Truck Types & Dimensions
All vehicle types compared: dimensions, payload, loading meters & applications
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Semi-Trailer – Curtainsider (Tautliner)
Most common truck in Europe
Overall dimensions
| Total length | 16’500 mm |
| Total width | 2’550 mm |
| Total height | 4’000 mm |
Cargo space (interior)
| Load length | 13’600 mm |
| Load width | 2’480 mm |
| Interior height | 2’700 mm |
Weights
| Max. gross weight | 40’000 kg / 40.0 t |
| Tare weight | 15’500 kg ca. |
| Payload | 24’500 kg / 24.5 t |
| Floor height | 1’200 mm |
Capacity
| Loading metres (LDM) | 13.6 m |
| Cargo volume | 90 m³ |
| EUR pallets (single layer) | 33 Stk. (800×1200 mm) |
The semi-trailer with curtainsider body (sliding tarpaulin) is the most widely used freight vehicle in Europe. The sliding tarpaulin enables side loading by forklift, rear loading by pallet truck and top loading by crane. With 13.6 LDM, it holds 33 Euro pallets in a single layer. Tractor unit approx. 7.5–8.5 t tare, semi-trailer approx. 6.5–7.5 t – combined approx. 15.5 t tare. At 40 t GVW (EU standard), payload is approx. 24–24.5 t. Switzerland also has 40 t GVW (with LSVA levy). For combined transport in the EU, 44 t applies.
Typical applications
- Palletised goods (standard)
- Machinery & industrial goods
- Consumer goods & retail
- Construction materials & steel
- Vehicles & spare parts
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💡 LDM Formula & Vehicle Selection
LDM = Length × Width ÷ 2.4 m. Weight check: Weight (kg) ÷ 1,750 = LDM. Higher value applies. Up to 4.5 LDM → 7.5 t truck; up to 7.5 LDM → rigid 12 t; up to 13.6 LDM → semi-trailer or road train.
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Semi-trailer, LDM, payload, CMR