Trucks for Sale in Argentina: 6x4 Tractor Units and Refrigerated Semi-Trailers
Looking for reliable trucks for sale in Argentina? You might run a meat transport company that serves the frigoríficos of Buenos Aires province and Santa Fe, carry fruit from the Alto Valle to the port, or move grain and dairy from the Pampas to Rosario. In each case, Schaften Automotive is your European partner for trucks, commercial vehicles and complete fleet solutions. From our headquarters in the Netherlands, we supply 6x4 tractor units from Mercedes-Benz, MAN, IVECO, Scania and other leading European brands, combined with refrigerated semi-trailers built to your specifications. We arrange everything from A to Z, so you receive a complete combination that is ready for work.
More Than a Supplier: Your Sparring Partner from A to Z
Argentina places unusual demands on a truck. Distances are enormous, with more than 1,900 kilometres between Buenos Aires and Mendoza and more than 3,000 kilometres to Ushuaia. The north of the country sees summer temperatures above 45°C, Patagonia brings strong winds and frost, and the Andes passes towards Chile demand power on the climbs and reliable braking on the descents. On top of that, rural roads to farms and packing stations turn to mud in the rainy season. A reefer also has to hold its temperature from the loading dock to the port, sometimes for two days without interruption.
That is why we start by understanding your operation: what you transport, which routes you drive, which temperatures you need to maintain and how intensively your equipment is used. Based on that, we advise you on the right 6x4 configuration and the refrigerated semi-trailer that fits. Once you have made your choice, we take care of the rest: bodybuilding and trailer specification, export documentation, support with homologation and registration, and transport to Argentina. You have one point of contact for the entire process.
6x4 Tractor Units: Why This Configuration Suits Argentina
A 6x4 tractor unit has two driven rear axles. That gives you extra traction, a higher permitted axle load and better stability than a 4x2, which matters in Argentine conditions:
- Heavy combinations. Argentina allows long and heavy configurations, including bitrén combinations that are considerably heavier than a standard semi-trailer combination. A 6x4 is built for those gross weights.
- Unpaved access roads. Farms, feedlots, packing stations and fishing ports are often reached over gravel or dirt roads. Two driven axles keep you moving in mud and loose surfaces.
- Mountain routes. On the Andes crossings towards Chile and on routes through Salta and Jujuy, a 6x4 with enough torque and a retarder gives you control on long climbs and descents.
- Durability. A heavier drivetrain and rear suspension suffer less wear on long distances and poor road surfaces, which lowers your cost per kilometre.
We supply 6x4 tractor units such as the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs, the MAN TGX and TGS, the Scania R-series and the IVECO S-Way. Depending on your routes, we advise you on engine power, rear axle ratio, suspension, retarder, fuel tank capacity and cabin specification for long-distance drivers.
Refrigerated Semi-Trailers for Meat and Agricultural Products
The semi-trailer is where your cargo is protected. We have refrigerated semi-trailers built by specialised European trailer manufacturers and bodybuilders, specified for Argentine conditions and for your product.
Meat Transport: Hanging and Palletised
Argentina is one of the world’s leading beef producers and exporters. Transport from the frigoríficos to the ports and to domestic distribution requires reefers that hold a stable temperature and meet hygiene requirements. We supply semi-trailers with hanging meat rail systems for carcasses and quarters, and smooth, hygienic interior finishes with stainless steel protection and easy cleaning. Options include reinforced floors, drainage, double-deck loading for palletised boxed meat and multi-temperature compartments for chilled and frozen loads in one trip.
Fruit, Vegetables and Fresh Produce
The Alto Valle in Río Negro and Neuquén produces apples and pears, Mendoza and San Juan produce grapes and wine, Tucumán produces lemons and the Cuyo and Patagonia regions supply a wide range of fresh produce for export. These loads need precise temperature control, good air circulation and sometimes controlled ventilation. We specify the cooling unit, insulation thickness and air ducting so the product arrives in the same condition in which it was loaded.
Dairy, Fish and Frozen Products
The dairy basins of Santa Fe and Córdoba, and the fishing ports of Mar del Plata, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia, require reliable deep-freeze capacity. For frozen loads down to low temperatures in high ambient heat, we specify heavy-duty cooling units, thicker insulation and tropical specifications, so the unit does not have to run at its limit all day.
Specified for Argentine Conditions
Whatever your product, we adapt the trailer to the environment:
- cooling units with sufficient reserve capacity for ambient temperatures above 45°C in the north;
- extra insulation to keep temperature stable on multi-day routes;
- robust running gear, reinforced chassis and suitable tyres for gravel roads and farm access;
- corrosion protection for coastal and port operations;
- temperature recording systems, which are essential for export loads and food safety requirements.
Other Equipment for Argentine Transport Companies
Many of our customers combine refrigerated transport with other work. Alongside 6x4 tractor units and reefers, we can arrange:
- grain and tipping semi-trailers for soy, maize and wheat from the Pampas to the Gran Rosario port complex;
- curtainsiders and flatbeds for bagged goods, machinery and general cargo;
- tankers for milk collection, fuel and liquids;
- tippers and construction vehicles for mining in San Juan, Santa Cruz and Catamarca, for Vaca Muerta related work and for infrastructure projects;
- container chassis for port and intermodal transport.
