Guide

What fits on a flat top? Tray truck, crane truck or semi

The three trucks we run, side by side, and the limits that decide when a load needs a permit.

Get a Quote or call AJ 0481 309 893 · Andrew 0449 521 589

Three trucks, four questions

Most construction loads go on one of three trucks: a tray truck, a crane truck or a flat top semi. Picking the right one comes down to four questions. How long is the load? How heavy is it? How does it come off at the other end? And what will the site access take? Here's how the three compare. Every one of them comes with a driver.

Tray truck

A rigid truck with a flat tray that takes 14 to 16 pallets. It's the truck for smaller loads and tight access: suburban streets, laneways and sites a semi can't get into. It's also what we send for same-day taxi truck work.

Deck8.4 m, 14–16 pallets.
PayloadUp to 14 tonnes.
Best forSmaller loads and tight sites.

Crane truck (Hiab)

A truck with its own crane, so the load comes off without a crane or forklift on site. Plenty of people call it a Hiab; it's the same truck. Our crane trucks run in Melbourne only.

Tray7.5 m.
Crane liftApprox 3.5 tonnes within a 4 metre radius.
At 10 metres500–750 kg.
Best forFrames, trusses, smaller site sheds and steel onto sites with nothing to unload with.

Flat top semi

A prime mover towing a flat trailer. It's the truck for full loads and long loads. Our flat top semis run in Melbourne and Sydney.

Trailer12.5 m or 13.7 m.
PayloadApprox 20–24 tonnes.
ExtendablesFor loads longer than a standard trailer.
Drop decksFor tall loads, to keep the height down.

The general limits

Every truck and its load has to fit within the NHVR's general dimension limits. In plain terms:

Width2.5 m.
Height4.3 m.
Length19 m for a semi-trailer combination.

A load that takes the truck past any of those is an oversize load. It can still move, but it has to be planned, and permits are checked per load. The earlier we know, the more options there are. See oversize load transport.

Mass limits depend on the vehicle and its axles, so we work from the actual weight of your load rather than a rule of thumb.

Quick answers by load

Steel longer than 8.4 mFlat top semi, or an extendable. See steel transport.
Frames and trusses, no crane on siteCrane truck. See frame and truss transport.
Concrete pipe and culvertsFlat top or drop deck, often with a site crane. See pipe transport.
Site shedsCrane truck if it's light enough, otherwise a semi. See site shed transport.
Formwork and scaffoldSemi for full loads, tray for call-ups. See formwork and scaffold.

Not sure? Send the load, the pickup and the site, and we'll pick the truck. That's quicker than guessing on a form.

Common questions

What's the difference between a tray truck and a flat top?

A tray truck is a rigid truck with an 8.4 m deck, carrying up to 14 tonnes. A flat top is a semi-trailer, 12.5 m or 13.7 m long, carrying approx 20 to 24 tonnes.

How wide can a load be without a permit?

The general width limit is 2.5 m. Wider loads need a permit check, and permits are checked per load.

Can a crane truck carry and lift the same load?

Yes, within its limits. It carries the load on its 7.5 m tray and lifts it off with its own crane: approx 3.5 tonnes within 4 metres, or 500 to 750 kg at 10 metres.

Do all your trucks come with a driver?

Yes. Every truck comes with one of our drivers. We don't hire out trucks or trailers on their own.

Request a quote or call AJ 0481 309 893 · Andrew 0449 521 589