Complete Guide to HGV Trucks: Vehicle Types, Trailers and European Regulations

The Three Main HGV Configurations

Heavy goods vehicles come in three fundamental configurations, each suited to different transport requirements. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the right vehicle for your freight needs.

1. Rigid Truck (Rigid Lorry)

A rigid truck features a permanently attached cab and cargo body mounted on a single chassis. This configuration offers excellent manoeuvrability in urban environments and tight spaces.

Key characteristics:

• Fixed cab and body on one chassis
• Typically 2 to 4 axles
• Maximum length: 12 metres (EU standard)
• Maximum weight: 18 tonnes (2-axle) to 32 tonnes (4-axle)
• Ideal for local and regional deliveries

Rigid trucks are commonly used for distribution work, construction materials, and municipal services. Their compact design makes them perfect for city centre deliveries where larger vehicles cannot access.

2. Articulated Truck (Artic / Semi-Trailer Truck)

An articulated lorry (commonly called an "artic") consists of a tractor unit (also known as a cab or prime mover) connected to a semi-trailer via a fifth wheel coupling (kingpin connection). This allows the trailer to pivot, improving manoeuvrability despite the vehicle's length.

Key characteristics:

• Tractor unit + detachable semi-trailer
• Connected by fifth wheel coupling (kingpin)
• Maximum length: 16.5 metres (EU standard)
• Maximum weight: 40-44 tonnes depending on axle configuration
• Most common configuration for long-haul transport

The articulated configuration dominates European road freight due to its efficiency: tractor units can quickly swap trailers at depots, maximising vehicle utilisation. A single tractor can service multiple trailers, reducing downtime and improving fleet productivity.

Common tractor-trailer combinations:

• 2-axle tractor + 3-axle semi-trailer (most common, 40t limit)
• 3-axle tractor + 2-axle semi-trailer
• 3-axle tractor + 3-axle semi-trailer (for heavier loads, up to 44t)

3. Road Train (Drawbar Combination)

A road train combines a rigid truck with one or more drawbar trailers connected by a conventional tow hitch. Unlike articulated vehicles, both the truck and trailer have independent axle sets.

Key characteristics:

• Rigid truck + drawbar trailer(s)
• Maximum length: 18.75 metres (EU standard)
• Maximum weight: up to 44 tonnes (with appropriate axle configuration)
• Requires more space for manoeuvring

Road trains offer maximum cargo capacity but require skilled drivers and are typically restricted to motorways and major routes. They're particularly common in Scandinavia, where longer combinations (up to 25.25m) are permitted.

Types of Trailers and Bodies

The trailer or body type determines what cargo can be transported and how it's loaded. Here are the main types used in European road freight:

Curtainsider (Tautliner)

The curtainsider, also known as a tautliner, is the most common trailer type in European freight. It features a solid roof, front and rear walls, with flexible PVC curtain sides that can be opened for loading.

Advantages:

• Versatile side, rear and top loading options
• Quick loading/unloading with forklifts
• Weather protection when closed
• Suitable for palletised goods, general cargo, industrial equipment

Considerations:

• Less secure than fully enclosed trailers
• Curtains can be damaged or bulge if load shifts

Box Van (Dry Van)

A box van or dry van is a fully enclosed trailer with rigid walls, roof and rear doors. It offers maximum protection from weather and theft.

Best for:

• Consumer goods requiring weather protection
• High-value cargo requiring security
• Goods that must remain completely dry

Loading: Typically rear-loading only at docks or via tail-lift.

Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer)

Refrigerated trailers (commonly called "reefers") are temperature-controlled units essential for transporting perishable goods. They maintain specific temperatures ranging from -25°C to +25°C.

Types:

• Single-temperature: One temperature setting throughout
• Multi-temperature: Separate compartments at different temperatures
• Insuliner: A refrigerated curtainsider variant

Used for: Fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy, meat, pharmaceuticals, chemicals requiring temperature control.

Modern reefers include temperature monitoring and recording systems for cold chain compliance and traceability.

Mega Trailer (High-Volume)

Mega trailers are tautliner variants with increased internal height, typically achieved through a lower chassis and dropped floor. Originally developed for the automotive industry, they maximise cubic capacity.

