Vehicle Guide

7.5t Trucks
A 7.5t truck is a versatile and widely used vehicle in UK transport companies. It is commonly used for local and regional deliveries, especially in areas where larger HGVs face access restrictions. These trucks are ideal for parcel delivery, retail distribution, and palletised goods, making them a popular choice for businesses needing a balance between payload capacity and manoeuvrability. Their size allows them to navigate urban areas more efficiently while still offering a substantial load capacity

Average Pallet Capacity:

This type of truck can usually carry up to 10 Euro pallets or 8 UK pallets, depending on the internal dimensions.

Average Internal Dimensions:

The average internal dimensions of a 7.5t truck are 6.0m (length) x 2.2m (width) x 2.4m (height). However, it's important to note that internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model.

Average Payload:

The average payload capacity of a 7.5t truck is approximately 3,500kg. However, this may vary based on the weight of the truck itself, the type of cargo being carried, and any additional equipment or accessories installed.

Average External Dimensions:

The average external dimensions of a 7.5t truck are 8.0m (length) x 2.5m (width) x 3.5m (height). Again, these dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Types of Body:

7.5t trucks are commonly available with box bodies that have rear or side access, as well as curtain-side bodies that provide easy loading and unloading of cargo. Flatbed options are also available for transportation of larger and heavier items.

Types of Taillift:

There are different types of tail lifts available for 7.5t trucks, including column lifts, tuckaway lifts, and cantilever lifts. The weight capacity of these lifts usually ranges from 500kg to 1500kg.

Maximum Mileage in One Day:

The maximum mileage that can be driven in one day varies based on the driver, and the type of journey normally you would aim for 200-300 miles. its the law that drivers take a break after driving for a maximum of 4.5 hours and not exceed 9 hours of driving in one day. It's important to follow the laws and regulations related to driver's hours and rest period.

18t Truck

An 18-ton truck, is a one of the larger rigid HGV’s on UK roads. Popular for going to sites where there is no artic access but a reasonable payload and pallet capacity is still required.

Average Pallet Capacity:

An 18-ton truck can carry varying numbers of pallets depending on their sizes. On average, an 18-ton

truck can carry 14 to 16 Euro pallets (120 cm x 80 cm) or 12 to 14 UK standard pallets (120 cm x 100

cm).

Average Internal Dimensions:

The internal dimensions of an 18-ton truck can vary based on the specific make and model of the

vehicle. However, on average, the cargo area of an 18-ton truck can measure up to 8 meters in

length, 2.4 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height.

Average External Dimensions:

Again, the external dimensions of an 18-ton truck can vary based on the specific make and model of

the vehicle. On average, an 18-ton truck can measure up to 10 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width,

and 3.8 meters in height.

Average Payload:

The average payload capacity of an 18-ton truck is around 9 to 10 tons. However, it is important to

note that the payload capacity can vary based on the specific make and model of the vehicle and the

type of body fi􀆩ed.

Types of Body:

An 18-ton truck can be fi􀆩ed with different types of bodies depending on the specific transportation

needs. The most common types of bodies are a box, curtain side, and flatbed. A box body is ideal for

transporting goods that need to be kept dry and secure. A curtain side body has a flexible curtain

that can be easily opened, making it ideal for loading and unloading large and heavy goods. A flatbed

body is useful for transporting oversized or heavy goods that cannot fit into a standard box or curtain

side body.

Types of Taillift:

An 18-ton truck can be fi􀆩ed with different types of tailli􀅌s to make loading and unloading of goods

easier. The most common types of tailli􀅌s are column li􀅌s, tuckaway li􀅌s, and can􀆟lever li􀅌s. Column

li􀅌s are sturdy and can li􀅌 up to 2,500 kg, making them ideal for heavy loads. Tuckaway li􀅌s are more

compact and can li􀅌 up to 2,000 kg. Can􀆟lever li􀅌s are suitable for flatbed bodies and can li􀅌 up to

1,500 kg.

26t Trucks

A 26t truck, also known as a rigid HGV, is one of the largest rigid vehicles operated by transport companies in the UK. These trucks are widely used for regional and national deliveries, particularly for retail distribution, palletised goods, and construction materials. Their increased payload capacity makes them ideal for businesses that require efficient transportation of heavy and bulky items.

Key Facts and Figures About UK 26t Trucks

Average Pallet Capacity:

A 26t truck can typically carry up to 16 Euro pallets or 14 UK standard pallets, depending on its internal dimensions and layout.

Average Internal Dimensions:

The internal dimensions of a 26t truck vary depending on the body type and manufacturer, but an average size is:

• 8.0m – 9.5m (length)

• 2.4m – 2.5m (width)

• 2.4m – 2.7m (height)

Average Payload Capacity:

The payload capacity of a 26t truck is usually around 13,000kg – 15,000kg, though this depends on the weight of the vehicle itself, cargo type, and additional equipment.

