Every load has a personality. Bricks are tough and don’t care about the weather. Pallets of retail stock want easy access but hate the rain. Your gran’s antique dresser wants to be wrapped up, locked away and left alone until it arrives.
Picking the right truck body matters as much as picking the right size. The wrong one means wet stock, a forklift that can’t reach, or a load that’s a nightmare to get off. Here’s how to match your cargo to the right body before you book your truck hire.
The 30-Second Cargo Personality Quiz
Answer these in order and stop at your first “yes”:
- Does it need to stay cold? You need a refrigerated truck.
- Is it too heavy to lift by hand or forklift on site? You need a crane truck.
- Can it handle sun, dust and the odd Highveld thunderstorm? A dropside is your match.
- Is it palletised, and will a forklift load it from the side? A curtainside is your match.
- Does it need to be locked away, kept dry or protected? A panel van is your match.
Dropside Trucks: The Tough Ones
A dropside is a flat deck with low sides that fold down, so you can load from the sides, the back or straight down from above.
- Best for: bricks, cement, steel, timber, plant equipment, and anything bulky or oddly shaped.
- Sizes available: 4 to 14 tons.
- Watch out for: your cargo is open to the elements. Bring tarps and ratchet straps, and secure everything properly. Loose loads are dangerous and illegal.
Curtainside Trucks: The Forklift’s Best Friend
A curtainside has a rigid roof and tarpaulin curtains that slide open along the full length of the body. A forklift can load pallets from the side without anyone climbing in.
- Best for: palletised goods, retail and warehouse stock, and general freight with several drop-offs.
- Sizes available: 4 to 8 tons.
- Watch out for: the curtain keeps out weather, not thieves, and it isn’t a load restraint. Strap your pallets inside the body.
Panel Van Trucks: The Vault on Wheels
A panel van truck is a fully enclosed, lockable box with rear doors. Your cargo stays dry, clean and out of sight.
- Best for: furniture and household moves, electronics, valuable stock, and anything that must arrive looking exactly as it left.
- Sizes available: 4 to 26 tons.
- Watch out for: you can only load from the back, so pack in reverse. What goes in first comes out last. If you’re moving house, see our moving truck options.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Dropside | Curtainside | Panel van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather protection | None | Good | Full |
| Security | Low | Medium | High |
| Side loading | Yes | Yes (full length) | No |
| Forklift friendly | Yes | Best | Rear only |
| Sizes | 4–14 ton | 4–8 ton | 4–26 ton |
Load Too Small for a Truck?
If your cargo fits in a car boot plus a bit, a full-size truck is overkill. A 1-ton or Super Tonner from our bakkie hire fleet handles small open loads. For small enclosed jobs, a Quantum (1.5 ton) or Sprinter (2.5 ton) through van hire keeps things dry and locked.
Still Not Sure?
Tell us what you’re moving, how much of it there is, and where it’s going, and we’ll match the body and size for you. Request a quote or call 010 448 4397.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a dropside and a curtainside truck?
A dropside has an open deck with fold-down sides and no roof. A curtainside has a roof and sliding tarpaulin sides. Both load from the side, but only the curtainside protects cargo from the weather.
Is a panel van truck good for moving house?
Yes. It’s fully enclosed and lockable, so furniture stays dry and secure. Load the heaviest items first, against the front wall.
Can I load a curtainside with a forklift?
Yes. That’s what it’s designed for. With the curtains pulled back, a forklift can reach the whole length of the deck from the side.
