A truck is a vehicle specifically designed for carrying cargo. Trucks vary in power, size, weight capacity and use. There are a few ranges of lightweight trucks whose mechanics are similar to that of automobiles. Commercial trucks can be very large and powerful and may be configured to mount specialized equipment such as with concrete mixers and the likes in case of being used for construction purposes. Generally, Heavy duty trucks have a different build up inside and require special licensing.
What type of truck you drive solely depends upon your license and eligibility for driving different types of trucks. Apart from the difference in the size of the trucks, experience in driving plays a major role in determining a truck driver’s career.
An HC (Heavy Combination) is a truck or prime mover towing 1 trailer. The driver is required to hold an MR or HR license for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for driving an HC truck.
Major logistics companies require HC trucks as well as small delivery companies. Having Australian working rights is a must for those seeking hc driving jobs in Melbourne.
The various differences between HC trucks and the other trucks are:
- Vehicle Built
A heavy combination truck has a more than eight tonnes GVM towing either one trailer or a semi-trailer. On the other hand, an MR class truck is a medium rigid truck or bus with two axles and an HR class truck is a heavy rigid truck or bus with two axles. Road damage and wear increase with the increase in axle weight. The number of steering axles and the suspension type also plays a role in influencing the amount of the road damage.
Small commercial trucks are usually designed the same way cars and other automobiles are. They have either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission with synchronizers. Heavy combination trucks frequently use manual transmissions without synchronizers, thereby saving bulk and weight.
- Size
Light trucks are used as pickup trucks generally in Australia where their size is as much as of that of a van.
Medium trucks are larger than light but comparatively smaller than heavy trucks. They are mostly used for local delivery and public services such as garbage trucks and fire engines.
Heavy Combination trucks are the largest on-road trucks. These comprise of professional applications such as heavy dump trucks, concrete pump trucks, and refuse hauling.
- License
In Australia, a truck driver’s license is a must for any motor vehicle with a GVM greater than 9,900lb. There are two main combinations of GVM. The first one is HC i.e. a heavy combination and the second one MC i.e. multi combination.
The different classes of license are light, medium and heavy rigid. Firstly and most importantly, the eligibility for HC truck driving jobs Melbourne requires the driver to hold an MR or HR license for 12 months in order to get an HC truck license.
- Weight Limit
Where Light trucks can weigh up to 14,000 pounds, medium trucks weigh 14,001 to 26,000 pounds. A heavy combination truck weighs well over 33,000 pounds. Thus, heavy combinations trucks not only weigh more but also are comparatively difficult to drive.
- Pay
HC trucks are more expensive and have more features than its other counterparts. Payment is competitive and comparatively higher for HC truck drivers as well than for the others. This is mainly because one requires a heavy rigid license for driving these trucks.
