As a driver, you’ll have to get behind the wheel of different vehicles, so it’s important to understand the various lorry weights and types. Here’s a guide!
Considering a career in the transport industry? As a driver, you’ll be expected to get behind the wheel of different vehicles, so it’s essential to understand the various lorry weights and types. Get your head around it all with this short and sweet guide.
Different Lorry Types
Lorries are divided into two main categories: Light Good Vehicles (LGVs) and Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs). They’re then subcategorized by weight and number of axles.
Weighing 3.5 tonnes, these lorries have 2 axles and no rear side windows.
Identified by their two axles, they weigh anywhere between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
These lorries also feature two axles, but can carry much heavier loads, weighing anywhere between 7.5 and 18 tonnes.
They have between 3 and 6 axles, which are either rigid or articulated. They can also feature draw-bars. Their Maximum Gross Weight is between 25 and 44 tonnes.
Vehicle Weights Explained
It’s important to note that any lorry over 7.5 tonnes requires a HGV licence. When applying for one, you’ll come across the terms ‘unladen weight’, ‘down-plating’ and ‘maximum authorised mass’. Unsure what they mean? Don’t worry, you’re about to find out.
A lorry’s unladen weight includes the body and all parts that are normally used when it’s on the road, excluding the weight of fuel, passengers, goods or any other items it might be carrying.
When a freighter is ‘down-plated’, a lower weight than its potential maximum weight is shown on the plate attached to the vehicle.
Listed in the owner’s manual or on the plate, the maximum authorised mass (MAM) refers to the total mass of a freighter and the maximum load that can be safely carried when on the road.
A Few Definitions
I know I’ve thrown a lot of new information at you, so to ensure that you fully understand lorry weights and types, here are a few explanations of key terms that you should know.
Why You Shouldn’t Overload a Lorry
As a driver, it’s your duty to conform to set lorry weights, or you risk endangering yourself and other road users.
When you overload a lorry, the excess burden prevents you from having full control. Steering will become more difficult and you won’t be able to stop quickly in an emergency.
Excessive lorry weights cause too much wear and tear on roads.
When you overload, you’re carrying more goods than law-abiding operators, giving you an unfair (and illegal!) advantage.
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