Frequently asked questions
Booking questions covered
These answers introduce the practical points to consider before arranging flatbed or dropside truck hire.
Driver, cover and vehicle checks
Treat the information below as a starting guide. Call the booking team to confirm the conditions for the particular vehicle, load, dates, driver and route.
Flatbed Truck Hire questions
Should I ask for a 3.5 tonne or 7.5 tonne flatbed?
Give the team the dimensions, weight, loading method and site approach. It can then compare a compact dropside with a 7.5 tonne option, including the relevant driver and operator checks.
What loads are flatbed trucks commonly used for?
Requests can involve long sections, merchant orders, plant, tools or pallets. Explain how the goods are packed and lifted, along with their size and mass, before discussing a dropside or flatbed.
Can the truck be delivered and collected?
A handover away from the vehicle's usual point can be discussed by phone; provide the postcodes and required timing so it can be checked against the terms.
What driver details are needed for flatbed hire?
For larger trucks, be ready to discuss C1 entitlement and any operator or tachograph position, as well as the driver's insurance details.
What access information should I provide?
The useful details are exact addresses, approach width and height, turning and waiting space, opening times, ground conditions and how the load will be handled.
What do I need before calling for a quote?
Gather the hire dates, collection and delivery postcodes, load dimensions and estimated weight, handling equipment, driver details and any access or timing limits.
Is dropside van hire the same as flatbed hire?
A dropside is one kind of open-bed vehicle, usually with fold-down sides. Flatbed may refer to vans or larger platforms. Confirm the exact deck, payload and side access for your job.
Can you confirm flatbed hire prices or daily rates online?
Rates are specific to the vehicle and booking rather than one universal daily figure. Ask the team to price the required dates, route, equipment and delivery or collection arrangement.
Can I ask about tail-lift, HIAB, crane or beavertail options?
The booking team can check specialist bodies, but should know the lift, reach or loading angle required before confirming a category.
Do clean-air, ULEZ, LEZ, CAZ or DVS rules matter?
Rules differ by place and vehicle. Include any city-centre or clean-air zone in the quote discussion and have the proposed registration checked.
Is self-drive flatbed or dropside hire available?
The answer is vehicle-specific. Tell the team who will drive and how the truck will be used so it can confirm the relevant self-drive conditions.