What Types of Vehicles Can You Buy at Commercial Vehicle Auctions

Whether you're expanding your fleet or buying your first work van, commercial vehicle auctions are a great place to find high-quality used vehicles at competitive prices. From articulated lorries to electric vans, auctions offer an impressive range of vehicles to suit businesses in logistics, construction, waste management, passenger transport and more.

Here’s a breakdown of the key types of commercial vehicles commonly found at UK auctions:

1. Vans

• Panel Vans – Ideal for deliveries and general transport. Popular models include the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

• Luton Vans – Box-style vans with extended storage, often used for removals or bulky deliveries.

• Crew Vans – Feature additional seating for personnel alongside cargo space.

• Refrigerated Vans – Designed to transport perishable goods with built-in cooling systems.

2. Lorries & Trucks

• Articulated Lorries (Artics) – Used for long-haul transport; consist of a tractor unit and trailer.

• Rigid Trucks – Single-body trucks available as flatbeds, box trucks or drop-side vehicles.

• Tipper Trucks – Feature hydraulic bodies for unloading materials, common in construction.

• Skip Lorries – Designed to carry waste containers to and from commercial sites.

• Box Trucks – Enclosed cargo trucks ideal for secure goods transport.

3. Trailers

• Flatbed Trailers – Suitable for transporting machinery, building materials or irregular loads.

• Tanker Trailers – Used for liquid and gas transport, including fuel or food-grade liquids.

• Low Loader Trailers – Feature a lowered deck to carry heavy or tall machinery.

• Curtain Side Trailers – Have flexible sides for easy side-loading and unloading.

4. Specialist Vehicles

• Recovery Vehicles – Used for towing broken-down or accident-damaged vehicles.

• Box Vans with Tail Lifts – Include lifting mechanisms for easier loading of heavy items.

• Hazardous Goods Vehicles – Designed for transporting chemicals or other regulated materials.

5. Buses & Coaches

• Mini Buses – Commonly used by care providers, schools and group transport services.

• Coaches – Suitable for long-distance passenger transport and tourism.

• Double-Decker Buses – Typically used for public transport or sightseeing operations.

6. Utility & Emergency Vehicles

• Ambulances – Both NHS and private medical vehicles occasionally appear at auction.

• Fire Engines – Used for emergency services or specialist rescue operations.

• Police Vehicles – From standard patrol cars to riot vans and surveillance units.

• Waste Collection Trucks – Designed for commercial and municipal refuse collection.

7. 4x4s & Utility Vehicles

• 4x4 Trucks – Suited to off-road work and used by agriculture, forestry and utility sectors.

• Pick-Up Trucks – Dual-purpose vehicles with cargo beds, popular among tradespeople.

8. Electric Commercial Vehicles

• Electric Vans and Trucks – Eco-friendly options are increasingly appearing at auctions as businesses switch to greener fleets.

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