The most economical tractor in terms of fuel consumption. Which truck is the most cost-effective, profitable and reliable. Light duty LCV trucks
Road freight transportation is completely unimaginable without truck tractors. Due to greater economic attractiveness and reliability, delivery of goods by trucks seems more preferable. The cost per ton of such transportation is much less, especially on international routes. In addition, the transported cargo is constantly under constant control, and this is one of the most important factors in doing business in Russia.
Our review presents the best long-range tractors sold on the domestic market. The rating was compiled based on the characteristics of the models, their operational features, as well as the opinions of owners and truckers who, like no one else, know the advantages of a particular model.
TOP 10 best long-distance tractors
10 MAZ-5440S5-8520-031
Best price
Country Russia
Average price: RUB 3,450,000.
Rating (2019): 4.4
The domestic truck tractor has a powerful 328 hp engine. With. to complete their tasks. Despite compliance with the Euro-5 environmental class, it is not used for international transport, since the maximum speed of the truck does not exceed the threshold of 100 km/h (there is an electronic limiter). It is more suitable for long-distance travel within Russia, and is most often used for regional or intercity transportation. The total weight of the road train headed by the tractor (its weight is 7150 kg) is no more than 44 tons.
The low cabin is equipped with one berth, allowing the truck driver to sleep and relax during the haul. The cabin itself is quite comfortable, as it has four pneumatic (or spring, depending on the configuration) supports. The driver's seat is also equipped with air suspension, which significantly reduces fatigue. The Zahnradfabrik gearbox (9+1) with a double intermediate shaft is highly reliable and smooth. The basic version has a digital tachograph. With an individual order, it is possible to install on the simplest and most affordable tractor such options as an autonomous heater, a climate system with air purification, power windows and mirrors, cruise control and other useful functions.
9 KAMAZ 5490-892-87
The most durable tractor
Country Russia
Average price: 4,750,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The KAMAZ tractor has repeatedly proven its endurance and reliability on long hauls, including in sports competitions. This model is equipped with a Daimler OM 457LA turbodiesel engine, which produces a shaft power of 2000 N*m. The ZF manual gearbox has 16 steps and is no less reliable than the power plant. All this allows a truck with a total weight of no more than 44 tons to move along federal and regional roads of Russia at speeds of up to 110 km/h. At the same time, the KAMAZ 5490 truck tractor can be used for transportation to nearby countries, since it has everything necessary for this, including the Euro-5 environmental class.
The truck driver will be quite comfortable doing his job. The cabin is on spring shock absorbers and equipped with an independent heater and air conditioning. ECAS, EBS, ESP, ASR systems significantly increase driving safety and make the driver’s work easier. On board there is also a tachograph with a cryptographic processor, necessary for long-distance travel, as well as many other useful devices. An important factor for choosing is the affordable cost of the best domestically produced truck tractor and its endurance, which is of no small importance for the harsh realities of Russian roads.
8 Foton Auman H5
The most popular Chinese tractor
Country: China
Average price: 4250000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The Chinese Foton Auman H5 truck tractor is in unexpectedly great demand on the Russian market. The secret of such popularity is hidden in the cost of this unit, its relatively high reliability and modern filling, like those of the leading brands in this area. If you look closely, you can see the similarity with the leader of our review – Mercedes Actros. The internal filling is not far removed from the external signs of the “breed” - components from well-known manufacturers look promising. A 16-speed ZF Ecosplit gearbox (optional, you can install an automatic transmission with 12 shifts) and a powerful Cummins ISG12 turbodiesel (470 hp) are the basis for a decent safety margin.
The total weight of the truck can reach 45 tons, and at the same time the Foton Auman H5 has the necessary parameters for long-distance travel abroad - compliance with the Euro-5 class, two fuel tanks with a total volume of 840 liters (which give a decent range of 3000 km on proven fuel). The tractor is distinguished by a fairly comfortable cabin, which becomes a second home for the truck driver during the trip. Despite the presence of air conditioning, there is a sunroof, and a refrigerator can be installed under the lower berth. The interior of the long-range tractor cabin itself still resembles the best brand in the rating - the niches above the windshield and the curtains completely repeat the shape of the more expensive model.
