Skip lorry sizes: A guide to waste management vehicle dimensions

Good waste management involves careful planning, especially when it comes to the size of the vehicles used.

Knowing exact vehicle dimensions helps the SunEnviro team deliver efficient and safe service – and it can be handy for customers too.

Let’s break down the size of our key vehicles and why understanding these dimensions is crucial for our operations and your convenience.

Why you should understand skip lorry sizes

Why does knowing the size of a waste management vehicle matter? It’s simple: logistics and safety.

Imagine scheduling a skip delivery only to find the vehicle can’t fit through your driveway. Or that overhead cables or branches obstruct the path. These issues don’t just cause delays, they also pose safety risks.

By knowing the dimensions of our vehicles, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free service, avoiding unnecessary complications and ensuring that waste removal is carried out efficiently.

SunSkips lorry dimensions

SunSkips will always assign the best vehicle for the job, depending on the scope of your waste management, the size of the skip, and the type of waste you’re getting rid of.

RORO (Roll-On Roll-Off) lorries

These lorries are used for heavy-duty 20- and 40-yard containers.

Width: 8.5 feet / 2.6 metres

Height: 12.6 feet / 3.8 metres

Length: 29 feet / 8.8 metres

18-tonne skip lorries

These vehicles can be used for all sizes of skip hire from 4-yards to 14-yards. They have a greater payload for projects with soil and rubble to dispose of.

Width: 8.4 feet / 2.6 metres

Height: 11.6 feet / 3.5 metres

Length: 21.7 feet / 6.6 metres

12-tonne skip lorries

Ideal for visiting domestic properties due to their agility and smaller size.

Width: 8 feet / 2.4 metres

Height: 10.4 feet / 3.2 metres

Length: 20.7 feet / 6.3 metres

MORE: How to prepare for your skip hire delivery and collection

How SunSkips decides which lorry size to send out

The decision on which vehicle sizes to allocate for the job depends on whether it’s at a residential or commercial property.

Domestic customers

In densely populated areas, access can be a major issue.

SunSkips fleet manager Joe Neill recommends taking the time to understand how big the lorry bringing your skip is so you can prepare.

He said, “Homes built in the 1940s weren’t designed with modern vehicle access in mind.

“Most of the areas we go to are densely populated and there are more cars parked on the roads than ever.”

Joe’s advice is to give your neighbours a friendly heads-up to ensure their vehicles aren’t blocking access. It’s also best to ensure a safe working area of half a metre on all sides and an entry of at least three metres wide. This allows drivers to manoeuvre safely and efficiently.

He added, “But there have been occasions where it’s been impossible and we’ve had to offer a wait and load service or multiple smaller skips.”

Commercial customers

Industrial, construction and commercial customers tend to have a better understanding of skip lorry sizes. But that doesn’t mean these jobs are without their challenges.

Heritage sites, for instance, might have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) that restrict the removal or trimming of trees – and councils can impose hefty fines for violations.

Overhead cables are another common obstacle.

Joe said, “In some areas, you may have up to 15 power cables running over a site, which can be tricky for larger vehicles.”

But despite the inherent challenges, Joe and his team of highly skilled drivers pride themselves on their ability to access even the most hard to reach locations.

He added, “You can tell from the photos on our social media, our drivers don’t give up easily. It’s very rare that they can’t get the lorry where they need to go.”

At SunEnviro, we’re dedicated to making waste management as hassle-free as possible. For reliable skip hire, recycling, and demolition services, trust SunEnviro to deliver the expertise and efficiency you need.