Small Tanker Trucks in Hanoi: Myth or Reality?

“Wow, what a strange truck! It looks like a gourd,” a friend remarked when he first saw a small truck with a rounded tank driving down Nguyen Trai Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi. The nickname “gourd truck” stuck, a moniker both folksy and familiar. But what’s the real story behind these vehicles? Let’s explore with Hanoi Trucks!

What is a Gourd Truck?

“Gourd truck” is a playful nickname locals use for small tanker trucks, mini concrete mixer trucks, or water trucks and sewage trucks with rounded tanks that resemble a gourd – a symbol of luck and prosperity in Vietnamese folklore.

Small concrete mixer truck

However, not every tanker truck is called a “gourd truck.” The term usually applies to smaller vehicles, typically light trucks under 2.5 tons, that navigate narrow streets and alleys in cities and rural areas.

Advantages of Gourd Trucks

• Compact Design: Easy maneuverability in narrow roads and alleys, well-suited for Vietnamese traffic conditions.
• Versatile Cargo Capacity: Can transport various materials, from construction materials (sand, gravel, cement) and fresh water to waste.
• Affordability: Compared to other trucks, “gourd trucks” have lower purchase and operating costs, making them suitable for small businesses.
• High Flexibility: Can be used for various purposes, catering to diverse transportation needs.

Disadvantages of Gourd Trucks

Along with their advantages, “gourd trucks” also have some drawbacks:

• Limited Payload: Due to their compact size, “gourd trucks” typically have a low payload capacity, unsuitable for bulky or heavy cargo.
• Lower Durability: Frequent operation on challenging roads can reduce the lifespan of a “gourd truck.”

Gourd Trucks and Feng Shui

In Vietnamese folklore, the gourd symbolizes luck and prosperity. Many “gourd truck” drivers believe owning one brings good fortune and smooth sailing in their work. Nguyen Van Nam, a water truck driver in Cau Giay District, shared, “Since driving a gourd truck, my business has been much more prosperous.”

Sewage truck on a Hanoi street

However, Le Van Dung, a feng shui expert in Hanoi, cautions, “Whether a gourd-shaped truck brings luck depends on other factors like color, year of manufacture, and license plate number, not just its shape.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Gourd Trucks

1. What types of gourd trucks are there?

Various “gourd trucks” with different payloads and functions are available, including concrete mixer trucks, water trucks, and sewage trucks.

2. How much does a gourd truck cost?

Depending on payload, brand, and condition, the price can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of Vietnamese Dong.

3. Where can I buy a reliable gourd truck?

Consult reputable truck dealerships in Hanoi, such as Hanoi Trucks (website: xetaihanoi.edu.vn), for advice and selection.

How to Buy a Gourd Truck at Hanoi Trucks

To purchase a “gourd truck” at Hanoi Trucks, follow these steps:

1. Visit xetaihanoi.edu.vn or visit the Hanoi Trucks showroom at [showroom address].
2. Choose the “gourd truck” that suits your needs.
3. Contact a sales representative for assistance and a detailed quote.
4. Complete the purchase process and receive your truck.

Similar Products

Besides “gourd trucks,” Hanoi Trucks offers a wide range of other trucks:

• 100-seat bus: [link to 100-seat bus article]
• Canvas-covered trucks:
• Flatbed trucks:

Conclusion

The “gourd truck” is an efficient transportation solution, well-suited to Vietnamese traffic and user needs. We hope this article provided a better understanding of this unique vehicle. If you need a “gourd truck” or other trucks, contact Hanoi Trucks for expert advice and assistance.