Specifications:

• Internal height: approximately 3 metres
• Ideal for light but voluminous cargo
• Maximum use of loading space

Flatbed (Platform Trailer)

Flatbed trailers have an open platform with no sides or roof, allowing loading from any direction using cranes, forklifts or overhead equipment.

Variants:

• Standard flatbed: Flat deck at standard height
• Step deck (drop deck): Lower rear section for taller loads
• Low-loader (lowboy): Very low deck for heavy machinery
• Extendable flatbed: Telescopic for extra-long cargo
• Conestoga: Flatbed with retractable tarp system

Best for: Construction materials, heavy machinery, steel, timber, oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.

Tanker

Tanker trailers transport liquids or bulk powders in cylindrical tanks. They require specialist equipment and often additional certifications.

Types:

• Liquid tankers (fuel, chemicals, food-grade liquids)
• Powder tankers (cement, flour, grain)
• Gas tankers (LPG, compressed gases)

Tankers carrying hazardous materials require ADR certification (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route).

Sidelifter (Container Carrier)

Sidelifters feature hydraulic cranes mounted on the trailer chassis, enabling self-loading and unloading of shipping containers without external crane equipment.

EU Weight and Dimension Limits

All HGVs operating in European international transport must comply with Council Directive 96/53/EC (the Weights and Dimensions Directive). These standards ensure road safety, protect infrastructure, and create fair competition across the transport sector.

Maximum Dimensions (EU Standard)

Maximum width:

• Standard vehicles: 2.55 m
• Temperature-controlled vehicles (insulated/refrigerated): 2.60 m

Maximum height: 4.00 m (though not legally specified at EU level, this is the practical standard for infrastructure clearance)

Maximum Weights (EU Standard)

Note: The standard EU limit for international transport is 40 tonnes. Many countries permit 44 tonnes for specific configurations with road-friendly suspension, while some (UK, Ireland) allow up to 46 tonnes for certain domestic operations.

Country-Specific Variations

Some EU member states permit higher weights or longer vehicles under specific conditions:

• Germany: Standard 40t; "Lang-Lkw" (long trucks) up to 25.25m and 60t on designated routes
• Sweden & Finland: Up to 25.25m length and 60-74 tonnes on the BK4 network (High Capacity Transport)
• Netherlands: EMS (European Modular System) trials up to 25.25m
• UK: 44t standard for 5+ axle artics; 46t for specific configurations

France and Italy strictly adhere to standard EU limits without LHV (Longer and Heavier Vehicle) provisions.

HGV Driving Licences in Europe

Operating HGVs requires specific licence categories beyond the standard car licence. The EU harmonised system includes:

Licence Categories

C is commonly known as "Class 2" (rigid vehicles), while C+E is "Class 1" (articulated vehicles and road trains).

Additional Requirements

• Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): Mandatory for professional HGV drivers, requiring 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years
• ADR Certificate: Required for transporting dangerous goods
• Digital Tachograph Card: Mandatory for recording driving hours and rest periods

Safety and Compliance Requirements

Modern HGVs must meet stringent safety standards under EU regulations:

Mandatory Safety Systems

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents wheel lock-up during braking
• EBS (Electronic Braking System): Advanced brake control and stability
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control): Prevents rollover and loss of control
• AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System): Automatic emergency braking
• LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System): Alerts driver to unintended lane changes

Tachograph Regulations

All HGVs over 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with digital tachographs recording:

• Driving time
• Rest periods
• Other work activities
• Distances travelled

Driver hours regulations under EU Regulation 561/2006 limit:

• Maximum daily driving: 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice weekly)
• Maximum weekly driving: 56 hours
• Maximum fortnightly driving: 90 hours

Vehicle Testing

HGVs require regular roadworthiness testing (similar to MOT in the UK). Testing frequency varies by country but typically occurs annually for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

Choosing the Right HGV for Your Freight

Selecting the appropriate vehicle depends on several factors:

EU Regulatory References

• Directive 96/53/EC – Maximum dimensions and weights for road vehicles
• Directive 2015/719/EU – Amendment allowing 44t and 2.60m width for reefers
• Directive 2001/116/EC – Vehicle categories N1, N2, N3
• Regulation (EC) 561/2006 – Driving and rest time rules
• Regulation (EU) 165/2014 – Tachograph requirements
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 – HDV CO₂ emission standards