrete in motion, preventing it from hardening during transport.
These trucks are essential in delivering ready-mix concrete to construction sites.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Available Brands | Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, particularly in construction-heavy regions |
| Ideal For | Transporting and mixing concrete |
| How to Maintain | Regular cleaning of the drum and ensuring the hydraulic system is functioning properly. |
Fun Facts:
- Concrete mixer trucks can carry up to 10 cubic yards of concrete.
- The rotating drum prevents the concrete from setting until it’s ready to be poured.
12. Logging Trucks
Logging trucks are specialized vehicles designed to transport large logs from forests to mills.
They feature open beds with side stakes to secure the logs during transport.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Available Brands | Kenworth, Western Star, Peterbilt |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, South America, and parts of Europe |
| Ideal For | Transporting logs from logging sites |
| How to Maintain | Regular checks of the securing mechanisms and brakes, as logs can be extremely heavy. |
Fun Facts:
- Some logging trucks can carry logs up to 80 feet long.
- Logging trucks are built to handle rough terrain, often used in remote forest areas.
13. Military Trucks
Military trucks are rugged and designed for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies in harsh and demanding conditions.
They are built to withstand extreme climates and rough terrains.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Available Brands | Oshkosh, AM General, Mercedes-Benz |
| Popular in Which Region | Worldwide, particularly in military operations |
| Ideal For | Transporting military personnel and equipment |
| How to Maintain | Regular engine and suspension checks, and ensuring all-terrain capabilities are intact. |
Fun Facts:
- Military trucks are often equipped with bulletproof armor and can travel through almost any terrain.
- Many modern military trucks are designed to be amphibious, allowing them to traverse both land and water.
14. Refrigerated Trucks
Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are designed to transport perishable goods at controlled temperatures.
These trucks are equipped with built-in refrigeration units to keep goods fresh.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| Available Brands | Volvo, Freightliner, Hino |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries |
| Ideal For | Transporting perishable food and pharmaceuticals |
| How to Maintain | Regular maintenance of refrigeration units and temperature control systems. |
Fun Facts:
- Some refrigerated trucks can maintain temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).
- Refrigerated trucks are vital in ensuring that food safety regulations are met during transport.
15. Livestock Trucks
Livestock trucks are designed to safely transport animals, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep, over long distances.
They feature ventilated compartments to ensure animal welfare during transportation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Available Brands | Volvo, MAN, Scania |
| Popular in Which Region | Agricultural regions globally |
| Ideal For | Transporting livestock |
| How to Maintain | Ensure proper ventilation and sanitation for animal safety, and maintain brakes for long-distance travel. |
Fun Facts:
- Livestock trucks are equipped with non-slip flooring to prevent animals from slipping during transport.
- These trucks often have multiple decks to carry different types of animals.
16. Utility Trucks (Service Trucks)
Utility trucks are equipped with specialized tools and compartments for technicians, making them ideal for maintenance and repair tasks.
These trucks are commonly used by utility companies, including electricity, water, and telecommunications.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Available Brands | Ford, Ram, Chevrolet |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in urban areas |
| Ideal For | Utility maintenance and repair |
| How to Maintain | Regular maintenance of onboard tools and hydraulic lifts, if equipped. |
Fun Facts:
- Many utility trucks come with hydraulic lifts to assist in reaching overhead lines.
- Utility trucks are often used during natural disasters to restore power and other services.
17. Car Transporter Trucks
Car transporter trucks are designed to carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, featuring multi-level platforms to maximize capacity.
These trucks are crucial for moving vehicles from factories to dealerships in the automotive industry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $70,000 – $200,000 |
| Available Brands | Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz |
| Popular in Which Region | Global |
| Ideal For | Transporting cars |
| How to Maintain | Ensure proper maintenance of the loading ramps and securing mechanisms to prevent damage to vehicles. |
Fun Facts:
- Car transporter trucks can carry up to 12 vehicles at a time.
- Some models are equipped with hydraulic ramps for easier loading and unloading of vehicles.
18. Cement Pump Trucks
Cement pump trucks are designed with a pump that delivers concrete through a hose to hard-to-reach areas.
They are commonly used in construction to pour foundations, walls, and other structures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Available Brands | Putzmeister, Schwing, CIFA |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, especially in urban construction projects |
| Ideal For | Pumping concrete into construction sites |
| How to Maintain | Ensure pump and hose systems are clean and operational, with regular hydraulic system checks. |
Fun Facts:
- Some cement pump trucks can reach heights of over 60 meters with their boom.
- These trucks can pump several cubic meters of concrete per hour, depending on the model.
19. Heavy Haul Trucks
Heavy haul trucks are designed to transport oversized and heavy loads, such as industrial machinery, construction equipment, and even large structures.
