When you are in transportation and logistics, understanding trailer sizes and dimensions is essential. Whether you drive, own a business, or coordinate logistics, knowing the precise specifications and regulations surrounding trailers ensures safe and efficient travel. In the UK, trailer sizes vary depending on the type, and strict rules govern the legal operation of these vehicles. This blog breaks down the common trailer sizes, key regulations, and frequently asked questions surrounding trailer dimensions in the UK.
What Are Trailer Sizes and Dimensions?
Trailer sizes refer to the physical dimensions—length, width, and height—of a trailer used for transporting goods. Each type of trailer, from box vans to low loaders, has specific dimensions based on its purpose. Understanding these sizes is crucial for businesses that rely on transportation, as well as for complying with UK road regulations.
Types of Trailers and Their Sizes
There are different types of trailers and each trailer has its own capacity.
- Box Van Trailers: These enclosed trailers are designed for secure transportation. They typically measure 2.46 meters in width and 2.70 meters in height, with a tare weight of 8,600 kg and a maximum payload of 31,400 kg.
- Curtain Side Trailers: Known for their easy loading features, curtain side trailers have a width of 2.48 meters and a height of 2.70 meters. Their tare weight is around 7,200 kg, and they can carry up to 32,800 kg of cargo.
- Flatbed Trailers: Ideal for transporting goods that don’t need protection from the elements, flatbed trailers have a typical width of 2.48 meters and a length of 13.62 meters. They can carry up to 31,900 kg of cargo.
- Low Loader Trailers: Designed for transporting heavy machinery, low loaders have a height of 4.3 meters and a width of 2.5 meters. Their maximum payload can reach 38,000 kg, depending on the number of axles.
- Refrigerated Trailers: Also known as reefer trailers, these trailers are used for temperature-sensitive goods. They typically measure 2.48 meters in width, 2.60 meters in height, and have a tare weight of 9,000 kg.
- Skeletal Trailers: Used for transporting shipping containers, skeletal trailers can vary in size. A three-axle skeletal trailer might range between 9 meters and 13.6 meters long, depending on its design and intended cargo.
How Long is a Trailer?
The length of a trailer plays a critical role in determining the vehicle’s capacity and suitability for certain types of cargo. Here are some of the common trailer lengths used in the UK:
- Standard Trailers: In the UK, the most common trailers measure between 12 and 16 meters long. These include box vans, curtain side trailers, and flatbeds.
- Articulated Lorry Trailers (Artic Trailers): Artic trailers, or articulated lorries, are often used for long-haul freight. They typically measure 13.6 meters long but can extend up to 16.5 meters under certain conditions.
- 40ft Trailer Dimensions: The 40ft trailer is common for international transport and typically measures 12.2 meters long. It falls within UK regulations for most roads.
Standard Trailer Dimensions in the UK
Trailers in the UK must adhere to specific regulations regarding their size to ensure they can safely travel on public roads. The standard trailer dimensions in the UK typically consist of the following:
- Width: Most UK trailers measure approximately 2.5 meters wide, although this can vary slightly depending on the type of trailer.
- Height: Standard trailers generally measure 2.7 meters tall, although refrigerated trailers may be slightly shorter.
- Length: Trailer lengths vary, with common sizes ranging from 12 meters to 16.5 meters.
HGV Trailer Dimensions: Length and Width
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) often use larger trailers, such as box vans and curtain side trailers, to carry bulk goods. These HGV trailers usually have the following dimensions:
- Length: The typical HGV trailer measures 13.6 meters long, although this can extend depending on the load and type of cargo.
- Width: The width of an HGV trailer usually measures around 2.5 meters, which is the standard for most trailers in the UK.
- Height: HGV trailers typically measure 2.7 meters tall, though some types, such as low loaders, can exceed this height limit.
Artic Trailer Length and Dimensions
Articulated trailers, often referred to as artic trailers, are longer and have a unique design in which the trailer attaches to a tractor unit via a pivoting mechanism. These trailers typically measure:
- Length: The standard length of an artic trailer in the UK is 13.6 meters. However, the trailer length can extend up to 16.5 meters with certain conditions.
- Height and Width: The height is usually around 4.3 meters, and the width typically measures 2.5 meters, depending on the vehicle and load.
How Big is a Lorry Trailer?
Lorry trailers are large trucks designed for transporting heavy goods. The size of a lorry trailer can vary depending on the type and purpose. Typically, a lorry trailer in the UK measures:
- Length: Lorry trailers range from 12 to 16 meters long, depending on the vehicle and cargo.
- Width: The standard width of a lorry trailer is about 2.5 meters.
- Height: Lorry trailers are often 2.7 meters tall, but this can vary with different load types, such as refrigerated or low loader trailers.
Trailer Size Limits and Legal Restrictions in the UK
When you transport goods on UK roads, you must adhere to strict regulations regarding trailer size limits. The following legal restrictions apply:
- Maximum Length: The maximum length for a trailer in the UK is typically 16.5 meters for articulated lorries. For rigid trucks and trailers, the length can vary, with some units measuring up to 13 meters.
- Maximum Width: The standard maximum width for a trailer in the UK is 2.55 meters, although some trailers, like low loaders, can be wider.
- Maximum Height: The maximum height for a trailer is usually 4.3 meters, but this can vary depending on the trailer type and load.
You can get more details about trailer sizes allowed on UK roads here.
Widest Load You Can Transport on UK Roads
Transporting oversized or wide loads in the UK comes with special regulations. You can transport a load up to 2.55 meters wide without special permits. For loads exceeding this width, you need a special permit, and the transport may require an escort.
40ft Trailer Dimensions in the UK
40ft trailers are common for both domestic and international transportation. These trailers generally measure 12.2 meters in length and fall within the standard size regulations for UK roads. While often used for long-distance haulage, their dimensions make them suitable for navigating UK roads efficiently.
FAQs
Typically, HGV trailers measure 13.6 meters long but can extend up to 16.5 meters.
An articulated lorry trailer generally measures 13.6 meters long.
The standard width is around 2.5 meters.
Legal limits include maximum trailer lengths of 16.5 meters, widths of 2.55 meters, and heights of up to 4.3 meters.
Conclusion
Understanding trailer sizes, dimensions, and regulations is crucial for safe and legal transportation in the UK. From box vans to low loaders, each trailer type has specific specifications that determine its suitability for different cargo. By adhering to these size limits and ensuring compliance with UK regulations, businesses and drivers can ensure smooth and efficient operations while transporting goods.