From light to heavy duty
For most, mention commercial vehicles and trucks typically come to mind. However, this branch of vehicles is actually quite broad and encompasses a lot of categories from micro to massive. Believe it or not, pickups and most vans and SUVs are actually classified as commercial vehicles. The segment also encompasses the larger trucks that most associate with it. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that commercial vehicles (CV) sales in the past couple of years have begun to exceed passenger car (PC) sales in ratios of 60-70% versus 40-30% respectively. To simplify the selection process, we’ll go over all the kinds available in the market today.
Light Commercial Vehicles
This is the smallest class of commercial vehicles and is composed of vehicles ideal for micro, small, and medium enterprises. There are typically very few restrictions for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), which are usually exempt from truck bans, can pass most streets, and can be driven even by those with little truck driving experience.
Three-wheelers
Not to be confused with motorcycles with sidecars (tricycles), these three-wheelers are have their tires symmetrically arranged. They’re specially-designed for jobs typical tricycles can’t handle. Because of their symmetrical design, larger engine, and greater stability, these vehicles do more than your usual motorcycle. They also come in a wide variety of body styles from the typical passenger cabin to flatbed or even mobile store configuration. Some examples include the Piaggio Ape and Bajaj Maxima.
Pickups
Pickups need no introduction, having been around for nearly a century. Pickups are best suited to jobs that are primarily cargo and typically over rough road or even challenging terrain. Some brands still offer single cab 4x2 pickups with long beds. Most, however, will point you to their double cab models that come in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. The truck bed can still be customized with a wide variety of accessories and equipment. You may already know some like the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, or Ford Ranger.
MPVs
For those that need to haul people, this is the segment to look into. Most offerings here come in the typical van body style, ranging from the standard size many are familiar with to the new larger mini-bus sizes. Some examples include the Toyota HiAce, Nissan Urvan, Foton Transvan or Traveller, or Maxus V80.
Cab & Chassis
This segment is composed of LCVs that bear the familiar front half of a popular van or pickup, paired with the chassis where a closed cabin, closed van, or even flat bed can be mounted. Though called cab & chassis, many brands offer bodies you can order and have installed. As the name suggests, you can simple purchase the cab & chassis if you already have a body to attach or plan to build your own. Easily the hardiest of the LCVs, these small trucks can easily handle loads ranging from 1-2 metric tons (1,000 – 2,000 kg). Perfect examples are the Suzuki Carry, Mitsubishi L300, Kia K2500 Karga, Hyundai H-100, or Isuzu Traviz.
Trucks
Now we get to the big boys, designed with heavier loads in mind. These trucks count their payload capacity in terms of tons rather than just kilograms. They’re also categorized according to the kinds of work capable of.
In case you’re curious Categories I and II are already covered by the Light Commercial Vehicles. The trucks we’ll be talking about belong to Light Duty (Category III), Medium Duty (Category IV) and Heavy Duty (Category V). As you can expect, there are more stringent restrictions with these larger vehicles when it comes to the roads they can pass, their weight per axle when it comes to toll roads, as well as the license restrictions their drivers must have.
Light Duty (Category III)
Best reserved for medium to large enterprises, these trucks were purposely designed for hauling. They’re capable of carrying payloads ranging from 2,000 kg up to as much as 6,000 kg. These trucks usually come in four to six wheel configurations. They typically come in aluminum van, flatbed or cab and chassis options. However some brands offer other bodies like a passenger cabin, fuel tanker, or even specialized bodies like garbage disposal or firetrucks. Examples include the Isuzu N-Series, Hino 300 series, or Foton Tornado.
Medium Duty (Category IV)
Shipping goods longer distances, between far off cities, is a job best suited for medium duty trucks. They’re capable of carrying payloads ranging from 6,000 kg up to as much as 20,000 kg. Naturally, these trucks come as six to ten-wheelers. They typically come in closed van, flatbed, cab and chassis, or dump truck form. Of course, some will also offer specialized functions and configurations upon inquiry. Examples include the Isuzu F-series, Foton Hurricane, and Fuso FI.
Heavy Duty (Category V)
These trucks are truly the kings of cargo, capable of hauling the heaviest loads or even trailers. They’re capable of carrying payloads ranging from 25,000 kg up to 60,000 kg. Some are capable of even more. They typically come as rigid trucks or tractor heads. Though you’ll also find more interesting alternatives like four-wheel steering. Examples include the Isuzu C and E-Series, Foton E and G series, or Fuso FJ or Super Great.