HGV Procurement Checklist: Bodies, Ancillaries, Compliance
Procuring a new HGV is never just about picking a chassis and signing on the dotted line. The right body, ancillaries and compliance package will determine whether the vehicle is profitable from day one – or a constant headache.
Use this checklist as a practical guide when specifying your next rigid or tractor unit.
1. Start With the Job – Not the Truck
Before you talk to suppliers, be clear on:
- Primary application – general haulage, construction, waste, temperature-controlled, tanker, specialist?
- Typical load type – palletised, loose, liquids, aggregates, cages, containers, machinery.
- Average and peak payload – including seasonal spikes and any backhaul opportunities.
- Operating profile – local, regional, national, night work, urban-only, off-road construction sites.
- Loading/unloading method – forklift, tail-lift, crane, handball, dock levellers.
- Customer and contract requirements – FORS, CLOCS, DVS, specific safety tech, livery.
Capture this in a simple requirements sheet; it will drive every decision that follows.
2. Chassis & Driveline Considerations
Even though this checklist focuses on bodies and compliance, the chassis must support your chosen specification.
- Gross Vehicle / Train Weight (GVW / GTW) needed
- Axle configuration – 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×4 etc.
- Engine output & torque appropriate for routes and weights
- Gearbox – manual, AMT or fully automatic
- Suspension type – steel, air or a combination
- Fuel type – diesel, HVO-compatible, gas or electric where appropriate
- Chassis layout – space for body subframe, cranes, tanks, tool lockers and ancillaries
Confirm that the chassis manufacturer approves your planned body type and ancillary fitments.
3. Bodies – Getting the Specification Right
The body is where the vehicle earns its keep. Work through this list with your bodybuilder.
3.1 Body Type
- Curtainsider / box
- Dropside / beavertail
- Tipper / grab / hookloader
- Refrigerated body (single or multi-temp)
- Tanker – fuel, food, waste, ADR
- Specialist (recovery, plant, refuse, mixer, vacuum etc.)
3.2 Construction & Dimensions
- Internal length, width and height matched to your loads and loading bays
- Floor construction – hardwood, steel, aluminium or composite
- Side and rear aperture sizes (forklift access, plant loading angles)
- Roof options – fixed, sliding, tilt or load restraint systems
- Lashing points & load restraint – rings, tracks, posts, nets, internal straps
Check for compatibility with pallet sizes, roll cages, stillages and any customer-specific equipment.
3.3 Access & Safety
- Steps and handrails for safe access
- Non-slip surfaces on steps and catwalks
- Grab handles and safe working platforms
- Interior and exterior work lighting
- Storage for straps, chains, cones and PPE
4. Ancillaries – The Detail That Makes the Difference
Ancillaries can make or break day-to-day usability and compliance. Consider:
4.1 Lifting & Loading Equipment
- Tail-lifts – column, tuck-away, cantilever; platform size and SWL
- Cranes – capacity, outreach, stabilisers, remote controls
- Forklift or Moffett brackets and certification
- Winches / ramps for plant and machinery
Ensure all lifting equipment is supplied with the correct documentation and suitable for LOLER inspections.
4.2 Power & Systems
- PTOs (Power Take-Offs) for tippers, tankers, pumps, blowers etc.
- Hydraulic systems – reservoirs, pipework, controls, cooling
- Refrigeration units – capacity, standby options, temperature monitoring
- Auxiliary electrics – beacons, work lights, reverse alarms, CCTV, sensors
4.3 Safety & Visibility
- Side-scan sensors and audible alerts
- Near-side and off-side cameras
- Reverse cameras and DVR recording
- Front and side under-run protection
- Additional mirrors or digital mirror systems
- Warning signage and conspicuity markings
Check whether your contracts require specific systems for DVS, FORS or CLOCS.
4.4 Driver Comfort & Usability
- In-cab storage for paperwork and devices
- Telematics and tracking integration
- Dash cam provision
- Phone hands-free and charging
- Additional night heaters or air conditioning where appropriate
5. Compliance Checklist – Stay on the Right Side of the Law
HGV procurement must bake in compliance from day one. Work through this section before orders are signed.
5.1 Vehicle & Body Compliance
- Conforms to UK Construction & Use Regulations
- Appropriate type approval for chassis and body
- Correct plating weight and axle loads – verified by bodybuilder
- Load securing meets DVSA guidance for your cargo types
- Emissions standard suitable for Clean Air Zones / LEZ / ULEZ on your routes
5.2 Operating Licence & Records
- Adequate O-Licence capacity (authorised vehicles and operating centres)
- Maintenance regime agreed – inspection intervals, service providers, records format
- Tachograph and drivers’ hours compliance built into your processes
- Clear system for defect reporting and rectification
5.3 Specialist Regulations
Where applicable, confirm:
- ADR compliance for hazardous goods – tank certification, signage, safety kit
- Food hygiene requirements for tankers or fridge operations
- Waste carrier licences and appropriate body/sealing for waste vehicles
- LOLER/PUWER requirements for cranes, tail-lifts and lifting equipment
- Any sector-specific rules (construction, utilities, local authority contracts)
Agree who is responsible for obtaining and retaining certificates – manufacturer, bodybuilder or operator.
6. Supplier, Warranty & Whole-Life Cost
The cheapest upfront price rarely delivers the lowest lifetime cost. Include these points in your procurement evaluation:
- Warranty coverage for chassis, body and ancillaries – duration and scope
- Local dealer and bodybuilder support – lead times for parts and repairs
- Availability of loan or hire vehicles if repairs are lengthy
- Fuel efficiency expectations and driver training options
- Residual value impact of your chosen spec
- Finance structure – hire purchase, lease or contract hire – and how it supports cash flow
7. Final Pre-Delivery Checklist
Before the vehicle enters service, make sure you have:
- All manuals, certificates and approvals (type approval, LOLER, ADR, fridge, crane etc.)
- Correct livery, fleet numbers and contact details applied
- Telematics, cameras and tracking tested and connected
- Weighbridge ticket confirming payload and axle loads
- Driver familiarisation and safety briefing completed
- Vehicle added to maintenance planner and compliance systems
Conclusion
A well-planned HGV procurement process is about far more than simply choosing a make and model. By working methodically through bodies, ancillaries and compliance – and documenting each decision – you protect your drivers, your operator’s licence and your bottom line.
Use this checklist as a standard template for every new vehicle order, updating it to reflect your own sector requirements and contract obligations.
