Types of Trucks for Freight Shipping

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), over 14 million commercial trucks operate in the U.S., with even higher numbers worldwide. These freight trucks are essential to supply chains, transporting goods across short and long distances to keep businesses running.

Different types of trucks are used to accommodate various cargo loads, distances, and delivery requirements. Below, we break down three common types of freight trucks: day-cab trucks, over-the-road (OTR) tractors, and straight trucks.

Types of Freight Trucks

Day-Cab Trucks

A day-cab truck, often called a day-cab tractor, is a type of semi-truck designed for short-haul deliveries and regional freight transportation. Unlike long-haul trucks, these do not have a built-in sleeping compartment. Instead, they have a single cab where the driver sits. If drivers don’t plan on returning home at the end of their shift, they must plan for hotel stays or designated rest stops on longer trips since there is no space for sleeping or resting inside.

Key Features of Day-Cab Tractors

1. No Sleeper Berth

Without a sleeper berth, these trucks are lighter and consume less fuel compared to long-haul trucks. Instead of a sleeping area, the cab focuses on functionality, with ergonomic seating and essential driver controls. 

2. Compact & Easy to Maneuver

With a shorter wheelbase, day-cab tractors offer better maneuverability, allowing them to easily navigate tight spaces. This makes them a preferred choice for urban deliveries, warehouse operations, and distribution centers where quick turns and precise positioning are required. Their compact size also helps in reducing congestion in busy areas.

3. Lower Operating Costs

Because they lack a sleeper berth and have a lighter build, day-cab tractors are generally more fuel-efficient, which reduces long-term operational costs. They also require less maintenance compared to over-the-road tractors, as there are fewer components to service. 

4. Durable and Built for Frequent Stops

Day-cab tractors are engineered to withstand the demands of short-haul driving, which often involves frequent stops, loading and unloading, and a high number of daily miles. Many models come with reinforced chassis and advanced braking systems to handle constant start-and-stop motion. Additional features like automatic transmissions and advanced telematics improve driver ease.

Common Uses:

• Regional Freight & Local Deliveries: Best suited for short-haul routes (typically under 300 miles).
• Delivery and Distribution: Most commonly used by companies in food distribution, parcel delivery, and manufacturing supply chains.
• Port and Rail Yard Hauling: Day-cabs are frequently used to haul intermodal containers between ports, rail yards, and distribution centers. Their compact size makes them ideal for navigating busy freight terminals.
• Construction and Utility Work: Frequently seen on job sites transporting materials and heavy equipment.

Over-the-Road (OTR) Tractors with Sleeper Berths

OTR Truck

An Over-the-Road (OTR) tractor, also known as a long-haul truck or sleeper cab, is a type of semi-truck designed for long-distance freight transportation. These trucks are built for extended travel, commonly used for cross-country and interstate deliveries. Unlike day-cab tractors, OTR tractors come equipped with a sleeper berth, allowing drivers to rest and sleep on long trips.

Explore Top 20 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency on Long-Haul Trips

Key Features of Over-the-Road Tractors

1. Sleeper Berth for Extended Trips

OTR tractors have a built-in sleeper berth, providing drivers with a dedicated space to rest during long hauls. These compartments often include a bed, storage compartments, lighting, and sometimes even a mini-fridge or microwave, ensuring that drivers have the essentials needed for extended trips. Designed for those who spend multiple days or weeks on the road, these features help reduce fatigue and improve comfort while traveling long distances.

2. Built for Long-Distance Travel

Unlike day-cab tractors, over-the-road models are designed to handle cross-country shipments that require covering several hundred to thousands of miles per trip. They come with larger fuel tanks, more powerful engines, and aerodynamic designs that improve performance.

Federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations dictate how long drivers can operate before mandatory rest periods.

Learn About the Split Sleeper Berth Rule 

3. Larger and Heavier Design

The longer wheelbase and added weight of the sleeper cab provide stability on highways, making these trucks reliable for transporting heavy freight over long distances. Many modern models incorporate aerodynamic enhancements to counteract wind resistance, improving fuel economy despite their size. Although this design makes them more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, it ensures reliability on long-haul routes.

Common Uses:

• Long-Haul Freight Transportation: Used for cross-country deliveries of goods such as food, retail products, and raw materials. This delivery method is essential for supply chains connecting manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers.
• Refrigerated and Temperature-Controlled Transport: OTR tractors frequently haul refrigerated trailers (reefers) to transport perishable goods like food, medicine, and other temperature-sensitive products.
• Heavy-Duty Cargo and Specialized Freight: OTR trucks can be fitted with flatbeds for hauling large, oversized loads like construction materials, heavy machinery, and industrial equipment.
• Expedited and Just-in-Time (JIT) Shipping: Many industries rely on long-haul trucking to meet urgent delivery schedules.

Straight Trucks

A straight truck, also called a box truck, combines the cab and cargo area into one unit. Unlike semi-trucks, the trailer is permanently attached, making them more practical for local deliveries and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

Key Features of Straight Trucks

1. Integrated Design

Unlike semi-trucks that have a separate tractor and trailer, a straight truck consists of a single frame where the cab and cargo area are permanently attached. This design makes them easier to operate, especially for companies that don’t require detachable trailers.

2. Maneuverability and Accessibility

Straight trucks’ compact size allows them to access locations that larger tractor-trailers cannot, such as neighborhoods, shopping centers, and narrow streets. Additionally, many include roll-up rear doors, lift gates, or side-access doors for quick and efficient loading and unloading.

3. Lower Operating Costs and Maintenance

Since straight trucks are smaller than semi-trucks, they consume less fuel and require lower maintenance costs. They do not need the same complex systems found in tractor-trailers, reducing wear and tear on the vehicle. Additionally, they have a lower upfront cost compared to over-the-road tractors, making them a cost-effective option for businesses that focus on local and regional transportation.

Common Uses of Straight Trucks

• Local and Regional Freight Deliveries: Commonly used for moving inventory between warehouses, stores, and distribution centers.
• Moving and Relocation Services: Moving companies frequently use straight trucks to transport household and office belongings. Their enclosed cargo space provides secure transportation while allowing for easy access with lift gates or ramp systems.
• Utility and Service Trucks: Straight trucks are sometimes modified for specialized industries, including utility maintenance, mobile medical units, food trucks, and even emergency response vehicles. Their ability to be customized for different operational needs makes them a versatile option.

Mercer Transportation: A Trusted Name in Freight Shipping

Mercer Transportation has decades of experience in the trucking industry, providing reliable freight solutions across industries. Our fleet includes a variety of trucks to accommodate different shipping needs, from regional deliveries to cross-country hauls.

Not sure which truck is right for your shipment? Contact Mercer Transportation today for expert guidance on selecting the best freight solution for your business.