CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk
Heavier intermodal freight trial
Seeks views on a possible trial of higher maximum weight limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) carrying intermodal freight.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
Detail
At present, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) carrying intermodal road or rail freight have a lower maximum payload weight than HGVs carrying road-only freight. This is due to the higher weight of the rail container and specialised trailer compared with a standard curtain-sided HGV.
This consultation seeks views on:
- a possible trial of higher maximum weight limits of 48 tonnes (rather than 44 tonnes) for HGVs carrying intermodal freight
- how such a trial might be implemented
- how such a trial might be evaluated
It also outlines how operators interested in taking part in such a trial can submit expressions of interest.
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