Mercedes-Benz, MAN, IVECO, Scania & More
Our range covers the leading European commercial vehicle brands:
- Mercedes-Benz: the Actros and Arocs, known for their durability and strong drivetrains.
- MAN: the TGX and TGS, with powerful engines for heavy combinations.
- IVECO: the S-Way and X-Way, for long-distance and mixed on and off road work.
- Scania: a popular choice for long-distance transport and heavy combinations.
Other brands are available on request. Argentina drives on the right, so European left-hand-drive trucks are a natural fit, and all of these brands are represented in the Argentine market with service networks. Not sure which brand or configuration suits your operation best? We compare the options with you objectively, based on your routes, loads, budget and service requirements.
How We Arrange Your Purchase from A to Z
Step 1: Consultation and Advice
We discuss your routes, loads, temperature requirements, weights and budget. As your sparring partner, we think ahead with you and point out options you may not have considered, such as the right axle ratio for mountain routes or the cooling capacity you need in the north.
Step 2: Selection and Configuration
We select the right 6x4 tractor units and specify the refrigerated semi-trailers with our trailer partners. You receive a clear proposal with specifications, pricing and planning. Before you commit, we check with you which Argentine import and homologation requirements apply.
Step 3: Building and Technical Preparation
The trailers are built to your specifications by specialised European manufacturers. We oversee quality and planning, and arrange any technical modifications to the tractor units.
Step 4: Documentation, Homologation Support and Customs
We prepare the export documents and shipping paperwork, including the European Certificate of Conformity and the technical documentation your importer needs for the LCM and LCA homologation licences. We also coordinate with your customs broker in Argentina so import clearance runs as smoothly as possible.
Step 5: Transport and Shipping to Argentina
We organise transport to the port of departure and shipping to Argentina, usually to Buenos Aires or Zárate. Depending on the equipment, this can be by RoRo, container or break bulk. We keep you informed at every stage until your equipment arrives.
Ready to Strengthen Your Fleet in Argentina?
You may need one 6x4 tractor unit with a reefer or a complete fleet for a meat, fruit or agricultural transport operation. Either way, Schaften Automotive is ready to help. Tell us what you need and our specialists will advise you personally and prepare a tailored proposal, with no obligation.
Robert Brand
Sales Executive
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucks for Sale in Argentina
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Which 6x4 tractor units and refrigerated semi-trailers can I buy through Schaften Automotive?
We supply 6x4 tractor units from Mercedes-Benz, MAN, IVECO, Scania and other leading European brands, including the Actros, Arocs, TGX, TGS, Scania R-series and IVECO S-Way. We combine these with refrigerated semi-trailers built by specialised European manufacturers, specified for your product. That can be hanging meat rails for carcasses, double-deck loading for boxed meat, multi-temperature compartments or heavy-duty deep-freeze units for fish and frozen goods. We advise you on the combination that fits your routes and loads best.
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Can I import a used truck or trailer into Argentina?
Argentina restricts the import of used vehicles. Under Decree 110/99, used motor vehicles may in principle not be nationalised, with exceptions for certain special purpose vehicles on an official list that the government has expanded several times. Standard road tractor units are generally not covered by those exceptions. For that reason, our offer for Argentina focuses on new equipment. Before you commit to anything, we check the current rules for your specific vehicle together with you and your customs broker, so you never buy something that cannot be registered.
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Which documents and licences do I need to register a truck in Argentina?
To register a vehicle with the DNRPA, the vehicle needs a Licencia para Configuración de Modelo (LCM) and a Licencia para Configuración Ambiental (LCA). These homologation licences are held by the manufacturer or importer and cover safety, emissions and noise requirements. For the import itself, you need a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, export documents and a certificate of origin, and your customs broker files the import declaration. Schaften Automotive supplies the European Certificate of Conformity and the technical documentation needed for homologation, and coordinates with your importer and customs broker.
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What are the import costs for a truck or trailer in Argentina?
Vehicles imported from outside Mercosur are subject to the common external tariff, plus VAT and other taxes and fees that apply on import. The exact rates depend on the tariff classification of the vehicle and on the rules in force, which have changed several times in recent years. Your Argentine customs broker can calculate the total landed cost before you commit. We provide a clear invoice with a correct vehicle description, so the classification and customs value can be determined without discussion.
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Can Schaften Automotive supply a complete fleet of tractor units and reefers?
Absolutely. We regularly supply multiple vehicles for transport companies, exporters and agricultural businesses. We help you plan the right mix of 6x4 tractor units, refrigerated semi-trailers and other equipment such as grain trailers or tankers. We align delivery with your season or project schedule and coordinate trailer building, documentation and shipping for the whole fleet. You have one point of contact throughout, and we remain available for fleet expansions or follow-up orders.