Common lorry categories (typical ranges)
Deck lengths vary by manufacturer and body type. Use this table to start a conversation, not to book a vehicle.
| Common name | Typical cargo deck | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1-tonne lorry | about 3 m (10 ft) | Small deliveries, tools, light materials |
| 3-tonne lorry | about 4.3–5.2 m (14–17 ft) | Pallets, building materials, small equipment |
| 5-tonne lorry | about 5.2–6.1 m (17–20 ft) | Larger material loads, medium-length pipe |
| 10-tonne lorry | about 6.7–7.3 m (22–24 ft) | Steel, heavy materials, bulk project loads |
| Prime mover with trailer | about 12 m (40 ft) flatbed or low loader | Long pipe, machinery, oversized equipment |
Start with weight, length and volume
Weight decides whether a lorry can legally carry the load; length decides whether it fits on the deck; volume decides how many trips are needed. A light but long load, such as pipe or steel sections, can need a bigger lorry than its weight suggests. Measure the longest item after packing and give the total weight, not an estimate per piece.
Why tonnage names are not exact
In Malaysia, a lorry door shows its BDM (gross laden weight) and BTM (unladen weight). The permitted payload is roughly the difference, and it varies between two lorries sold as the same "size". Overloading is unsafe and can lead to enforcement action, so the vehicle should be matched to the real weight, not to a label.
Site access can decide the size
A larger lorry carries more per trip but needs more road width, turning space and firm ground. Narrow lanes, low cables or gates, soft ground and tight unloading areas can make two smaller trips the practical choice. Tell us about both sites before a vehicle is chosen.
Loading and lifting
Decide how the load gets on and off: forklift, crane, ramp or manual handling. A crane lorry can lift some loads itself, while heavy equipment may need a separate crane or a low loader. A driver-operated lorry does not automatically include lifting equipment or a loading crew, so state what each site will provide.