
A 4.2-meter vehicle can carry 16.8 cubic meters, but in practice, there will be some loss in loading capacity, meaning it can actually carry about 15 cubic meters. Flatcar loading capacity: For a flatcar with a base frame length of 18.4m, if using the Type 8A bogie with an axle load of 21t, it can transport 6 10t containers, or 3 20ft containers, or 1 40ft plus 1 20ft container, or 1 45ft, or even 1 48ft container. Domestic manufacturers have already developed such models. If using a 2E axle bogie with an axle load of 25t, it can transport 7 10t containers, with other capacities remaining the same. Articulated container car: Articulated container cars may have different combinations of sections, with axle loads possibly being D axle, E axle, or mixed combinations. They can transport various types of standard containers. The bogies used are lighter in weight, have a higher weight per linear meter, and higher axle load utilization. However, their advantages can only be fully realized through direct transport organization.

I've been driving this type of vehicle for over a decade. I remember that a 4.2-meter cargo box is usually about 4.2 meters in length, approximately 2 meters in width, and 1.8 to 2 meters in height. The total space calculation comes to about 15 to 20 cubic meters. Actual loading depends on the shape of the goods—for example, when transporting boxes or furniture, proper stacking can reach up to 18 cubic meters; if the items are too scattered, space might be wasted, reducing it to 15 cubic meters. Once, I loaded a small household appliance and a pile of luggage, just filling 19 cubic meters. Be careful not to overload, as it can strain the chassis and affect braking. It's advisable to measure the cargo volume before loading—safety first.

Recently, I helped a friend move using a 4.2-meter-long truck. The interior design of the cargo compartment was quite spacious, with an estimated total volume of 16 to 18 cubic meters when combining length, width, and height. The exact figure depends on the vehicle model and loading method. For example, under standard dimensions, 4.2m × 2m × 1.8m equals approximately 15 cubic meters, but when stacking furniture higher during actual loading, it can reach up to 19 cubic meters. That time, we loaded a sofa, mattresses, and several large boxes, and there was still space left with everything securely packed. Remember not to overfill it to avoid obstructing the driving view, and ensure the cargo doesn’t shift on uneven roads to prevent damage to the vehicle body.

In work involving such vehicles, a 4.2-meter truck generally refers to a cargo compartment length of 4.2 meters, with a common volume ranging between 15 to 20 cubic meters. Assuming internal dimensions of 2 meters in width and 1.9 meters in height, the calculated volume is approximately 16 cubic meters, but the available space may be reduced by door openings or brackets. I've seen clients load construction materials, stacking them into square shapes to squeeze up to 18 cubic meters; however, for irregularly shaped goods, the capacity would be less. Be mindful not to exceed the overall weight limit to avoid affecting the suspension.


