Light duty
Up to 8 tonnes GVM. Tradies, couriers, florists, removalists and local delivery.
- Cab-over and van bodies
- Tippers and tray tops
- Some under 4.5 t can be driven on a car licence
Trucks available in Australia
From city delivery vans to triple road trains.
A plain-English guide to the trucks you can buy and drive in Australia: the main classes, the brands sold here, and the licence each one needs.
The main types of truck on Australian roads
Australian trucks are usually grouped by gross vehicle mass (GVM): the most the truck can weigh fully loaded. GVM decides which licence you need and what jobs the truck suits.
Medium duty
Over 8 tonnes GVM on two axles. Metro freight, refrigerated food and council work.
- Pantech and curtainsider bodies
- Refrigerated trucks
- Garbage and street sweepers
Heavy duty
Three or more axles. Construction, agriculture, concrete, water carting and heavy tipper work.
- Concrete agitators
- Tipper and dog trailer combinations
- Water and fuel tankers
Prime movers
Prime movers that haul semi-trailers, B-doubles and road trains on interstate and outback routes.
- Linehaul semi-trailers
- B-doubles and B-triples
- Road trains in remote areas
Truck brands sold in Australia
Australia has one of the most varied truck markets in the world, with Japanese, European and American makers all competing. Japanese brands lead the light and medium end. European and American brands dominate heavy-duty and long-distance haulage.
Japanese
IsuzuHinoFusoUD Trucks
European
VolvoScaniaMercedes-BenzIvecoDAFMANRenault
American
KenworthMackWestern StarFreightlinerInternational
Electric and hydrogen trucks are now arriving across light, medium and heavy classes from several of these makers and from newer entrants. Brand names are trademarks of their owners. This site isn't affiliated with any manufacturer or dealer.
Which licence do you need?
Heavy vehicle licence classes are the same in every state and territory. Each class also lets you drive the classes below it.
| Class | Name | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| C | Car | Vehicles up to 4.5 t GVM, seating up to 12 adults including the driver. |
| LR | Light rigid | Rigid vehicles over 4.5 t and up to 8 t GVM. May tow a trailer up to 9 t GVM. |
| MR | Medium rigid | Rigid vehicles with two axles and over 8 t GVM. May tow a trailer up to 9 t GVM. |
| HR | Heavy rigid | Rigid vehicles with three or more axles and over 8 t GVM, plus articulated buses. May tow a trailer up to 9 t GVM. |
| HC | Heavy combination | Prime movers towing a single semi-trailer, or rigid trucks towing a trailer over 9 t GVM. |
| MC | Multi-combination | B-doubles, B-triples and road trains. |
This is a summary only. Check the rules, eligibility and any experience requirements with your state or territory licensing authority before you buy or drive.
Buying a truck in Australia
Whether you're buying your first light truck or adding to a fleet, these are the checks worth making.
Match the truck to the job
Start with the payload you need to carry, then add the body weight. That gives the GVM you need, which in turn decides the licence class and the running costs.
New or used
New trucks come with warranty, current safety tech and finance offers. Used trucks are cheaper up front, but check service history, odometer and engine hours, and look for signs of heavy wear.
Check the register
Before you buy a used truck, search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). It shows whether the truck still has finance owing or has been written off or reported stolen.
Registration and roadworthy
Heavy vehicle registration costs depend on the truck's configuration and state. Most states need a safety or roadworthy certificate when a truck changes hands.
Fatigue and safety rules
Most trucks over 12 t GVM fall under heavy vehicle fatigue laws, including work diaries. The Heavy Vehicle National Law also sets load restraint, mass and dimension limits.
Think about running costs
Fuel, tyres, insurance, servicing intervals and the dealer network on your routes all add up. A dealer near where you work can matter more than a lower sticker price.
Australian business & domain
This business & domain may be for sale
The trucks.com.au business and domain may be available together. It's a short, memorable name that suits a dealer, marketplace, manufacturer, fleet business or transport publication.
If you are interested, contact sales@trucks.com.au.