7 Volvo FMX 540 6x6
High traction characteristics
Country: Sweden
Average price: 9300000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The truck tractor is designed to work with various semi-trailers on roads of all categories, including off-road conditions, which gives the model a huge advantage for working in Russia. The turbodiesel engine produces 460 hp. s., which allows for a total weight of no more than 41 tons (the load on the two rear axles should not exceed 32,000 kg). In this case, the total weight of the truck and trailer can reach 100 tons. The manual transmission has 14 gears with a divider and is capable of easily overcoming difficult terrain, including steep climbs.
The luxury cabin has two berths, an air conditioning system and audio preparation. A parking heater will provide the necessary conditions for relaxation in winter. The driver's seat with air suspension significantly eases the load on the back and reduces fatigue. The base trim comes with convenience features like heated seats, power windows and even cruise control.
6 Scania P400 LA4x2HNA
The optimal choice for highway routes with difficult sections
Country: Sweden
Average price: RUB 7,040,000.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The popular truck tractor for long-haul transportation is distinguished by high build quality and reliable components that have the best performance characteristics. With timely maintenance and attentive attention from the driver, this long-distance vehicle will work for its owner without fatigue or unexpected breakdowns long enough to fully justify every ruble invested in the tractor. The machine is maximally adapted for Russian conditions.
Diesel engine 400 hp. With. has enough power for a truck driver to feel confident on any route. The gearbox (12+2) is equipped with a divider and a multiplier, there are two reverse speeds and two reduction gears for difficult conditions, which abound on domestic roads. The truck is equipped with an electronic EBS system and a complementary engine brake with automatic control. Optimal cabin equipment creates excellent working conditions for the truck driver. The air-suspended seat is heated, there is air conditioning and an autonomous interior heater. One sleeping place is provided for relaxation. The basic version of the model also comes with a standard Shtrikh-M tachograph and a Fuel Monitoring System.
5 DAF XF105
The most popular mainline tractor. Long range
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 6340000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Reliability and build quality, resistance to harsh working conditions and the largest range (two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1280 liters) allow the DAF XF105 truck tractor to make non-stop runs over long distances. PACCAR MX power plant with 460 hp. With. and AS Tronic automatic transmission (12 speeds) provides high traction characteristics, so necessary in long-distance driving. A loaded truck consumes, depending on the road conditions, up to 30 liters of diesel fuel.
The spacious and well-insulated cabin has a high level of comfort and allows the truck driver to do his job with ease. Autonomous heating, air conditioning system - in any conditions the driver will not waste his energy in vain. The car also has two berths, and even a built-in 42-liter refrigerator for food. Systems such as EBS, ABS, EBS, MX brake (retarder) and axle load sensors greatly simplify and make driving a heavy truck safer (the total weight of a road train can reach 45 tons). A Siemens tachograph is also installed on board.
4 Iveco Trakker HI-land AT720T45TW
Better suspension reliability
Country: Italy
Average price: 9137000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An all-wheel drive tractor unit is ideally suited for Russian roads and international transport. It fully complies with Euro-5 requirements, and due to the ZF 16S 2220 TO gearbox, it is highly economical, since torque from a 450-horsepower turbodiesel is transferred to the transmission with minimal losses even at low speeds. The spring-type suspension is quite rigid, but one of the most reliable, and allows the vehicle train to weigh up to 97.2 tons.
The truck driver will appreciate the air strut seat with adjustment and heating, as well as the power steering. These solutions greatly facilitate the driver’s work and are designed to ensure high performance on the road. An effective climate system and improved (compared to previous models of the brand) sound insulation also create the necessary level of comfort. The best technical solutions for auxiliary control and safety systems will be an additional advantage for overcoming difficult routes.