These trucks are built for extreme durability and strength.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $200,000 – $600,000 |
| Available Brands | Kenworth, Volvo, Peterbilt |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Europe, Australia |
| Ideal For | Transporting heavy and oversized loads |
| How to Maintain | Regular checks of axles, suspension, and brakes due to the high weight of the loads they carry. |
Fun Facts:
- Some heavy haul trucks can carry loads weighing up to 1 million pounds.
- These trucks are often used in infrastructure projects like transporting wind turbine blades or large mining equipment.
20. Panel Trucks
Panel trucks are enclosed vehicles with no rear windows, designed primarily for transporting goods and tools for tradespeople.
These trucks are ideal for small businesses that need secure cargo space.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Available Brands | Chevrolet, Ford, GMC |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Europe |
| Ideal For | Transporting goods and tools for small businesses |
| How to Maintain | Ensure regular maintenance of the engine and keep the cargo area organized and free of debris. |
Fun Facts:
- Panel trucks were extremely popular in the mid-20th century as delivery vehicles.
- Many vintage panel trucks are now used for restoration projects and converted into food trucks.
21. Lorry Trucks
Lorries are large goods vehicles commonly used in Europe and Asia.
They come in rigid and articulated forms, making them ideal for transporting various goods over long distances.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Available Brands | Mercedes-Benz, Scania, MAN |
| Popular in Which Region | Europe, Asia |
| Ideal For | Long-distance goods transportation |
| How to Maintain | Regular engine checks and tire rotations are essential due to the high mileage they cover. |
Fun Facts:
- The term “lorry” is commonly used in the UK and other parts of Europe to describe large trucks.
- Lorry trucks often have sleeper cabs to allow drivers to rest during long journeys.
22. Snowplow Trucks
Snowplow trucks are equipped with large plows on the front to clear snow from roads and highways.
These trucks are essential in regions that experience heavy snowfall during winter.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Available Brands | International, Mack, Ford |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Northern Europe |
| Ideal For | Clearing snow from roads |
| How to Maintain | Regular maintenance of the plow blades and hydraulic systems to ensure proper snow removal. |
Fun Facts:
- Some snowplow trucks can clear snow at speeds of up to 40 mph.
- Snowplow trucks often use salt spreaders to help melt ice on roads while plowing.
23. Crane Trucks
Crane trucks are equipped with hydraulic cranes that can lift and move heavy objects. They are commonly used in construction, shipping yards, and infrastructure projects.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Available Brands | Terex, Manitowoc, Grove |
| Popular in Which Region | Global, particularly in construction-heavy regions |
| Ideal For | Lifting and moving heavy objects |
| How to Maintain | Regular checks of the crane’s hydraulic system and lifting cables to ensure safety and efficiency. |
Fun Facts:
- Some crane trucks can lift objects weighing up to 100 tons.
- Crane trucks are essential for building skyscrapers and other large structures.
24. Food Trucks
Food trucks are mobile kitchens that serve food on-the-go. They have gained massive popularity in urban areas, especially in North America and Europe, and offer a wide variety of cuisines.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $40,000 – $150,000 |
| Available Brands | Custom-built |
| Popular in Which Region | North America, Europe |
| Ideal For | Mobile food service |
| How to Maintain | Regular cleaning and maintenance of cooking equipment, and ensure the truck’s engine is in good condition. |
Fun Facts:
- Food trucks generate over $1 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. alone.
- Some food trucks have been known to become so popular that they turn into permanent restaurant locations.
25. Monster Utility Trucks
Monster utility trucks are off-road vehicles designed for extreme conditions, including agriculture, mining, and military applications.
They are equipped with large tires and high ground clearance, allowing them to traverse rough terrains.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Available Brands | Caterpillar, Bell, Terex |
| Popular in Which Region | Remote areas with tough terrain, such as mining sites |
| Ideal For | Off-road, heavy-duty tasks |
| How to Maintain | Regular tire checks, engine maintenance, and suspension system inspections are vital to handling tough environments. |
Fun Facts:
- Monster utility trucks can carry loads of up to 400 tons.
- These trucks are often used in extreme mining operations and can handle the roughest of terrains.
Conclusion
From compact delivery vans to massive mining trucks, we’ve explored a world of vehicles that keep our industries moving. Each truck type has its own special role, showing just how varied the trucking world can be.
Next time you’re on the road, try to spot these different trucks. You might be surprised by how many you can identify!
Trucks are more than just big vehicles – they’re the backbone of many industries. They help build our cities, deliver our goods, and even save lives.
What’s your favorite truck type from our list? Do you have any experience with these trucks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s keep the conversation rolling!
