Curtainside trucks are a mainstay of the UK's haulage and distribution industry, offering the flexibility to load and unload goods from the side or rear of the vehicle. They're particularly useful for transporting palletised freight, packaged goods and other loads that require easy access throughout the working day.
If you're replacing a curtainsider, changing your distribution arrangements or selling a vehicle that's no longer needed, FleetMKT can help you bring it to market. Our online auction platform connects commercial vehicle sellers with potential buyers across the UK, allowing you to sell your truck while it remains at your own premises.
From smaller distribution vehicles to larger rigid curtainsiders, FleetMKT provides a straightforward way to advertise surplus commercial vehicles.
Have a curtainside truck to sell? Create your FleetMKT listing and reach buyers looking for used HGVs.
Why Curtainside Trucks Appeal To Commercial Buyers
The appeal of a curtainside truck lies in its flexibility.
Unlike a fully enclosed box body, a curtainsider allows operators to access the load from either side of the vehicle. This can be particularly useful when loading pallets with a forklift, delivering goods to multiple locations or handling cargo that would be difficult to move through rear doors alone.
They're widely used by pallet distribution networks, manufacturers, wholesalers, builders' merchants and general haulage businesses.
For buyers, finding the right curtainsider often comes down to the type of loads they'll be carrying and the facilities available at their delivery locations.
A smaller curtainside truck may be ideal for regional deliveries, while a larger rigid vehicle could suit businesses moving heavier palletised loads between distribution centres and customer premises.
When selling, providing a clear description of your truck's load capacity, body dimensions and loading arrangements can help buyers understand where it might fit into their operation.
What Makes Your Curtainsider Worth Buying?
Two curtainside trucks with similar mileage and registration dates can have very different specifications.
Vehicles based on the DAF LF and XD, Mercedes-Benz Atego, Iveco Eurocargo and MAN TGL or TGM are commonly used for distribution work, while larger rigid models can provide additional carrying capacity for more demanding operations.
Buyers will often want to know the vehicle's gross weight, axle configuration, payload and usable load dimensions. The body manufacturer and any specialist equipment fitted may also influence their decision.
If your curtainsider has a tail lift, include its rated lifting capacity and any available examination records. A tail lift can be particularly useful for operators making deliveries to premises without loading bays or forklift facilities.
Other features worth highlighting include internal load restraint systems, adjustable roof heights, sliding roofs and any additional loading equipment.
The more accurately you describe the vehicle, the easier it becomes for buyers to assess whether it meets their requirements.
Pay Attention To The Curtains And Bodywork
The curtainside body is one of the most important areas to document when preparing your truck for sale.
Curtains are exposed to regular handling, weather and general wear, so buyers will be interested in their condition. Tears, damaged buckles, worn tensioners and problems with the curtain tracks can all affect how practical the vehicle is to use.
The load bed also deserves attention. Flooring can experience considerable wear from pallets, forklifts and heavy goods, particularly on vehicles used for intensive distribution work.
Before listing your truck, it's worth checking the condition of the roof, rear doors, body structure and load securing equipment.
Photograph the vehicle with the curtains both open and closed, allowing potential buyers to see the load area and the condition of the body. Include close-ups of any damage or repairs, along with images of the cab, chassis and tyres.
A detailed description of the vehicle's maintenance history, mileage, MOT status and any known mechanical issues will help complete the listing.
Selling A Curtainsider After A Fleet Change
Distribution businesses regularly review their vehicle requirements as contracts, delivery volumes and customer locations change.
You may be replacing an older curtainside truck with a newer model, moving to a different body configuration or reducing fleet capacity following the completion of a contract.
For some operators, changes to loading arrangements or the types of goods being transported can make an otherwise useful curtainsider surplus to requirements.
Selling that vehicle can release capital and reduce the costs associated with keeping an unused truck at your depot.
FleetMKT allows you to advertise your curtainsider through an online auction while it remains at your premises. Registered buyers can browse the listing and place bids, with payment processed through the platform following a successful sale.
Once payment has been completed, the buyer arranges collection directly with you. A secure collection code confirms the handover and triggers the release of your payment.
For fleet managers disposing of several vehicles, this avoids the need to transport each truck to an external auction centre.
How Much Does It Cost To Sell A Curtainside Truck?
FleetMKT charges a fixed seller fee of £225 + VAT for a successful HGV sale. If your curtainside truck doesn't sell, there's no seller fee to pay.
Whether you're selling one truck or several vehicles as part of a fleet replacement programme, the fixed fee makes it easier to understand your selling costs.
For further details about the process, visit our How Selling Works guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a curtainside truck with damaged curtains?
Yes. Used curtainsiders may have wear or damage to their curtains, particularly after years of distribution work. Describe any tears, damaged fastenings or other issues clearly and include photographs so buyers can assess the condition.
Should I include the internal load dimensions?
Yes. Internal length, width and height are particularly useful for buyers transporting palletised goods or bulky loads. Accurate dimensions help them determine whether the truck is suitable for their operation.
Can I sell a curtainsider with a tail lift?
Yes. A tail lift can be valuable to operators delivering goods to locations without dedicated loading equipment. Include its lifting capacity, condition and any available inspection or maintenance documentation.
What's the difference between a curtainside truck and a box truck?
A curtainside truck has flexible side curtains that can be opened for loading and unloading, while a box truck has a rigid, enclosed body. Curtainsiders are particularly useful for side-loading palletised goods, while box trucks offer a fully enclosed load compartment.
Ready To Sell Your Curtainside Truck?
Whether your curtainsider has completed years of distribution work or is being replaced as part of a wider fleet change, FleetMKT can help you reach buyers looking for practical used commercial vehicles.
List your curtainside truck on FleetMKT and put it in front of potential buyers across the UK.
List Your Curtainside Truck