Truck Types and Classification Methods

The main classification methods and types of trucks
I. Classification according to load tonnage
This is the most basic classification method, according to the total mass of the vehicle (self-weight + maximum allowable load) is divided into four categories:

Micro trucks (micro trucks): total mass <1.8 tons, vehicle length usually less than 3.5 meters, mostly used for urban distribution (such as vending trucks). 

Light trucks (light trucks): 1.8 tons < Gross mass ≤ 6 tons, vehicle length < 6 m, commonly used in logistics transportation and modified vehicles (e.g. refrigerated trucks, sanitation trucks). 

Medium truck (medium truck): 6 tons < Gross mass ≤ 14 tons, suitable for short and medium-distance transportation, some models are equipped with sleeper. 

Heavy trucks (heavy trucks): Gross mass > 14 tons, for long-distance freight transport or special operations (such as mining trucks), some models have up to 16 gears. 

Data Supplement: 2024 sales of young trucks reached 1,894,500 units, while the share of heavy trucks in 2019 was 27.37%. 

Second, classified by compartment structure
According to the characteristics of the cargo, the design of the cargo compartment varies significantly:

Flatbed/railboard: open design, suitable for general cargo transportation, flatbed semi-trailer up to 13 meters long. 

Compartment type: closed cargo box, used for express or cold chain (such as polyurethane double-layer foam box can maintain -18 ℃ to -12 ℃ up to 36 hours). 

Dump truck: hydraulic jacking system to realize 30°-50° tilt unloading, mining models need anti-spill design (e.g. XCMG XDR80T wide box body). 

Tank/Hangar type: used for liquid transportation (need to meet GB18564.1 sealing standard) and bulk cargo respectively. 

Classification according to driving form
Expressed as “total number of wheels × number of driving wheels”, for example:

4×2: two-axle single-drive, suitable for light load transportation;
6×4: three-axle double-drive, mainstream configuration for heavy-duty scenarios (e.g. Dongfeng Tianlong flagship version);
All-wheel drive (e.g. 6×6): used in special or military fields (e.g. Beiben heavy trucks with a wading depth of 110cm). 

Fourth, according to the cab structure classification
Flat head type: the engine is under the cab, domestic mainstream (such as China National Heavy Duty Truck HOWO).
Long head type: engine front, higher security but shorter cargo box (such as liberation CA10).
Offset: cab side shift design, mostly seen in engineering vehicles. 

V. Other classifications
Power type: diesel-based, light-duty vehicles partially with gasoline/new energy (e.g., BYD Q3 pure electric heavy-duty trucks save 47% of the cost).
Special Purpose: such as coupe (medium axle train up to 22 meters), hazardous chemical transportation vehicles, etc.
Development trend: lightweight (e.g. carbon fiber cargo box weight reduction of 1.8 tons) and electric drive technology (e.g. integrated axle peak torque of 2800N-m) is the direction of innovation.