Average External Dimensions:

The external dimensions of a 26t truck can vary but are typically:

• 10m – 12m (length)

• 2.55m (width)

• 3.6m – 4.0m (height)

Types of Body

26t trucks come in various body configurations to suit different industries, including:

• Box bodies (for enclosed, secure transport)

• Curtain side bodies (for easier side-loading)

• Flatbeds (for transporting construction materials and oversized loads)

Types of Tail Lift

Many 26t trucks are equipped with tail lifts to assist with loading and unloading. Common tail lift types include:

• Column lifts

• Tuckaway lifts (allowing for bay loading)

• Cantilever lifts

Tail lifts typically have weight capacities ranging from 1,000kg to 2,000kg.

Maximum Mileage in One Day:

The maximum mileage for a 26t truck depends on the driver’s hours regulations, the truck’s condition, and the type of journey. In the UK, drivers must take a break after 4.5 hours of driving and cannot exceed 9 hours of driving per day. This means a 26t truck can typically cover 300 miles per day, depending on road conditions and traffic.

13.6m Articulated Lorries (artics)

Articulated lorries, also known as semi-trailers or tractor-trailers, are a common sight on UK roads. These heavy goods vehicles consist of a cab (or tractor) and a trailer that can be detached. These vehicles are the backbone of Britain due to there large weight capacity, load volume & endless varieties of trailer.

Average Pallet Capacity:

The average pallet capacity is 33 Euro standard pallets or 26 UK standard pallets.

Trailer Internal Dimensions:

The average internal dimensions of a standard trailer are 13.6 metres (length) x 2.45 metres (width) x 2.7 metres (height). However, variations exist, and some trailers can be as long as 16.5 metres.

Payload Capacity:

The average payload capacity for a standard trailer is around 25,000kg, although this can vary depending on the type of trailer and its specifications.

External Dimensions:

The average external dimensions of a tractor-trailer are 16.5 metres (length) x 2.55 metres (width) x 4.5 metres (height).

Types of Trailers:

There are several types of trailers designed for different transport needs, including:

• Box trailers

• Curtain side trailers

• Flatbed trailers

• Fridge trailers

• Double-decker trailers

• Tanker trailers

• Skeletal trailers

• Walking floor trailers

Add-Ons:

Some trailers come with additional equipment like Moffetts or Hiabs, which are used for lifting heavy loads. These can lift weights of up to 30,000kg.

Tail Lifts:

Tail lifts are commonly used for loading and unloading goods. Their weight capacity varies from 500kg to 2,000kg, depending on the type and manufacturer.

Trailer Types

Box Trailers:

Box trailers are fully enclosed, protecting goods from weather, dust, and debris. They are widely used for transporting furniture, electronics, and perishable items. However, unloading without a bay can be challenging. Many box trailers come with tuckaway tail lifts, allowing them to be bay-loaded.

Curtain Side Trailers:

Curtain side trailers have curtains on both sides that can be easily opened, making them ideal for transporting large or bulky items like machinery and equipment. They also allow for ventilation and can include sliding roofs or crane-loading capabilities. Many come with tuckaway tail lifts, ensuring they remain bay-loadable. Some models have load-bearing curtains for added safety during transit.

Flatbed Trailers:

Flatbed trailers have an open, flat surface without sides or a roof, making them suitable for construction materials, vehicles, and oversized cargo. Many have tie-down points and load-securing systems to ensure safe transport. It’s essential to check whether loads need covering before transport.

Fridge Trailers:

Fridge trailers (also known as refrigerated trailers or "reefers") transport perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals at controlled temperatures ranging from +20°C to -24°C. They are essential for businesses that require temperature-controlled transport. Many fridge trailers also have tuckaway tail lifts for retail deliveries while allowing bay loading.

Double-Decker Trailers:

Double-decker trailers have two storage levels, maximising capacity for grocery and household goods transport. They are more efficient and environmentally friendly by reducing the number of required trips. Some models feature floating floors supported by hydraulic lifts, which adjust to accommodate different cargo sizes and weights.

Tilt Trailers:

Tilt trailers feature a tilting mechanism that allows the trailer body to lift, making loading and unloading easier.

Tanker Trailers:

Tanker trailers transport liquids such as fuel, water, and chemicals.

Skeletal Trailers:

Skeletal trailers are designed for container transport. They can be fixed or extendable and accommodate 20ft, 30ft, 40ft, and 45ft containers. Twist-locks secure the containers during transport.

Walking Floor Trailers:

Walking floor trailers transport bulk goods such as wood chips, soil, and waste. They feature a hydraulic moving floor that pushes cargo towards the trailer’s rear, enabling self-unloading. Many models include tarpaulin covers to protect the load from the elements.