3 Ford F-Max
The most promising new product for long-range shooting
Country: USA
Average price: 5761000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The new tractor unit offers a completely different level of comfort and reliability than the earlier models of this brand. Just six months after the presentation at the exhibition in Hanover, the Ford F-Max appeared in Russia, demonstrating its interest in the domestic buyer, especially since the company has something to offer. Comfortable sleeping places, a convenient ergonomic interior, the presence of a refrigerator, climate control system and autonomous heating on a long journey create the necessary level of conditions for the needs of the crew.
It has cruise control, directional stability stabilization function, and a hybrid braking system. The presence of functional ABS and EBS services makes the trucker's work easier. The FORD Ecotorq diesel engine (500 hp) has Euro 5 approval and is connected to a ZF Traxon robotic gearbox. The latter is capable of automatically adjusting its work depending on the slope on which the truck is located. The weight of the road train when fully loaded can reach 42 tons, while the tractor itself weighs only 8550 kg. The reliability of this model is best demonstrated by the manufacturer's 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, which gives the Ford F-Max an additional competitive advantage.
2 MAN TGX 26
Economical gearbox
Country: Germany
Average price: RUB 8,437,000.
Rating (2019): 4.9
An excellent choice for both international transport and domestic delivery of goods. The engine produces 480 hp. s., which is more than enough for the ease of movement of the truck on any highway. The MAN TGX 26 truck tractor is equipped with the latest generation automatic transmission, which is highly economical. Its service life is increased by 60%, the noise level is noticeably lower, and smooth gear shifting is much better than previous models. Due to its special design, it is capable of transmitting higher torque, which gives the truck additional advantages on hauls with difficult sections, of which there are plenty in Russia. The operation of systems such as ESP, ABS and ASR will also not be superfluous. Truck drivers also appreciate the MAN EasyStart function, which helps to start off on slopes.
The middle axle of the tractor is lifting, which helps save fuel and reduces tire wear when driving without a load. The suspension also has two operating levels, allowing you to select the optimal mode, depending on the condition of the track. Comfortable features such as cruise control, air conditioning and an independent heater will not be amiss when driving long-distance. There is also one sleeping place for complete rest on the road.
1 Mercedes-Benz Actros 3346 S 6x4
Buyer's Best Choice
Country: Germany
Average price: 7,750,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The truck tractor of the German manufacturer is distinguished by its laconic appearance and practicality, and in terms of its reliability it is the best choice for long-distance driving within the country. The total weight of the truck can reach 33 tons, which allows the truck to pull a trailer weighing up to 22,900 kg. The engine mounts are designed for the conditions of most Russian roads and are distinguished by a significant margin of safety. Also for severe winters, fuel preheating is provided.
The truck's brakes have ABS, ASR and automatic adjustment. The tractor allows you to move off on steep climbs as safely as possible - the anti-recoil system helps. For the convenience of a truck driver, the cabin has everything you need. A multifunction steering wheel, climate control system, sunroof and berth make long journeys easier. The Isringhausen seat suspension significantly reduces the load on the spine. Reliability is best demonstrated by the three-year warranty on the transmission and engine (250,000) provided by the manufacturer.
The consumption of a 40-ton Mercedes-Benz Actros coupled with a trailer was 19.44 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km, which is equivalent to less than 0.8 liters per hundred ton-kilometers (tkm), these were the results shown by the new Mercedes-Benz Actros during test ride in the Italian suburb of Nardo with a total length of about 13,000 km. The new record figure was included in the Guinness World Book of Records under the item “The most economical 40-ton truck”.
A seven-day, 24-hour test drive allowed the new Actros, which transports 25 tons of cargo, to prove that the vehicle concept of “1 liter per tonne-kilometre” is becoming a reality in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. Such fuel consumption figures, of course, have a positive impact on the environment. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros emits less than 20.5 grams of carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometer, which is significantly less than even the current expensive hybrid trucks (combining combustion engines and electric motors), which produce emissions of 297 grams per tonne-kilometre.
