Not every activity of a 3PL logistics business happens under a warehouse roof. Container yards, staging areas for oversized cargo and outdoor stuffing and stripping zones are where diesel and LPG forklifts remain hard to replace. This article focuses on outdoor and heavy-goods steps in the 3PL service chain and how to choose the STILL RX 70 and RCD for each.
When a 3PL operation needs combustion-engine trucks
Many logistics centres in Vietnam have both enclosed warehouses and a CFS yard or stuffing area. Outdoors, the surface may be uneven, the weather changeable, distances between container blocks long and the goods heavier than inside the warehouse: crated machinery, steel coils, timber bundles, stacked beverage pallets. These conditions call for trucks with strong traction, good ground clearance and fast refuelling for continuous work.
Inside enclosed storage, electric forklifts are usually the better choice because they produce no local emissions. A sensible split is therefore: diesel and LPG trucks for the yard and heavy goods, electric trucks inside the warehouse. If an area is covered but poorly ventilated, prefer electric trucks; see Electric vs diesel forklift.
STILL RX 70: versatile for staging yards and container stuffing
The RX 70 range covers 2.0 to 8.0 tonnes in three groups. The 2.0–3.5 t group comes in diesel and LPG versions, fitted with the STILL Performance System and the STILL Easy Control on-board computer. The manufacturer emphasises control when reversing in tight spaces, frequent ramp driving and changing operating conditions, exactly the situation next to a container being stuffed.
The 4.0–5.0 t and 6.0–8.0 t groups use a diesel-electric drive. STILL states that all drive components are encapsulated against dust and water, and explicitly mentions that customers in logistics and freight transport benefit too. The Blue-Q energy-saving mode reduces energy consumption by 10 percent without reducing performance, according to the manufacturer. Five driving programmes allow adjustment to operating conditions.
STILL RCD: when loads exceed 8 tonnes
For 3PL warehouses specialising in project cargo, machinery or heavy industrial goods, the RCD 10–18 t range handles loads of up to 18 tonnes. A notable point for bulky goods: when the forward view is blocked by the load, the entire driver’s workplace can rotate 180 degrees. A wide range of fork carriages and attachments allows many load types to be handled.
Selection table: diesel and LPG trucks by process step
| Process step | Suggested type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Palletised stuffing and stripping at the CFS yard | STILL RX 70 2.0–3.5 t (diesel or LPG) | Good control when reversing and on ramps, fuel chosen to match infrastructure |
| Heavy goods: stacked beverages, materials | STILL RX 70 4.0–5.0 t | Diesel-electric drive, encapsulated drive components |
| Machinery crates, project cargo | STILL RX 70 6.0–8.0 t | Up to 8 t capacity, high seat for an all-round view |
| Very heavy and bulky goods | STILL RCD 10–18 t | Up to 18 t capacity, driver’s workplace rotates 180 degrees |
Outdoor operating tips for a 3PL fleet
- Diesel or LPG: depends on refuelling infrastructure at the yard and whether trucks sometimes enter covered areas. Every option needs a ventilation assessment in line with current regulations.
- Tyres and yard surface: rough, potholed yards increase wear and vibration. Check tyres every shift using a pre-shift checklist.
- Actual capacity at the load centre: oversized goods often have a load centre further out than standard, which reduces permitted capacity. See How to choose forklift capacity.
- Service by operating hours: yard trucks work in dust and humidity, so the maintenance and repair schedule should track actual hours.
See the full range in the diesel and LPG forklifts category and the industry overview at solutions for 3PL logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Should diesel forklifts be used inside a 3PL warehouse?
Generally, diesel trucks should not be used routinely in an enclosed warehouse holding goods for many shippers, because of exhaust and ventilation requirements. Diesel and LPG trucks are best suited to the outdoor yard; inside the warehouse, use electric trucks.
How does the LPG RX 70 differ from the diesel version in operation?
The RX 70 2.0–3.5 t group is available in both versions. The choice depends mainly on refuelling infrastructure at the yard and the requirements of the working area. Our engineers will advise after a site survey.
Which truck for loads above 8 tonnes?
The STILL RCD 10–18 t range handles loads of up to 18 tonnes. For goods with a large load centre, check the load chart of the specific configuration before deciding.
Get advice and a quote
To choose between the STILL RX 70 2.0–3.5 t, STILL RX 70 4.0–5.0 t or STILL RCD for your yard, send a request via the request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.