Opening the side of the body gives forklifts access along much of the deck, which can make curtain-siders useful at sites without a rear loading bay. The required internal height, deck length, payload and whether roof access is needed should still be stated for the individual consignment.
Safe suitability depends on how the goods are packaged, positioned and restrained. Standard curtains mainly provide weather protection; they are not automatically load-bearing. Tell us about pallets, stillages, long items, sharp edges and any equipment supplied by the loading site so the operator can assess the job properly.
Operational considerations
Details that materially affect the movement
Side and rear access
The body can support flexible forklift loading, but the proposed loading direction and safe working space at each site must be confirmed.
General-freight utility
Palletised goods, packaged materials and other compatible dry freight may suit this body when dimensions, weight and restraint are properly declared.
Restraint is separate
Curtains are not a default restraint system, so straps, blocking, positive fit and other measures must be considered for the actual load.
Prepare the brief
Information to provide
- Give pallet or item dimensions, total weight and centre-of-gravity concerns.
- Confirm side, rear or overhead loading at both locations.
- State whether straps, edge protectors, anti-slip material or dunnage are needed.
- Check site clearance and safe forklift access before the vehicle arrives.
Relevant examples
Typical planning scenarios
- Palletised packaging materials loaded from the side at a manufacturing site.
- Bagged or boxed products secured for a direct factory-to-warehouse movement.
- Long packaged components requiring declared deck length and careful restraint planning.
Examples describe legitimate use cases, not currently available loads, trucks or quoted prices.
Current official sources
Common questions
What to establish before moving forward
Is a tautliner different from a curtain-sider?
The terms are commonly used for the same general body style. Exact construction and certification still vary, so suitability must be checked against the specific vehicle.
Do the curtains secure palletised goods?
Not by default. DVSA guidance explains that standard curtain-sided bodies are mainly weather protection. The goods need an appropriate restraint method for their weight and arrangement.
Can a part load travel in a curtain-sider?
Yes when it can be positioned, segregated and restrained safely alongside compatible freight. Unused deck space does not remove the need to prevent movement in every direction.