Efficient technologies
These record-breaking figures are based on highly efficient, modern Mercedes-Benz technologies. Over the last ten years of production, diesel fuel consumption has been reduced by more than a third, while the level of load capacity has increased by about the same. In the last few years, BlueTec diesel technology has brought this even further: fuel savings with this system can be up to 5% depending on the vehicle configuration, which equates to annual fuel savings of 1,500-2,000 liters per truck. Today, there are approximately 150,000 Mercedes-Benz Actros equipped with the BlueTec system on the road.
Fuel consumption can be reduced
The test drive in Nardo clearly showed what factors increase fuel consumption on the road: inadequate transport infrastructure and lack of traffic control systems, incorrect vehicle equipment, inadequate vehicle maintenance and insufficient driving practice.
Proper vehicle equipment can affect fuel consumption from day one. Installing additional aerodynamic equipment, for example, will reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%! The same goes for tires. Mercedes-Benz offers super-wide rear axle tires for its trucks instead of the usual dual ones - this reduces fuel consumption by approximately 2%. And incorrect tire pressure can increase fuel consumption by up to 8%.
Correct Driving Practices
The correct driving system can save 10 to 12% of fuel. Mercedes-Benz Professional Training Courses offer a series of cost-effective programs for truck drivers that train approximately 65,000 participants each year. Through a more responsible attitude to driving a car and monitoring its technical condition, each driver can independently reduce fuel consumption by a quarter.
Scania R received the title of truck of the year. Let's try to figure out why. The series of cars itself is very successful. And the updated truck is a completely modernized and redesigned model. Scania R is called at the same time the most high-tech, most economical and most reliable truck.
The model has a dynamic, aggressive and modern design. New aerodynamic body kits reduce fuel consumption by 1% and hide tanks with a volume of more than 1500 liters. And thanks to the LED side lights, the new Scania looks impressive at night.
The company did not limit itself to external restyling. Scania specialists have set themselves the task of developing the most modern truck that would fully satisfy all the wishes and needs of drivers. And they succeeded. Scania R is a car for the driver. Today it has no competitors in terms of comfort, ease of operation, and ease of operation among European trucks. Scania R has turned the idea of working as a long-haul truck driver on its head.
The most economical tractor Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS BlueTec 5
Before an entrepreneur wants to buy a truck that transports cargo up to 25 tons, a truck tractor, for example, he has a lot of questions. One of which is which is the most economical truck? In general, each manufacturer shouts that its car is the most economical, but in this post we will look at the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS BlueTec 5 truck.
As the manufacturers say, this car is the most economical of the tractors and technologically advanced, and judging by the tests that were carried out in Italy, the car drove non-stop for more than 10 thousand kilometers at an average speed of 80 km/h, setting a new record. Consumption was about 20 liters per 100 kilometers, emitting 20 grams of CO2 per ton-kilometer. Thus, the consumption was 1 liter per ton if transporting 20 tons, and 0.8 liters if transporting 25 tons.
Remind you that the model 1844 LS BlueTec 5 in Europe is the best-selling in the Actros segment, by the way, the standard version of the Actros 1844 with a Euro 5 engine of 11.9 liters, 435 horsepower and 2100Hm. The car itself is very multifunctional and comfortable to drive. It is a pity that in our country not every carrier can purchase a new car, and those who can do not purchase it, preferring to kill used tractors. from Poland and Germany. We hope that the situation in our country will improve with the arrival of the new government. By the way, our new 1844 LS BlueTec 5 could be purchased already in 2009.
MAN TGA 26.440 - the most economical trucks
In a comparison of the efficiency of heavy-duty trucks carried out by the British specialized publication Commercial Motor, the MAN TGA truck in modification 26.440 with the 6x2 wheel arrangement won.
Commercial Motor conducted a test this year called the 1,000 Mile Test to determine the most fuel-efficient truck.
With fuel costs of just 97 pence per tonne and kilometre, the MAN TGA tractor unit was the only test participant to fall below the one pound mark and thus achieved a twelve percent advantage over the worst result. obtained during testing.
With the highest payload and lowest fuel consumption, the MAN TGA Euro 4 truck beat seven competitors in the so-called “thousand-mile test”.
