What Is A Roll-Off Truck And How Is It Different From A Dumpster Truck?
Day in and day out, the waste management business relies on roll-off trucks and dumpster trucks to get the job done. While both play important roles in the job, these two types of trucks have entirely different functions, different designs, and different capacities that you should know.
A roll-off truck is a special vehicle made to move large waste containers (also known as roll-off dumpsters). These containers have a high volume capacity and are easy to load and unload, which makes them a huge help on construction and demolition sites. The name "roll-off" comes from the way the container is loaded onto and off the truck: it literally rolls off the bed of the vehicle.
A dumpster truck, by comparison, is usually reserved for front-load or rear-load dumpsters. These are smaller, lidded waste containers that typically stay on the site (unlike roll-off dumpsters that come and go with the roll-off trucks). These containers get emptied regularly by the dumpster truck, but they're intended to end up back in their designated space right after.
Different types of roll-off trucks
There are three main types of roll-off trucks, each used for a different kind of job. Hooklift trucks are common for smaller projects in tight spaces because they allow the driver to load or unload without leaving the cab. Cable hoist trucks, on the other hand, are built for heavier loads and use a cable system to pull the container onto the bed. This makes them more ideal for demolition sites.
The third type, Ampliroll trucks, uses a hybrid system that combines features of both hooklift and cable hoist trucks. Though they're a lot more expensive, they give you faster loading and greater flexibility (a huge plus in fast-paced or highly specialized operations).
No matter the type, roll-off trucks are built for mobility and volume. These containers come in a wide range of sizes, anywhere from 10 to 40 yards. The open-top design makes loading easy. That's a huge plus for construction crews using backhoes or excavators.
Which type is better for the job: A roll-off truck or a dumpster truck?
Choosing between a roll-off truck and a dumpster truck depends entirely on the nature and scale of the project. For a one-time project like a major renovation, commercial teardown, or storm cleanup, a roll-off truck is probably going to be the most efficient choice. It can handle oversized loads and bulky materials without needing to make tons of trips, saving you both time and labor.
On the contrary, if you'll need continuous, routine waste disposal (say you're dealing with a restaurant, office building, or apartment complex), a traditional dumpster truck is going to be the better bet. These trucks are built to handle routine pickups and can empty multiple dumpsters in a single route. In short, Roll-off trucks offer more flexibility and greater volume handling for temporary projects, while dumpster trucks are better suited for routine, scheduled waste disposal.