Rigid, articulated and body type
A rigid lorry carries its cab and load body on one chassis. An articulated combination uses a tractor unit and semi-trailer. Either description is different from the body used to carry the goods.
Curtainsider, box and flatbed describe access and construction. They do not establish the driver’s entitlement, operator licensing, permitted gross weight or remaining payload. Check those separately for the actual vehicle and journey.
Compare loading access
These are planning prompts, not a list of vehicles guaranteed to be offered on Houlvek. Doors, roofs, tail lifts and securing equipment vary by unit.
| Body / trailer | Access and checks |
|---|---|
| Curtainsider | Side access; rear access depends on the unit. Forklift approach, opening height and load-restraint plan. Standard curtains are not a substitute for securing the load. |
| Box body | Usually rear doors; side doors only if fitted. Door aperture, dock compatibility and safe unloading where no forklift is available. |
| Flatbed | Open deck, potentially side or overhead loading. Lifting method, deck/loading limits, restraint points and weather protection. |
| Refrigerated body | Access and internal space depend on the body. Required temperature range, monitoring, hygiene and loading procedure; cooling equipment does not prove suitability for every product. |
Dimensions and payload: check the actual combination
Ask for usable internal length, width and height, the door or side-opening size, and any intrusion from wheel boxes, refrigeration equipment or lifting gear. Overall articulated-lorry dimensions are not the same as load-space dimensions. No single trailer length or pallet count fits every configuration.
Gross plated weight is a limit for the vehicle and its load together. Remaining payload depends on the actual operating weight, equipment and load distribution; axle and train limits also matter. Confirm the plated limits and weigh when necessary. Do not subtract an advertised empty weight and assume every axle will be legal.
Before posting or accepting the load
- State the goods, package count, dimensions, weight and whether stacking is allowed.
- Confirm side, rear or overhead loading at both sites and who supplies trained handling staff.
- Check gate width, turning space, access restrictions, bay height and ground condition.
- If a tail lift is needed, verify its rated capacity at the relevant load centre, platform size and safe handling method.
- Agree restraint, weather or temperature needs and the equipment actually provided.
- Confirm vehicle identity, operating authority, availability and the agreed job terms.
Two illustrative fit checks
Example A: forklift at collection, no forklift at delivery
A fictional pallet movement can be loaded through a curtain side, but that does not solve unloading. If the proposed vehicle has no suitable tail lift and the receiver cannot supply another safe method, it does not fit the job. Resolve the unloading plan before assigning it.
Example B: a machine must be lowered from above
For this fictional movement, a closed box with no suitable roof opening cannot provide the required access. An appropriate open vehicle may work only after checking lifting arrangements, actual deck capacity, securing and route/site constraints. “Flatbed” alone is not approval to carry an oversized or abnormal load.