What does HGV mean?

HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, the term used in the UK and much of Europe for a large truck or lorry with a maximum authorised mass over 3.5 tonnes, used mainly for commercial freight transport.

What counts as an HGV

The 3.5-tonne threshold separates HGVs from vans and light commercial vehicles. Above it, vehicles fall under stricter rules: a dedicated driving-licence category, road tolls and, in many cities, low-emission-zone requirements. Driving-time and tachograph rules no longer follow that line exactly. They cover goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes in every operation, and since 1 July 2026 they also cover goods vehicles above 2.5 tonnes when those are used in international transport or cabotage. A three-tonne van running cross-border is therefore in scope even though it is not an HGV. HGVs can be articulated (tractor plus semi-trailer) or rigid. For the full range of body types and sizes, see our entry on the heavy goods vehicle and its types.

HGV terms in other regions

The same vehicle is called a "semi-truck" or "semi" in the United States and a "transport truck" in Canada. In German it is an Lkw (Lastkraftwagen).

Planning routes for HGVs

Because HGVs face height, weight and access restrictions that cars and vans do not, they need truck-specific routing. HGV navigation systems and the Planner Module from IMPARGO calculate the route using the vehicle profile, with per-country toll costs and the full tour cost before the trip starts.