With an average fuel consumption of 35.82 liters per 100 kilometers, the MAN TGA truck turned out to be significantly more modest in this indicator than its competitors in the 44-ton class and burned 3.68 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers less than the car that found itself last place. Even a Euro 4 truck with SCR technology - which is additionally equipped with AdBlue® additive - turned out to be significantly worse in fuel consumption than a MAN with EGR and MAN PM-Kat®.
What is the most economical jeep
When buying a jeep, the first thing that immediately comes to mind is what kind of fuel consumption the purchased “monster” will have and how much you will have to fork out every month to feed it. Once upon a time, drivers were even proud that their car demonstrated a gigantic level of fuel consumption. Let's remember the classics:
Car manufacturers, of course, have long noticed this trend. It is not surprising that now everyone is offered the truly most economical jeep, and with a level of fuel consumption that was simply unthinkable just a few years ago.
And really, isn't this a miracle? That your SUV can consume as much as a regular sedan? Wonderful are your deeds, god of the automotive world.
But what is the most economical SUV? We will not look for world records and will take those models that every Russian can purchase. All data given will mean fuel consumption in mixed mode.
We choose the modest ones for fuel economy
Renault Duster
The Renault Duster 44 all-wheel drive version, equipped with a dCi diesel power unit, boasts these characteristics. Power is only 90 horses, torque 200 Nm. The SUV accelerates to hundreds in 15 seconds. The price of an SUV starts from 610 thousand rubles - it is not surprising that Duster has become the most popular SUV in Russia.
BMW X1
And here is the second participant in our marathon. Wonderful BMW X1 20d xDrive AT with a consumption of only 5.4 liters per hundred in mixed mode.
It is all the more surprising that such modest appetites are demonstrated by a powerful diesel engine of 184 horses with a torque of 380 Nm. An economical beamer flies over a hundred in just 8 seconds.
The cost, however, is impressive - from one and a half million rubles. Yes, Duster will be cheaper. But BMW is BMW, you understand.
Range Rover Evoque
Here's a surprise. When you see the beautiful Range Rover Evoque on the street, you would never say that it is also a very economical jeep. Of course, we are talking about its diesel version with a volume of 2.2 liters, which in mixed mode consumes only 5.6 liters.
The engine power is 190 horsepower, the torque is absolutely excellent - 420 Nm. Well, the SUV accelerates to hundreds in about 10 seconds.
The Range Rover Evoque costs from 1,700 thousand rubles - and it justifies this price, don’t you agree?
Sources: motorpuls.ru, blog.auto-sklad.com, news.gruzoviki.com, russian.alibaba.com, jeepon.ru
The best
Daimler engineers chose the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS BlueTec 5 with a standard cab to set an efficiency record (at the test site in Nardo). This model is one of the most popular in the Actros family. Even the standard version of the Actros 1844 with a Euro 5 engine (displacement 11.9 liters, 435 hp, torque 2100 Nm) meets the stringent requirements that road carriers place on a tractor. In addition to the economical engine, the new Actros is equipped as standard with the Mercedes PowerShift gearbox, which, as we mentioned above, makes a significant contribution to increasing the fuel efficiency of the car.
According to Volvo experts, the most economical tractor in the company's line is the FH13 42T. It is equipped with a D13A engine with 400 or 440 hp. s., 12-speed I-shift gearbox with a special program “optimized gear shifting for fuel efficiency”, 13/44 drive axle (13 tons load capacity, 44 tons gross train weight) and final drive with gear ratio i = 2.85 . A gearbox with i = 2.64 is recommended when operating a road train on very smooth roads, and the engine power should be 440-520 hp. With. The truck is equipped with Michelin XZA/XDA 315/70 R22.5 tires.
The aerodynamic package offered for the tractor includes top and side cabin spoilers, a fairing mounted under the front bumper, and a “skirt” on the chassis. For vehicles operating in Russia, it is recommended to install only the top and side cabin spoilers from the complete set. Approximate fuel savings reach 2%.
