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If you’re in the cargo transport industry, one thing you’d want to know is just how much weight can a 7.5-tonne lorry carry? Well, you’ll wonder no more, because we’re here to answer that. We will cover the weight limits, dimensions and legal requirements of a 7.5-tonne van. You’ll also find some additional tips that will help you load your items more efficiently. Being aware of all this information will be valuable when hiring a vehicle to transport your goods. It will help you choose the vehicle that suits your needs perfectly.
Table Of Contents
How Much Weight Can A 7.5-Tonne Lorry Carry?
The 7.5-tonne lorry can carry up to 2900 kg (2.9 tonnes). This is the maximum, but the exact weight limit it can transport will vary from one model to another. The average payload of this van is about 2500kg (2.5 tonnes). As its name suggests, this vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 7.5 tonnes. This is the maximum legally allowed weight, and it includes the weight of the truck when empty, cargo, passengers and fuel.
The 7.5-tonne box truck is one of the top choices for many businesses across different industries. It provides ample space for transporting goods, especially very heavy ones that can’t fit in the average box truck.
7.5-Tonne Lorry Specifications
7.5t lorry dimensions can vary depending on the specific model, but overall, you can expect the following specifications:
- Length – The average length of vehicles of this size is 8350mm.
- Width – When it comes to width, the average number is about 2500 mm.
- Height – You can expect the 7.5-tonne truck to be about 3500 mm high.
If you want to learn all about the sizes of different types of large cargo vehicles, make sure to check out our lorry size guide.
Calculating The Maximum Load Capacity Of A 7.5-Tonne Lorry
When you want to calculate the maximum load capacity of a 7.5-tonne truck, you need to take into consideration the following factors:
- Gross vehicle weight – This is the total weight you can legally carry. It includes the vehicle itself, all the load, the driver and fuel. For a 7.5-t truck specifically, this GVW is 7500 kg. You must also consider the weight of the tail lift if the truck has one.
- Axle weight limit – All vehicles have front and rear axles and you need to also consider the limit of these axles when you want to transport cargo.
- Payload – The payload represents the maximum weight of your cargo. You can get this payload by subtracting the weight of an empty vehicle from the gross vehicle weight.
If you want to unlock seamless logistics in the UK, SDVH offers reliable 7.5-tonne lorry hire services. Make sure to also check out our extensive truck hire deals.
Risks Associated With Overloading
The first and obvious risk of overloading your vehicles is the legal consequence. You could face penalties or be fined. You can fill your vehicles as much as you can but you must remain within the payload limit.
Overloading also affects the stability of the box truck, which could jeopardise safety on the road. It increases the risk of potential accidents, especially during sudden turns or stops. Overloaded vehicles stress the truck’s suspension system, leading to premature damage. Overall, driving a vehicle that exceeds its payload limits is not a good idea.
Tips For Optimising Load Efficiency
Being in the transport business and driving vehicles with such big loads can sometimes be inconvenient. Paying attention to the following things can, however, make loading easy, while ensuring safety as you transport cargo.
- Consider loading equipment – Investing in a tail lift or other loading equipment can be a game changer when it comes to loading and unloading. However, you must remember that tail lifts count towards the payload limit in vehicles.
- Ensure proper weight distribution – To maintain stability in your truck, you should place heavier items at the bottom and towards the front. This will balance the load evenly.
- Take fragile goods into consideration – Fragile things can break easily, so place them on top of the load, away from potential pressure points.
- Use load straps and bars – Using them will prevent items from moving as you transport them, which will minimise the risk of damage and accidents.
- Adhere to the weight limits – Regularly check and confirm that the loaded goods comply with the legal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Maximum Weight A 7.5-Tonne Lorry Can Carry?
The maximum weight a 7.5-tonne lorry can carry is 2900 kg (2.9 tonnes). These vehicles offer way more cargo space than 3.5-tonne vans, making them ideal for businesses that transport large and heavy items. The specific payload capacity can vary by model; however, all offer a spacious interior that will provide you with more than enough space.
Does Every 7.5-Tonne Lorry Have Tail Lift?
No, not every 7.5-tonne lorry has a tail lift. Depending on your hire deal and which vehicle you choose, you can opt for a box truck with tail lifts or perhaps one without. Keep in mind that a tail lift counts towards the payload in vehicles, reducing the cargo you can transport. Make sure to check out our deep dive into what a tail lift is.
How Do You Calculate Lorry Capacity?
The lorry capacity is calculated based on the maximum authorised mass (MAM), also called the gross vehicle weight of the lorry (GVW). The formula goes like this: MAM (GVW) – the empty weight of the lorry = your lorry’s capacity. The result of this calculation will give you an available payload for carrying cargo. You also have to consider the sizes of these vehicles. Measure the width, height and length of the cargo area to know how much load it takes to fill it.
What Licence Do You Need For A 7.5-Tonne Lorry?
You need a category C1 driving licence for a 7.5-tonne lorry. The good news is that if you passed your tests before 1997, you automatically qualify for C1 entitlement, and can thus embark on the adventure of driving a 7.5-tonne lorry. If you plan on becoming a professional driver, you also need to obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
Conclusion
Now that you know just how much weight a 7.5-tonne truck can carry, you can decide whether hiring it is a good choice for your business. Using a box truck is a great way to transport things that might be too big or heavy for vans. In addition to the weight limit, sizes and dimensions are also factors to pay attention to when hiring or buying a truck.
