HGV sizes & weights (UK)
Dimensions, gross weights, typical payloads and pallet capacity for every common UK vehicle class — from small vans to 44-tonne artics.
| Vehicle | Length | Height | Gross weight | Typical payload | UK pallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small van (SWB) | 4.2–5.0 m | ~2.0 m | up to 2.6 t | ~0.8 t | 2 |
| Luton van (3.5t) | 6.5–7.2 m | ~3.1 m | 3.5 t | ~1.0–1.2 t | 4 |
| 7.5 tonne rigid | ~8.5 m | ~3.5 m | 7.5 t | ~2.5–2.8 t | 10 |
| 18 tonne rigid | ~10 m | ~3.8 m | 18 t | ~9–10 t | 14 |
| 26 tonne rigid | ~11–12 m | ~3.9 m | 26 t | ~15–16 t | 18 |
| Articulated lorry (44t) | up to 16.5 m | 4.0–4.9 m | 44 t | ~26–29 t | 26 |
| Drawbar combination | up to 18.75 m | 4.0–4.9 m | 44 t | varies | up to 38 |
Key legal limits at a glance
- Width: 2.55 m maximum (2.6 m for refrigerated vehicles).
- Length: 12 m rigid; 16.5 m articulated; 18.75 m drawbar.
- Weight: 44 t maximum gross on 6 axles; axle limits apply (10.5 t drive axle).
- Height: no GB statutory limit, but cab notice required over 3 m; watch 16’6” bridges.
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Frequently asked questions
How wide is a lorry in the UK?
The maximum legal width for most goods vehicles in the UK is 2.55 metres (2.6 metres for refrigerated bodies). A standard curtainsider trailer is 2.55 m wide externally, around 2.44–2.5 m internally.
How long is an articulated lorry?
A standard UK artic (tractor unit plus 13.6 m semi-trailer) is up to 16.5 metres long. Drawbar combinations can be up to 18.75 metres.
Is there a height limit for lorries in the UK?
There is no statutory maximum height for HGVs in Great Britain, but vehicles over 3 metres must display a cab height notice, and most trunk-road bridges are signed at 16'6" (5.03 m). Typical trailers run between 4.0 m and 4.9 m (double-deck).
How much weight can a 7.5-tonne lorry carry?
A 7.5-tonne lorry's payload is typically 2.5–2.8 tonnes once the body, tail-lift and fuel are accounted for. Heavier bodies (fridges, box vans with tail-lifts) reduce payload further.
What is the maximum lorry weight in the UK?
The standard maximum is 44 tonnes gross for a 6-axle articulated lorry or drawbar combination on normal roads. Certain operations (e.g. some intermodal movements) have specific rules.