Rigid trucks in the UK are licensed and operated across several weight categories, each with different licence requirements, lender appetite, and typical use cases. This guide covers financing across the main weight classes from 7.5t through to 32t GVW.
Rigid Truck Weight Classes - Overview
| GVW Class | Licence Required | Typical Uses | Payload Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5t | Category C1 (post-1997 holders) | Local distribution, builders merchants, utilities | 2.5–3.5t |
| 12t | Category C (full LGV) | Regional distribution, waste collection, FMCG | 5–7t |
| 18t | Category C (full LGV) | National distribution, curtainsiders, refrigerated | 9–12t |
| 26t | Category C (full LGV) | Heavy distribution, building materials, bulk | 14–18t |
| 32t | Category C (full LGV) | High-cube distribution, bulk haulage | 18–22t |
Lender Appetite by Weight Class
| Lender | 7.5t | 12t | 18t | 26t | 32t |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close Brothers | |||||
| Novuna | Case by case | ||||
| Lombard | |||||
| Aldermore | |||||
| Haydock Finance |
Finance Rates by Weight Class - October 2026
| GVW | New - Best APR | Used (5 yrs) - Typical APR | Used (10 yrs) - Typical APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5t | 4.0–5.5% | 6–9% | 9–13% |
| 12t | 4.5–6% | 6.5–9.5% | 9.5–14% |
| 18t | 4.5–6.5% | 7–10% | 10–14% |
| 26t | 5–7% | 7–11% | 11–15% |
| 32t | 5–7.5% | 8–12% | 11–16% |
Key Considerations for Each Weight Class
7.5 Tonne Rigids
The 7.5t rigid occupies a sweet spot: most drivers with a pre-1997 licence can drive them, the secondary market is strong, and lender appetite is broad. Finance rates are often comparable with large LCVs. Popular chassis include the Mercedes-Benz Atego 7.5t, DAF LF, Iveco Eurocargo 7.5t, and MAN TGL.
12 and 18 Tonne Rigids
These are the workhorses of UK distribution, requiring a full Category C licence. Curtainsiders and refrigerated bodies are dominant at this class. Lender appetite is strong for new and used examples up to 8–10 years old. The Volvo FL, DAF LF 12t, Mercedes Atego 18t, and MAN TGM are popular choices.
26 and 32 Tonne Rigids
The heaviest rigid classes require strong secondary market knowledge from the lender, and some apply higher deposit requirements. Lombard, Close Brothers, and Haydock Finance are consistently active at these weights. Common applications include high-cube distribution, bulk aggregate, and tanker operations.