Why do EU trucks use side tarps?

I can't give an official answer, but as someone who has lived in Europe a long time I would say its just to do with lack of space at shippers, there are many places drivers need to park alongside rather than back up, and get unloaded via the curtains / tarps.

Don't forget most cities in Europe are hundreds of years old, and the streets were designed for horse transport. Unloading out the side of a truck seems to be the usual system from what i see.

But hey, I'm not a trucker just a truckers wife, so maybe a European trucker here can give a better answer?

 

We use them in South Africa as well.Access and speed for loading and off loading that all.Don't need a dock and can use 2 or three fork lifts a a time.When doing multi drops no need to plan too much.No last in first out only.Not very secure though so not for parking in risky areas.

 

That's true, I had forgotten about the speed factor when unlodaing.
Many downtown stores have on-street unloading bays only, and there is a time limit of 20 minutes. Its enforced by cameras and traffic cops.
Realistically this can only be done with more than one forklift!

 

I don't drive here in Italy but I did in the states so I like to watch what goes on over here. From what I've seen the trucks are almost all cabovers and they are shorter than the US trucks. It is amazing some of the places they unload those things at,and some of the roads they have to travel. Most of the time they off load where ever they can and the side tarps do make it easier. But they don't seem to be real big on load securement.

 

securing is more time, and time is $$$$$$$.

 

because with them we are able to carry dry goods and also bigger stuff as if it is almost a flatbed, since we can open both sides completely and also the rooftop almost completely.
It can be usefull in tight places as it gives us more ways to download.
It's cheaper and faster to fix if it gets damaged and that can happen easily in our tight roads.
Security it's not really a problem for us because we transport plastic and cardboard so sometimes while i sleep they cut the curtain to see what's inside and leave. They also sell armoured curtains whit steel wires inside. But here in Italy if you are hauling food or whatever has a value especially new tires or electronics doesen'r really matter if it's a box or curtainsider because northern italy it's not a problem but in south italy better keep driving at night and not stopping for any reasons.

 

Dry vans are usually for dedicated terminal work.

 

we have the taught liners here in the U.S. Also they are used alot up here around Portland and seattle areas.