Types of Trucks (HGV Classifications)

HGV classes in the UK and what they mean for your deliveries

In the UK, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are classified primarily by their size and configuration. The two main licence categories are commonly referred to as HGV Class 2 and Class 1, which correspond to the type of truck one can drive:

• HGV Class 2 – Also known as a Category C licence. This allows driving a rigid lorry (the cab and body are on one fixed chassis) over 7.5 tonnes. These are typically 2- or 3-axle trucks such as box trucks, tippers, or tankers that do not have a separable trailer. Class 2 vehicles often range up to 18 tonnes (two-axle) or even 26t–32t for three or four axles (like 6×2 or 8×4 rigids). They are commonly used for local and regional deliveries – for example, an 18-tonne box lorry for urban furniture deliveries or a 26-tonne tipper for construction material. Because of their single chassis, they are more maneuverable in tight city streets and easier to drive for new HGV drivers (one typically obtains Class 2 before Class 1).
• HGV Class 1 – Also known as Category C+E (Combination + Entitlement). This allows driving an articulated lorry – a tractor unit with one or more trailers attached. Class 1 is needed for the largest trucks on the road, including the standard 44-tonne artic used in long-haul freight. These trucks consist of a separate cab (tractor) towing a semi-trailer via a fifth-wheel coupling. They have much larger capacity than rigids – up to the UK maximum 44 tonnes gross weight on 5–6 axles, and an overall length up to 16.5m (or 18.75m if pulling a drawbar trailer). Class 1 “artics” are essential for transporting heavy loads over long distances, motorways, and for most container, tanker, and bulk haulage. They require more skill to drive (due to the pivot/articulation when reversing, etc.) but enable full truckload transport of goods efficiently across the country or into Europe.

In practice, the term “HGV” in the UK covers any truck with gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tonnes. This includes medium trucks like 7.5-tonne box vans (Category C1 licence) through to the largest artics. However, when discussing HGV classifications, industry shorthand usually means: Class 2 (rigid lorries) versus Class 1 (articulated lorries). Class 1 vehicles can carry more and typically handle trunking (long-haul journeys between depots), while Class 2 vehicles handle local distribution and deliveries where flexibility is needed for narrower roads or smaller loads.

Other truck types and categories:

• 7.5-Tonne Trucks (Category C1): Smaller lorries that are above van size but below full HGV size. Often used by parcel networks and supply deliveries, as they can be driven with a C1 licence (which some drivers have obtained along with a car licence pre-1997 or via additional test). They can carry roughly 3–4 tonnes of payload and are useful for urban deliveries where a big lorry can’t go.
• Rigids vs Artics: A rigid HGV (Class 2) might have specialized bodies – e.g. a Luton van (with an extended storage over the cab for removals), skip lorry, concrete mixer, or refuse truck – all fall under HGV if over 3.5t and typically need Category C licences. An artic (Class 1) can swap trailers, giving flexibility: the same tractor unit might haul a container in the morning and a fridge trailer in the afternoon by dropping one trailer and picking up another. This modularity is why artics dominate long-haul freight.
• Drawbar Combinations: These are rigid trucks pulling a full trailer (with its own front axle). They are less common in the UK than artics, but some operators use them (e.g. for high-volume lightweight goods or car transporters). They still require Class 1 (C+E) to drive. UK limits the overall length to 18.75m for such road trains.

Understanding HGV types helps businesses choose the right vehicle for the job. For smaller loads or urban deliveries, a Class 2 rigid might be more efficient (easier parking, no need to pay for unused capacity). For large shipments or long distances, a Class 1 articulated lorry is more cost-effective, handling up to 26 pallets or 44 tonnes in one go. It’s also important for shippers to know that Class 1 artics are generally required to use main roads and strategic routes, while Class 2 rigids can more easily navigate urban centers – so sometimes the supply chain will use a combination (goods trunked by Class 1 to a regional hub, then transloaded to Class 2 vehicles for final local delivery).

How X2 Can Help

X2 (UK) provides access to the full spectrum of HGV vehicles, ensuring you always have the right truck for your consignment. Whether you need the high-capacity Class 1 artics for large freight moves or nimble Class 2 rigids for urban distribution, we’ve got you covered. Our fleet and partner network range from 44-tonne articulated lorries down to 7.5t trucks and transit vans – meaning we can handle anything from full truckloads to multi-drop local deliveries. Not sure what size vehicle you require? Our logistics experts will assess your shipment’s volume, weight and route to dispatch the optimal solution. By matching the truck to your needs, X2 ensures you’re not over-paying for unused space or risking delays with undersized vehicles. Get in touch with X2 to discuss your transport requirements – we’ll deploy the appropriate HGV class and take care of all routing and scheduling so your goods arrive on time and in perfect condition.