--- title: "tilt-bed truck: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "A tilt-bed truck has a bed that tilts down toward the ground. A winch pulls a container onto or off the bed." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/tilt-bed-truck publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Delivery equipment # tilt-bed truck A tilt-bed truck has a bed that tilts down toward the ground. A winch pulls a container onto or off the bed. It places a 20 ft or 40 ft container on the ground without a crane or forklift. It is the most common delivery truck in portable storage. ## Why it matters The tilt-bed truck is the main delivery tool in portable storage. The truck backs into position, the bed tilts and a winch slides the container to the ground. Operators like it because it needs no on-site lifting gear. It needs space, though. A long box needs a long straight run behind the truck, plus firm, level ground and clear overhead space. A common mistake is to book delivery without checking the path. Wet ground, low wires, tight turns and slopes can stop a delivery. Customers should mark the spot, clear the path and be on site. Operators should confirm access before they dispatch. [Read: Container delivery equipment: Tilt-bed, roll-off, side-loader, and crane trucks](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/container-delivery-equipment) Definition source: [supercubes.com](https://www.supercubes.com/blog/container-delivery-basics-tilt-bed-flat-bed-or-chassis) ## Related terms [### winch A winch is a mechanical device that pulls in or lets out a rope or cable on a drum. On a tilt-bed truck, a winch pulls a container up onto the bed or lets it slide down to the ground in a controlled way.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/winch)[### roll-off truck A roll-off truck is a truck with a cable hoist and tilting rails that pulls a container or dumpster onto its frame and rolls it off. Roll-off trailers also exist. Some operators use them to move storage containers. It is common in waste hauling and some container work.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/roll-off-truck)[### side loader A side loader is a trailer with two lifting arms that picks up a container, carries it and sets it on the ground or on another trailer. It can lift from the side, so it needs less room at the front or back.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/side-loader)[### flatbed truck A flatbed truck has a flat, level bed with no sides or roof. It can be a rigid truck or a tractor with a trailer. A flatbed can haul a container but needs a crane or forklift at the drop site to unload it.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/flatbed-truck)[### delivery access Delivery access is the space and route a truck needs to reach the drop spot. It includes the road, driveway, gates, turning room and overhead clearance. XCaliber Container gives a guide of about 10 feet of width on each side of the container and 13 feet of overhead clearance.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/delivery-access)[### overhead clearance Overhead clearance is the free vertical space above a road or drop site. Trees, power lines, bridges and roof edges limit it. A delivery truck and container need enough clear height to travel and tilt without contact. Check it along the full route.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/overhead-clearance) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)