Lorry
A lorry is a large vehicle used for transporting goods or people. The word is likely to have originated from the verb, lurry which meant to lug or pull about. It first appeared as meaning a low-loading trolley, pulled by a horse or a freight carrying rail car, most probably the first transport lorries. The term truck might also be used to describe a lorry but is more common in the US and might refer to slightly smaller lorries for example pick-up truck or truck driver.
It is more formally referred to as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) in law, which are large lorries that are designed for long haul road transport.
According to the UK Department of Transport there are 3 types of HGVs:
- Smaller 2-Axle Lorries – The UK maximum gross weight in tonnes for these vehicles is over 3.5.
- Bigger 2-Axle Lorries – The UK maximum gross weight in tonnes for these vehicles is over 7.5.
- Multi-Axle Lorries – These vehicles can either have 3, 4, 5 or 6 axles. These vehicles can either be rigid or articulated. The UK maximum gross weight in tonnes for these vehicles ranges from 25 to 44.
Rigid lorries are so called because the tractor and trailer are fixed securely to each other, which makes the driving experience similar to that of a car. Articulated lorries or artics are so called because the tractor and trailer are two separate distinct parts so loads can be more easily and quickly changed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Boosting electric vehicle use.
The case for a new road-user charging scheme in London
Van.
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.