Typical deck sizes
| Vehicle | Typical deck (L x W x H) | Typical payload |
|---|---|---|
| 4 t rigid | 4.2 x 2.4 x 2.3 m | about 4 t |
| 8 t rigid | 6.0 x 2.4 x 2.4 m | about 8 t |
| 12 t rigid | 7.2 x 2.4 x 2.4 m | about 12 t |
| Semi-trailer (flat deck or tautliner) | 13.2 to 13.6 x 2.4 to 2.45 x 2.6 to 3.0 m | about 22 to 24.5 t |
| B-double | A about 7 m + B about 13 m | depends on tare, GCM 62.5 t at GML |
| Road train, double | two decks of about 13 m | depends on type and route |
| 20 ft container | 5.9 x 2.35 x 2.39 m internal | about 28 t |
| 40 ft container | 12.0 x 2.35 x 2.39 m internal | about 26 to 28 t |
These are typical figures used as starting presets. Real decks vary by manufacturer and body, and payload depends on the tare of your vehicle, so use your own fleet's numbers for planning.
Body types
- Tray (flat top): open deck, easy side and crane loading, freight must be fully restrained
- Tautliner (curtain-sider): side loading by forklift, weather protection; curtains are not restraint unless rated
- Pantech (van): rigid walls and rear doors, rear loading only
- Hydraulic tailgate: rigid with a lift at the rear for sites without a dock
- Refrigerated: insulated body, narrower internal width
- Mezzanine deck: a second floor inside the trailer for light freight such as cartons
Combination limits at a glance
| Combination | Max length | Gross mass at GML |
|---|---|---|
| 6-axle semi-trailer | 19 m | 42.5 t |
| 9-axle B-double | up to 26 m on approved routes | 62.5 t |
| Type 1 road train (A-double) | up to 36.5 m | about 79 t |
| Type 2 road train (triple) | up to 53.5 m | about 115.5 t |
General vehicle width is 2.5 m and height 4.3 m, with 4.6 m allowed for some vehicles on approved routes. Road trains and B-doubles run only on approved routes, and limits vary by state and by accreditation such as Higher Mass Limits. Check the current rules for your route.
Vehicles in TRUXE
TRUXE ships with more than 90 preset vehicles covering these types: rigids from 2 to 20 tonnes in tray, tautliner, pantech, hydraulic tailgate and crane body styles, semi-trailers, mezzanine-deck trailers, B-doubles, road trains and 20, 40 and 45 ft containers. Any vehicle can be entered as custom dimensions with its own weight limit, including multi-trailer combinations.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a semi-trailer in Australia?
Most flat-deck and tautliner semi-trailers have a deck of about 13.2 to 13.6 m (roughly 45 ft), within a 19 m overall limit for the combination.
What is the difference between a tautliner and a pantech?
A tautliner has curtain sides that open for forklift loading from the side. A pantech is a rigid-walled van loaded from the rear.
How wide can a truck be in Australia?
The general limit is 2.5 m overall. Usable deck width is usually 2.4 to 2.45 m, less inside refrigerated bodies.
Can I plan my own trailer size in TRUXE?
Yes. Enter the deck length, width, height and weight limit as a custom vehicle, including multi-trailer combinations.