How a curtain-side truck is loaded and secured

If you have seen one of our trucks, you have seen a curtain-side body: a flat deck with a roof, a closed rear end and heavy blue curtains along the sides. Here is why that matters for your load.

What a curtain-side truck is

A curtain-side truck has a flat deck with strong fabric curtains on the sides. The curtains slide open along the full length of the truck. A traditional box truck can only be loaded from the back, but a curtain-sider can be loaded from the side too.

Why that helps

• A forklift can place pallets from the side, which is faster at a busy dock.
• Long or wide items fit more easily than through a rear door.
• The load is protected from rain and dust once the curtains are closed.
• Loading and offloading is quicker, so the truck spends less time waiting.

How the load is arranged

A good load is planned before the first pallet goes on:

1. Heavy items go on the bottom and towards the front.
2. Weight is spread across the deck so the truck handles properly.
3. Pallets and furniture are packed tightly so there are no gaps for items to slide into.
4. Everything is strapped down with ratchet straps before the curtains are closed.

What can go wrong with a poor load

A load that shifts on a corner or under braking can damage the goods, the truck, or worse. This is why we only move loads that are stable and strapped, and why we ask you to wrap pallets and box small items.

What this means for your quote

When you ask for a quote, tell us how the goods are packed: on pallets, in boxes, loose furniture or machinery. Photos help us plan how to load and what straps to use.

Is a curtain-sider right for you?

It suits pallets, boxed goods, furniture and equipment, in loads from 1 to 10 ton.