Why Choosing the Right Body Type Matters

The truck body is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your fleet. Get the specification right and it becomes a silent productivity tool — easy to load, compliant with road rules, and perfectly matched to your freight. Get it wrong and you’re fighting your own equipment every day. At VN Truck Bodies, we work with businesses across Melbourne and Victoria to spec and build bodies that actually fit the job. Here’s a practical overview of the most common body types and when to use each.

Flat Tray & Drop-Side Tray Bodies

The flat tray is the workhorse of the Australian transport industry. It’s versatile, easy to load from any direction, and suits a huge range of freight including machinery, building materials, and general cargo. Drop-side bodies add hinged side rails for even more loading flexibility. Best for: earthmoving operators, builders, agricultural businesses, and general freight.

Curtainsider Bodies

Curtainsiders offer covered protection with maximum loading flexibility. The sliding curtains allow side and rear access, making them ideal for palletised freight and time-critical deliveries. Best for: logistics companies, retailers, and businesses with frequent multi-drop deliveries.

Tipper Bodies

Built for bulk materials like soil, gravel, sand, mulch, and demolition waste, tipper bodies are a staple in civil, construction, and landscaping. They come in single-axle, tandem, and semi-trailer configurations. Best for: earthworks, civil contractors, landscapers, and waste removal operators.

Pantec / Van Bodies

Enclosed pantec bodies keep freight secure and protected from weather. They’re commonly used for furniture removals, refrigerated goods, and high-value cargo. Best for: removal companies, food distribution, general freight requiring weather protection.

Refrigerated / Temperature-Controlled Bodies

Reefer bodies maintain precise temperature ranges for food, pharmaceutical, and perishable freight. They require specialised insulation, internal cladding, and refrigeration unit integration. Best for: food distributors, caterers, pharmacies, and cold chain logistics.

Custom Builds

Not every job fits a standard body. At VN Truck Bodies, we regularly build one-off custom solutions — multi-compartment service bodies for tradies, specialised livestock carriers, hydraulic lift platforms, and more. If you can describe the job, we can build the body for it.

Talk to Us Before You Buy

Before you commit to a body type, talk to our experienced team. We’ll ask the right questions about your freight, your routes, your loading environment, and your compliance requirements — and help you make a decision that serves your business for years to come.

Contact VN Truck Bodies: 03 9798 2573 | 17 Cambria Road, Keysborough VIC 3173.