Tipper van hire is a popular choice across various sectors, including construction, recycling, waste removal, and landscaping, for a variety of different purposes. Whether you're considering transit tipper hire for a specific project or need a flatbed truck hire for ongoing use, whatever the reason you require transit tipper hire, there are some important things you need to know.
Operating larger vehicles like tipper vans and flatbed trucks comes with additional responsibilities and legal requirements. These measures are designed to protect both the driver and other road users. If you're planning to use truck hire services in the UK or across Europe, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the relevant laws and best practices before embarking on your journey.
In this article, we will delve into the essential information you should know if you plan on hiring a tipper van for legal compliance and safety.
Understanding your Vehicle
If you are new to tipper truck hire, it’s important that you take the time to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and its features. A tipper van is a type of flatbed truck with an integrated hydraulic system that allows the rear of the vehicle to be tilted upwards. This tilting mechanism facilitates the unloading of materials, such as sand and gravel or waste, and reduces the physical effort involved in manual handling.
Choosing tipper van hire can drastically enhance efficiency and productivity on many different sites and projects, but having a strong understanding of the safety and legal requirements for their use is paramount.
Driver’s Licence Laws
First things first, before attempting to hire a van, you should check whether you are licensed to do so. On the back of your driving licence, you’ll find the categories of vehicles that your licence entitles you to drive, so start by checking the back of your licence to see whether you are permitted to drive vehicles of this size and weight.
Bear in mind that if you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you may need to take additional vehicle driving tests to drive vehicles weighing between 3500kg and 7500kg or tow a trailer. Driving without the right driving licence can result in a fine of up to £1000 or 3 to 6 penalty points on your licence, so ensuring you have the right licence before hiring a van is essential.
Insurance Cover
To legally drive a van, valid insurance and a current MOT certificate are mandatory. Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1000 and driving without insurance you can get an unlimited fine and 6 to 8 penalty points.
Tipper van hire or flatbed truck hire services tend to include insurance, meaning that you’ll likely not need to purchase additional insurance. However, you should confirm this with your hire company to ensure you are covered. Check the details of the insurance policy to understand what is included and how to proceed in case of an accident or emergency.
Additionally, any damage to the hire van may result in you having to pay an excess charge, even if the damage isn’t your fault. For this reason, you might also consider van hire excess insurance, which reimburses you for any excess charges you may incur if the vehicle gets damaged during hire. Check with your truck hire company for more information about their specific insurance policy and terms.
Weight Load Limits
Every vehicle has a maximum weight limit when loaded, known as the ’design gross weight’ or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). This weight limit is the total weight of the vehicle and everything it contains, including the driver, passengers, fuel and cargo. These limits are designed to prevent the vehicle from being overloaded, which can compromise vehicle performance and safety.
You can find the GVW on the van’s vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. If you’re unsure of your van’s weight, you can check it at a local weighbridge. Staying below the weight limit ensures that your vehicle is safe to drive and meets legal regulations.
Road Height Restrictions
Van drivers must be aware of their vehicle’s height, taking into account any externally attached cargo. This height should be visibly displayed inside the cab. Pay careful attention to the road signs indicating height restrictions along your route. For example, low bridges and tunnels may not be suitable for tall vehicles and should be avoided.
Additionally, in some rural or urban areas, height restrictions may be in place to protect infrastructure. Make sure to check local maps or satellite navigation to avoid any roads that your vehicle cannot travel down.
Clean Air Zones
Many cities in the UK and Europe have introduced Clean Air Zones (CAZs) or Low Emission Zones (LEZs). In these areas, vehicles must meet certain emission standards to avoid paying a fee. For diesel vehicles, a Euro 7 standard must be met and for petrol vehicles, Euro 4 is necessary to pass through the zone without paying. You can check your vehicle online by entering your vehicle registration number to determine whether it’s compliant with emission standards.
If your vehicle doesn’t meet these emission standards, a daily charge is required to enter these zones. The charge may need to be paid ahead of time or in some areas, it can be done retrospectively. Check the local emission zone regulations of any areas you intend to pass through before starting your journey to ensure compliance with clean air zone requirements.
Secure Loading
When loading your hired tipper van, always begin loading the cargo from the back towards the front. Top-heavy items should be dismantled to distribute their weight more evenly, preventing them from sliding around or falling over.
For fragile or delicate items, position them in areas with minimal movement risk. Tensioning straps and anchor points should be used to hold items securely in place, reducing the risk of items becoming damaged during transit. Properly loaded cargo not only protects your goods but also ensures the van remains stable during transport.
Safe Unloading
Once your tipper truck has reached its destination, it’s important to unload the goods safely. Choose a safe place to unload your van, avoiding areas with traffic or obstructions to avoid accidents.
Take care as you unload to ensure any items that may have moved don’t unbalance or fall as you remove those around them. If you suspect an object has been damaged, keep an eye out for splinters or broken glass that could harm your hands.
Best Practices for Tipper Van Hire
Pre-Hire Check: Confirm that the vehicle’s height, weight, and emission standards meet your requirements.
Insurance: Verify that adequate insurance coverage is included in your rental agreement.
Documentation: Carry all necessary documents, including your driving licence, rental agreement, and compliance certificates.
Route Planning: Avoid roads with height or weight restrictions by planning your journey in advance.
Load Security: Secure all cargo properly to prevent movement during transit, especially in tipper vans.
Chief Vehicle Rentals
At Chief Vehicle Rentals, we pride ourselves on providing reliable van and truck hire services across Birmingham, the Midlands, Torbay, and the South West. Our fleet includes versatile options like transit tipper hire and flatbed truck hire, perfect for construction, landscaping, and waste management projects.
We’re committed to making the hiring process smooth and hassle-free, offering vehicles with full fuel tanks, unlimited mileage, and flexible rental terms to meet your needs. Whether you're working on a short-term project or require a longer hire, we’re here to deliver dependable vehicles and exceptional service every time.
For any enquiries about our tipper van hire or truck hire services, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Comments