The Benefits of Buying Curtainsider Trucks

1. Introduction

What is a curtainsider truck? The open sides afforded by flatbed trucks are a real benefit in haulage, as workers can get to their goods easily for loading and unloading. However, flatbeds often feature heavy tarps which require moving, adjusting and securing each time, a painstaking process for drivers. A curtainsider is a type of truck which negates this by combining the advantages of a flatbed with the containment of an enclosed container.

Used curtainsider trucks have flexible PVC-coated side curtains made of vinyl, which retract from either the front or back, down to opening double doors at the rear. Whatever load is carried onboard is completely enclosed and secure, and protected from the weather (the curtains are held firmly in place by buckles along the vehicle. In the simplest terms, a curtainsider is a truck with the interior very easily accessible through a curtain running down each side from front to back.

2. What are the Main Benefits of a Curtainsider?

You will recognise the main benefits of a curtainsider to be during the processes of loading and unloading, particularly with a forklift. Used curtainsider trucks can be very quick in either of these situations as they allow for a much speedier flow of work.

When the side curtains of a curtainsider are retracted, the contents packed on the trailer floor can be ‘got to’ from both sides as well as the doors at the rear. So used curtainsider trucks which contain only a partial load negate the difficulties of dealing with ‘first on / last off’ deliveries as straightforward access to different parts of the floorspace is possible – and therefore ‘multiple drop’ loads are able to be carried.

A big advantage of used curtainsider trucks is that they are versatile – there could be a situation in which a cargo is loaded from one position but needs to be removed from another (due to the orientation of the loading / unloading bays, and physical access for the whole truck, etc). Curtainsiders can provide an extremely efficient way efficient way to handle the logistics of this type of situation.

With multiple forklifts, you can work on one curtainsider from several angles at the same time (though this is unusual), or you can access goods which are stowed in positions which would be difficult if the trailer was full-sided. Drivers are in and out of a load up or drop off more quickly with a curtainsider, and this can mean an increase in business efficiency as they can get back on the road earlier than they would be if they were working with other types of truck.

3. What Can I Carry on a Curtainsider?

It’s possible to transport most items with a curtainsider – so they’re as suitable for certain industrial cargos (such as large-sized wood, machinery, pipework, steel etc) as open-sided flatbeds. As they are closed at the sides when the curtains are shut, curtainsiders do offer protection and are suitable for the movement of other goods such as food (produce such as fruit and vegetables). Either sort of load can be secured easily to the deck of the trailer.

A manageable flow of your goods through your part of the supply chain – from manufacturer to consumer – is essential, and a curtainsider is a great ‘weapon’ to put into action in the battle against inefficiency. Here at GRC the used curtainsider trucks we have for sale are available in a range of makes and models, including the best brands such as Mercedes, Scania and DAF. This choice means you have the best possible choice for your business, and if you would like to discuss your needs with us so that we can narrow down to the right truck for you, please get in touch. Discover our current stock here – and contact us to find out more about our international shipping and delivery policy.