Choosing the right transport equipment is one of the most important decisions in planning a cross-border shipment. The two most common road freight equipment types — tautliner and flatbed — serve different cargo profiles.
Tautliner (curtainsider) transport
A tautliner has a side-curtain design that allows loading from the side, rear or top. The curtain can be opened for fast forklift loading and then closed to protect cargo from weather and road conditions during transit. Tautliners are well suited to palletised, general and commercial cargo.
Flatbed transport
A flatbed has an open deck with no sides or roof. It is used for cargo that does not need enclosure or that is too large or awkward for a closed body. Flatbeds are commonly used for steel, machinery, construction materials, equipment and other oversized or non-containerised cargo.
Choosing between them
- Palletised or packaged commercial goods → tautliner
- Weather-sensitive cargo needing enclosure → tautliner
- Steel, pipes and long loads → flatbed
- Machinery and construction equipment → flatbed
- Cargo needing side loading access → tautliner
If you are unsure which equipment suits your cargo, share your cargo details with us and we will advise on the most appropriate transport solution for your route.