What Type of Vehicle is a Light-duty Flatbed Truck?
4 Answers
Light-duty flatbed trucks fall under the category of small cargo vehicles. Here is some relevant information: 1. Classification: Cargo vehicles can be divided into four types: heavy-duty, medium-duty, light-duty, and mini. Heavy-duty and medium-duty cargo vehicles are issued large truck license plates, i.e., large vehicles (commonly known as yellow plates), while light-duty and mini cargo vehicles are issued small truck license plates, i.e., small vehicles (commonly known as blue plates). 2. Appearance: Light-duty flatbed trucks refer to vehicles with high railings or fully enclosed structures, typically with railings 160-200 cm high; whereas small cargo vehicles refer to ordinary trucks with only 30-50 cm high railings and no additional structures on top.
I recently bought a light-duty flatbed truck, which falls under the category of light commercial vehicles, primarily used for short-distance cargo transportation, such as urban distribution or small business deliveries. This type of vehicle is designed to be compact, with a flatbed structure featuring side rails, making it convenient for loading boxes or equipment, but it's not suitable for heavy cargo, with a load capacity generally within one or two tons. I chose it because of the low vehicle and vessel tax, easy parking, and the ability to access urban restricted zones, making it much more flexible than medium or large trucks. It feels fuel-efficient to drive, with low maintenance costs, making it suitable for startup shop owners like me. In short, it's a type of light truck and a cost-effective transportation tool.
I've been driving a light-duty pickup truck for many years. It's typically classified as a light-duty truck, characterized by a lightweight chassis and compact cargo space, yet highly practical. I use it daily for transportation services, falling under the N1 category (by European standards) of commercial vehicles, mainly serving urban and rural logistics. The engine displacement is relatively small, usually between 1.5L to 2.5L. The advantages include low fuel consumption, easy access across bridges and tunnels, and the ability to navigate narrow streets. The downside is that the cargo bed lacks cover during bad weather, requiring a tarp. Overall, this type of vehicle is a great choice for beginners in freight transportation.
As a long-time city resident, I've noticed my neighbor's light-duty flatbed truck, which falls under the light truck category. It has a compact body with an open flatbed design, used for transporting fruits, vegetables, or construction materials, with a relatively low payload capacity typically not exceeding 1.5 tons. Driving this type of vehicle doesn't require additional freight licenses, making it hassle-free and labor-saving, ideal for individual entrepreneurs or small businesses. Compared to pickup trucks, it offers better cost-efficiency and functionality for daily commercial use. I believe it's the top choice for economical transportation.
