Lorries play an essential role in keeping the UK’s economy moving. Whether delivering food, transporting furniture, or hauling construction materials, lorries ensure goods reach their destinations efficiently. In this article, we explore the different types of lorry, their uses, and what you need to know about driving them legally and safely on UK roads.
What Is a Lorry?
A lorry is a large vehicle used for transporting goods by road. The term “lorry” originates from the verb “lurry,” meaning to carry or drag along, and dates back to the 17th century. In everyday life, we rely on various types of lorries to stock our supermarkets, deliver furniture, and move heavy goods. These vehicles transport items from manufacturers and importers to businesses across the UK. From flatbeds to skip loaders, each lorry type serves a specific function.
Is a Lorry the Same as a Truck?
Yes, a lorry and a truck are the same. In the UK, people use the term “lorry,” while “truck” is more common in American English. For consistency, we’ll stick with “lorry” throughout this article.
Rigid Lorries
Rigid lorries have a fixed cab and trailer, which makes them behave like a single solid unit. Since the cab and trailer don’t detach, drivers experience a driving style similar to cars or vans—just on a larger scale. These type of lorry have large turning circles and require skilled handling.
Rigid lorries typically have two to four axles and can weigh up to 44 tonnes. Due to their size and weight, anyone driving a rigid lorry must have an appropriate HGV licence. These types of lorries often serve local delivery routes and can handle heavy goods efficiently.
Articulated Lorries
Articulated lorries have a cab and trailer connected by a pivot joint. This joint gives them superior turning ability compared to rigid models. Articulated lorries usually carry heavier loads and can reach a maximum gross weight of 44 tonnes.
Drivers use these types of lorry for long-distance haulage. The flexibility to detach trailers allows operators to manage logistics more efficiently. As with rigid vehicles, a valid HGV licence is essential for anyone behind the wheel.
Flatbed Lorries
Flatbed lorries are trucks with an open, flat platform and no sides or roof. They’re ideal for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped loads. These vehicles offer easy loading and unloading from any angle.
HGVs and LGVs Explained
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) are essentially the same under UK and EU law. These vehicles weigh more than 3.5 tonnes and require a specific licence to operate. While HGV is the commonly accepted term today, you may still encounter “LGV” in older documentation.
There are three main HGV types:
- Smaller 2-axle lorries (3.5 to 7.5 tonnes)
- Larger 2-axle lorries (7.5 to 18 tonnes)
- Multi-axle lorries (up to 44 tonnes)
Each classification serves different purposes, with heavier types of lorries typically reserved for industrial and logistical operations.
Common Lorry Licence Classes
To legally operate any lorry, drivers must hold the correct licence. Here’s a quick overview of the most common licence classes:
- Category C1: 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes
- Category C (Class 2): Over 7.5 tonnes, rigid body
- Category C+E (Class 1): Over 7.5 tonnes, detachable trailer
- HIAB Licence: Operates hydraulic lifting machinery (e.g. lorry loaders)
Everyday Uses of Lorries
Lorries carry almost everything we use daily. Here are the most common types of lorries and what they transport:
1. Dry and Consumer Goods Lorries
These lorries, whether rigid or articulated, move products like food, electronics, and clothing. Curtain side and box body lorries are popular for this purpose.
2. Refrigerated Trucks
These vehicles transport perishable goods. They maintain cold temperatures using onboard refrigeration units and can range from small vans to large articulated lorries.
3. Livestock Trucks
Used to move animals like cattle, pigs, and poultry, these types of lorries include ventilation systems and robust flooring for short trips between farms and markets.
4. Flatbed Lorries
These open-body vehicles are ideal for transporting large, weather-resistant items like timber, scaffolding, or machinery.
5. Specialist Vehicles
Specialist lorries include:
- Cement mixers
- Snow ploughs
- Tow trucks
- Car transporters
- Highway maintenance lorries
Each has a tailored design to serve a unique, often industrial function.
6. Emergency Vehicles
Fire engines and other emergency response units also qualify as HGVs. Drivers need an LGV licence and advanced training to operate them safely.
Lorries With STGO Permits
Some types of lorry carry oversized or abnormal loads. These vehicles require a Special Types General Order (STGO) to operate legally on UK roads. STGOs classify lorries based on the specific load type they transport, such as:
- Abnormal indivisible loads (AIL)
- Road recovery vehicles
- Mobile cranes
- Engineering plant
Understanding Weight Plates
Every lorry must display a weight plate, which indicates its legal operating weight. This ensures road safety and protects infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded vehicles. Always check the weight plate before a journey to remain compliant.
Euro Emissions Standards
Modern lorries must meet stringent Euro VI emissions standards introduced by the EU. These regulations help reduce air pollution and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for all road users.
Final Thoughts
The variety of types of lorry available reflects the complexity and scale of the UK’s logistics and transportation sectors. From delivering consumer goods to hauling livestock or specialist machinery, each lorry type plays a vital role in the economy. Whether you’re aiming to become an HGV driver or just want to understand the differences, this guide offers a complete picture of the vehicles that keep our country moving.
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