According to MAN Automobiles Russia LLC, the most economical tractor both in terms of cost and operating costs is the TGA 19.350 4x2 BLS-WW with L cab. It is equipped with a D2066 LF03 diesel engine (Euro-3) with a power of 350 horsepower and a torque of 1750 Nm, with which the ZF 16S222DD gearbox is mounted. The hypoid bridge has a gear ratio I = 3.08. Standard vehicles only have roof spoilers. The complete aero package consists of a roof spoiler and fairings, side spoilers that can be opened to access the work platform. The full aero package costs around €2,000 including VAT. Fuel savings can reach 2%.
Renault distinguishes the Renault Premium 380 (Euro-3) tractor from its product line. They can be equipped with an upper spoiler, thanks to which you can save about 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 km. The cost of the top spoiler for Premium Vostok when ordered with a car is 56,000 rubles including VAT. When ordering separately - RUB 96,755. VAT included. If an upper spoiler and side fairings for fuel tanks are installed, fuel savings can be up to 1.5 liters per hundred kilometers. The latest figures are relevant for Vostok-3 with a DXi 11 engine with a power of 380 hp. With.
The most economical Scania truck tractor offered on the Russian market in terms of cost and operating costs is the P340LA4x2HNA New Griffin. All Scania long-haul truck tractors are equipped with a full set of aerodynamic spoilers (top and side). Additionally, chassis side fairings and elastic side spoiler extensions can be installed. At the same time, fuel economy is 1.5%. The price of a set of spoilers is 47,900 rubles, including VAT. The Italian concern IVECO considers the most economical tractor model to be IVECO STRALIS AS440S43T/P. It also has its own aerodynamic package, but we do not know any data on possible fuel savings due to reduced aerodynamic drag.
Astern
No matter how economical the tractor is, all its achievements in achieving fuel efficiency can be crossed out by the trailer. And if a tractor spoiler installed too low increases fuel consumption by about a liter for every hundred kilometers traveled, then the lack of an aerodynamic package on a trailer adds a couple more liters to it. We do not take into account such obvious mistakes as a tent that is poorly secured or not folded during idle driving, since these are typical mistakes of young, inexperienced drivers, and we assume that an experienced driver is behind the wheel.
However, let's return to the design of the trailer. The one that was attached to the Actros on the track at the Nardo training ground had edges rounded with a fairly large radius, as well as wheel fairings. Krone has taken a major step in improving the aerodynamics of semi-trailers. Its development - Profi Eco Liner with an original aerodynamic package made of plastic allows saving up to five percent of fuel. Equally important is the perfection of the trailer chassis. It, like the tractor axles, reduces fuel consumption.
Reserve from tank
As paradoxical as it may sound, the fuel efficiency of a road train also largely depends on the quality of the fuel itself. It’s no wonder that German engineers fueled the Actros 1844 with new Shell diesel fuel to achieve the best possible results.
During the experiment, the fuel truck was located at the site where the driver change was taking place to replenish the fuel supply in the tanks. The use of energy-saving oils also plays a major role in fuel economy (See Flight No. 4, 2007, “Energy Cocktail”). By the way, the engine of the Actros tractor was filled with Shell Rimula R6LME synthetic motor oil.
Subtleties of rolling
A significant reserve for fuel economy lies in the tires. Grandees of the tire industry produce so-called energy-saving tires. We have already demonstrated the effect of their use on the pages of the magazine (See “Flight” No. 6, 2007, “Rolling Energy”). However, even without spending money on modern cylinders, you can actually increase the efficiency of a road train using a simple method - maintaining the required pressure. Any deviation from the norm is reflected either in excessive fuel consumption (low pressure) or in the mileage of the tires and their grip on the road (high or low pressure). It’s not for nothing that in the special project of Race magazine - TyRex Trophy - we jealously monitor tire pressure. It is difficult to talk about how much fuel consumption will increase when the pressure drops from the norm by one amount or another.
