Curtain Vans

Curtain side trailer 

Curtain vans, Also known as curtainsiders or curtain side trailers have a flatbed deck, a bulkhead (the front wall), and vertical elements that support an aluminum roof. The sides are made of a durable vinyl that can be retracted to provide access to the sides of the trailer. The rear is generally equipped with either hinged doors or a roll-up door.

At first glance, a curtain van looks pretty similar to a dry van, but it's much more closely related to a flatbed. Typically, curtain vans are used for local or regional deliveries. The driver usually has multiple stops to make and needs an efficient way to offload the freight in a variety of circumstances.

Cargo: In the United States, typically, at least some of the load is relatively long and needs to be protected from the elements. Hardwood lumber, plumbing supplies, and raw steel are often delivered in curtainsiders.

Loading: These units are usually loaded inside a warehouse with a forklift.

Securing: The load is secured to the deck using ratchet straps.

Unloading: Usually, the receiver unloads the truck using a forklift, but hand unloading is also common at small manufacturing companies and construction sites.

Curtain van partially open

Straight truck equipped with a curtainside body

All original art by David Swift