Articulated Vehicles
Around Singapore, the more commonly seen trailers on the roads are usually 20 footer container trailers and 40 footer container trailers which are considered to be articulated vehicles as they are made in 2 separate sections and are hinged together. There are also many different types of trailers available in Singapore and the ideal type will depend on the purpose of use.
Rigid Frame Vehicles
Rigid frame vehicles are slightly different from articulated vehicles as they are not separated into 2 sections. A more commonly used term that is simple to understand would be a lorry which do not have 2 separate sections.
Why is it important to know the difference?
As we know some buildings are built in a way that allows trailers to ramp up to certain levels while some buildings are built to allow ramp up to all levels and have direct vehicle access to your warehouse or factory unit. For some buildings, loading and unloading can also be done at the loading and unloading bays on the ground level.
It can be important to understand the difference between articulated vehicles and rigid frame vehicles because for certain developments, there may be difference in the turning radius when going up the ramp.
Some developments can allow trailers to go all the way up the ramp while some can only allow rigid frame vehicles to ramp up.
Articulated vehicles (i.e trailer with 20 feet container) usually require a slightly wider ramp than rigid frame vehicles (i.e 20 feet lorry).
How to identify which vehicles can Ramp Up?
Usually, the developers or architects would be able to advise how wide is the ramp and the turning radius of the ramp as they would have access to the specifications of the building.
The builder will also be able to advise what kinds of vehicles can drive up the ramp according to the building specifications.