It all depends on the design of the tires, the quality of the road surface and the load of the road train. As practice shows, a deviation of 0.2-0.5 atmospheres can increase fuel consumption by more than a liter per 100 km. And now let’s talk about how much fuel you can save by using modern energy-saving tires. A good example is the data from Michelin, which was obtained as a result of testing Michelin X ENERGY™ SAVEGREEN tires. With annual operation of a road train (mileage 130,000 km), savings can reach 500 liters of fuel per truck.
Human factor
And now that we have examined the main reserves of fuel economy, technically speaking, so to speak, let’s move on to the human factor. As practice shows, an experienced driver who has the skills to drive a road train economically can actually reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.
Compared to the means listed above, the difference is huge. It is not without reason that almost all major automakers have driving improvement centers, where experienced instructors not only introduce drivers to the features of cars, but also teach them how to use them correctly in terms of fuel economy. Correctly use the cruise control system, retarder, and gearbox. For example, the Daimler training center in Werth has been providing such advice for 40 years. True, this is not cheap - a one-day training program for one employee will cost €370. However, not every driver should be sent for training. Competent staff is at a premium these days, read Flight No. 10 2007. If you invest in an employee, you must be completely sure that the money will not only pay off, but also bring profit.
Due to the flexibility of planned routes, timely and fast delivery, cargo transportation by road is especially in demand. Cars are used for short and long distance freight transportation.
According to the international classification, it is usually divided into three categories N1, N2 and N3. N1 includes light-duty trucks with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons, N2 includes vehicles from 3.5 to 12 tons, vehicles with a total weight of over 12 tons form the N3 category.
Trucks can be classified into light, medium and heavy duty classes. Vehicles for cargo transportation are available with open or closed body types. Open ones, in turn, are divided into:
- on board,
- dump trucks,
- container sites,
- timber trucks,
Trucks with a closed body type are also divided into subclasses:
- tented,
- refrigerated
- isothermal van,
- tank.
The use of cars in cargo transportation is used when transporting goods to main modes of transport (seaports, airports, railway stations) and delivering them to the final consumer, when delivering various goods over short distances and in long-distance cargo transportation (including international), for intracity cargo transportation , transportation of goods in trade, construction, etc.
Reliability, efficiency, ease of use - these are the basic requirements for trucks. Price is also important. Or rather, not even the price, but its compliance with the high-quality layout of the car. Russian consumers use vehicles from domestic automakers for cargo transportation. They are unpretentious and have a low price compared to foreign analogues.
Light duty LCV trucks
The most popular light commercial vehicles (including pickups) are from the light commercial vehicles (LCV) category. It is this segment of the trucking vehicle market that accounts for the largest number of sales. The Russian manufacturer GAZ occupies almost half of the market in this niche; cars from the automobile companies Ford and Volkswagen are also in demand among Russian consumers.
GAZ-3302 "Gazelle"
Although sales of this flatbed truck with a payload of up to 1.5 tons have fallen, it still occupies a leading position in the Russian market in its class. You can buy a car from 780 thousand rubles. There are modifications with a three- and six-seat cabin. On the same chassis, in addition to the flatbed truck, versions of isothermal, manufactured goods and grain vans, as well as a flatbed Euro platform, are available.
An excellent choice for small business and in the field of cargo transportation, it is the clearest example of a delivery type of truck. The vehicle comes with a unit; the range of models includes all-wheel drive, which makes it convenient to deliver goods on all types of roads, including dirt roads.
Ford Transit
A reliable basis for running a successful cargo transportation business. The automaker offers various options for a truck chassis with add-ons. Three wheelbase options are available. Among the possible add-ons, the buyer can choose a manufactured goods van, an insulated van, an onboard version with an awning, or a self-service van.
Load capacity varies depending on the platform and can range from 1.1 to 2.1 tons. The total weight can also exceed 3.5 tons in some modifications and reach 4.5 tons. The price of a truck chassis without superstructures is from 1.061 million rubles.
Volkswagen Crafter
Based on the Volkswagen Crafter chassis, the German automaker offers consumers a variety of cargo, isothermal, sandwich-panel, manufactured goods, bread vans and flatbed tilt platforms, with a crane-manipulator, tow trucks and car transporters. And also all-metal vans, including refrigerators with refrigeration equipment.
