Charlotte Haye 15th May 2019

The Spotters Guide To HGV Types

When we talk about HGV’s, most people tend to think of the big transit lorries they see trundling down the motorway, or struggling to turn around in tight country lanes. And it’s true, a lot of HGV’s do fall into this category, and it is one of the most common HGV’s on the road. But did you know there are many different types of HGV on the road, and not all of them are in the form of lorries? Essentially, a HGV (or heavy goods vehicle) is anything above a certain size or weight limit, and requires you to have a specialist license to drive it. To help you out, we’ve created a bit of a ‘spotters guide’, which should give you an idea of what the different types of HGV are, and where you might find them.

Dry And Consumer Good Lorries

These are your ‘big lorries’. They are rigid or articulated lorries, and are mainly used to transport dry and consumer good across the UK. There’s a huge range of things you can transport in these vehicles, from crisps and clothes to plant pots and computers. They come in a wide variety of sizes, usually depending on the type of cargo they carry. Most will have either a ‘box’ body (which looks like a container mounted onto a flatbed) or a ‘curtain side’, which uses a metal frame covered with thick curtaining. A bit like an industrial shower curtain.

Flatbed Lorries

Flatbed lorries are a good all-rounder, because they have a flat, open body that’s perfect for transporting large, heavy items that just won’t fit into containers. This means you see all sorts of weird and wonderful things strapped to them, from boars and machinery to construction materials and even a fully assembled mobile home!

Emergency Vehicles

Now, this is where it gets confusing, because not all emergency vehicles are classified as HGV’s. For example police cars and ambulances aren’t – you only need a standard licences to drive those, plus any specialist training given by that particular emergency service. But a fire engine requires you to hold a HGV licence to drive, due to their weight. This means gaining a HGV licence and taking an advanced driving course.

Livestock Trucks

These are vehicles specifically designed to transport livestock, and can include anything from chicken and pig lorries to horseboxes. HGV’s are specifically designed with pens to keep the animals safe during transit, and are generally only driven short distances, like between a farm and a market.

Refrigerated Lorries/Trucks

Some goods require chilling in order to keep them safe to consume and extend their shelf life. They’re used for a wide variety of things, but the most common industry is definitely food and drinks. Refrigerated HGV’s can come in a range of sizes, from small freezer vans to large refrigerated containers strapped to articulated lorry beds. These keep produce fresh when it’s being shipped in bulk across the country.

Tankers

Tankers are essentially exactly what they sound like – a big tank attached to some wheels. Tankers are designed to carry large amounts of liquid from point A or point B. Their contents can vary from highly toxic or hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing, right through to plain old water. To drive a tanker, you will need another, very specific form for HGV licence that permits the transport of hazardous materials. They can also be used carry other ‘fluid’ materials, like grains, sugar or powders – so don’t panic if you see one on the road!

Specialist Vehicles

This is sort of the ‘all other HGV’s’ section, because it covers all of those odd types of vehicle that don’t fit in anywhere else. Specialist HGV’s are designed for a very specific purpose, which might mean they aren’t used very often, only found in certain industries or are only used at one time of year. A few examples include:

Cement mixers
Snow Ploughs
Highway maintenance vehicles
Tow Trucks
Car Transporters

At Easy as HGV, we provide specialist training and education for anyone looking to drive a HGV professionally, or even recreationally. Our team of trainers are always on hand to help you decide which qualification you need and guide you through the process, from your first time behind the wheel to taking your tests and gaining your qualification. If you would like to know more, please just get in touch with us today.

Take the first step towards your dream HGV driving career. Contact Us

Call free 0800 970 8447

Get a Quote

Why choose Easy As HGV?

We're Local

Great Value

Speedy & Helpful

Trusted