For a Crafter cargo chassis with a single cab on a short wheelbase you will need to pay from 1.7 million rubles. The use of this truck allows you to achieve high payload capacity with an initially low curb weight. The total weight of the vehicle in various configurations varies from 3 to 5 tons.
Medium-duty CV trucks
Medium-duty trucks are used to transport fairly large cargo within a city or small area in a rural area. They are widely used in construction, including roads, agriculture, logistics of medium batches of various food and industrial goods, in urban municipal services, or serve as a base for the installation of a wide variety of superstructures.
The category of medium-duty vehicles consists of vehicles with a gross weight from 3.5 to 16 tons. Here, as in the previous case, the products of the Gorky Automobile Plant are in the lead. Medium-duty equipment from manufacturers such as Hyundai and Isuzu are in good demand among Russian consumers.
GAZ-3309
The GAZ-3309 flatbed truck with a diesel engine has a total weight of 8.18 tons and a load capacity of 4.5 tons. Almost the car can be found anywhere in Russia, so much so has it managed to win consumer recognition. The robust truck can be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily thanks to its three tailgates.
The manufacturer also produces a version with a seven-seater cabin, and also installs vans for various purposes for cargo transportation on the chassis of this vehicle. The most common superstructures are isothermal for perishable products that require a stable temperature during transportation, manufactured goods for goods such as furniture or household appliances (very convenient to use both for logistics and for organizing relocations), and bread vans for delivering bread and other baked goods to the shops. The cost of the basic version starts from 1.165 million rubles.
Trucks from the South Korean manufacturer are adapted for. The carrying capacity of this truck is about 8 tons, and the total weight is 12 tons. The vehicles are supplied with a tilt cargo platform, in the form of manufactured goods, insulated vans.
High sales are ensured by a good combination of reasonable price and high functionality. The price of a car starts at 2.8 million rubles.
Isuzu ELF 9.5
The functionality of this truck is impressive. In addition to the flatbed platform, manufactured goods, insulated van, the consumer can choose the options of a dump truck, tractor, tow truck, three options for the manipulator are offered (hydraulic and cable crane-manipulator, hydraulic manipulator) in addition to the loading platform.
All car add-ons are in demand in the market. The truck's load capacity is 6.5 tons, and its total weight is 9.5 tons. The onboard version can be purchased for 2.244 million rubles.
Large-capacity vehicles of the HCV category
The greatest demand among Russian consumers is for equipment for large-tonnage cargo transportation from automakers KamAZ, MAZ and MAN. The main area of application of such equipment is long-distance cargo transportation in large quantities.
KamAZ-6520
The load capacity of this dump truck is 20 tons, the total weight is 33 tons, and can transport a trailer up to 20 tons. The cost of such a vehicle for the transportation of bulk materials starts from 3.3 million rubles. An excellent solution for use in large-scale construction, for work in quarries, for cargo transportation in agriculture.
MAZ-5440 "Space"
MAZ produces vehicles that are ideal for both cargo transportation in harsh conditions and long-distance intercity and international cargo transportation of large quantities of commercial products. Thus, the latest modification of the MAZ-5440M9 truck tractor, for example, meets the environmental requirements of the Euro-6 standard. The innovative cabin design is in no way inferior to the best European models. Depending on the configuration, the car will cost 1.45–3.45 million rubles.
MAN TGS
An efficient and economical solution for long-distance freight transport, as well as for heavy distribution transport, is the MAN TGS tractor unit. Modern truck cabins are not only convenient to work with, but also comfortable for relaxing on the road. The total weight of the vehicle is from 18 to 44 tons. The cost is much higher than previous cars - from 5,100,000 rubles.
As we can see, cars from Russian automakers are firmly at the top of the vehicle sales rankings for cargo transportation. Of course, affordable price, unpretentiousness, reliability and high market presence do their job and allow machines from domestic manufacturers to maintain leading positions. Which vehicle do you think is the best for cargo transportation? We are waiting for your feedback.