July 8, 2026

Lorry vs Truck: What’s the Difference?

Often, people in the logistics industry use the terms “lorry” and “truck” interchangeably, but the two terms describe distinct vehicle categories with different capabilities, classifications, and cost structures.

For example, lorries are lighter, more compact vehicles suited to urban freight and last-mile delivery. Trucks are heavier goods vehicles built for long-haul transport and bulk cargo movement.

Knowing which to deploy, and when, supports better route planning, tighter cost control, and stronger fleet performance.

What is a Lorry in Singapore?

In Singapore, a lorry is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods. Most lorries feature a flatbed or enclosed cargo platform and are classified as light commercial vehicles suited to urban freight transport.

Their compact dimensions make them well-suited to the country’s dense road network. As such, they are the preferred choice for last-mile delivery, e-commerce logistics, retail distribution, and intra-city cargo movement.

Also, lorries typically run on smaller, fuel-efficient engines built for stop-and-go city driving rather than sustained highway performance. Their lighter build keeps operating costs lower per trip on shorter routes, a practical advantage for businesses running high delivery frequencies across urban zones.

What is a Truck?

A truck is a broader category of heavy goods vehicle designed for transporting larger, heavier loads across both short and long distances. Compared to a lorry, a truck carries greater cargo volumes and is built with higher-torque engines, a reinforced chassis, and stronger suspension systems.

Trucks are commonly deployed for long-haul transport, industrial freight, and bulk cargo movement between warehouses, ports, and distribution hubs. Their design also prioritizes durability and endurance under sustained load conditions, rather than the urban flexibility that lorries offer.

How Lorries and Trucks Are Classified in Singapore

Commercial goods vehicles in Singapore are classified based on maximum laden weight (MLW), which determines road access, operational restrictions, and regulatory requirements. The four classifications are:

Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs): Vehicles with an MLW of up to 3,500kg, covering small lorries, vans, and pickups used for urban deliveries and service fleets. LGVs have no special driving restrictions and are well-suited to frequent, short-distance routes in dense urban environments.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Vehicles with an MLW from 3,501kg to 16,000kg, used for regular logistics operations and moderate-to-heavy cargo movement. HGVs are subject to overnight parking restrictions and must display a valid Vehicle Parking Certificate (VPC) if their MLW exceeds 5,000kg.
Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (VHGVs): Vehicles with an MLW above 16,000kg, designed for long-haul, large-scale cargo transportation. VHGVs carry the same parking requirements as HGVs and are subject to additional permits for oversized movement.
Goods-cum-Passenger Vehicles (GPVs): Vehicles with an MLW of up to 5,000kg configured to transport both goods and passengers, most commonly lorries used to ferry workers between lodgings and worksites under specific safety regulations.

Each classification carries distinct implications for fleet deployment, route planning, and compliance obligations. For a closer look at how vehicle type and load profile affect transport pricing, see our breakdown of how trucking rates are calculated in Singapore.

Lorry vs Truck: Key Differences

To make better fleet decisions, take a look at the key differences between a lorry and a truck:

Usage and Operational Scope: Lorries are primarily used for short-distance urban deliveries, such as last-mile distribution, retail logistics, and intra-city transport, while trucks are designed for long-haul, inter-regional, and heavy-industrial freight.
Cargo Capacity: Lorries handle lighter and smaller loads suited to frequent deliveries within city limits, while trucks are built to carry heavier, bulkier shipments over longer distances.
Route and Environment Suitability: Lorries perform better on Singapore’s tight urban road networks due to their compact size and maneuverability, while trucks require wider roads and are better suited to highways and industrial transport corridors.
Engine and Performance: Trucks are equipped with heavy-duty engines built for endurance and long-distance hauling, while lorries typically use smaller, fuel-efficient engines optimized for stop-and-go city driving.
Axle and Load Distribution: Lorries typically have fewer axles, making them lighter and easier to operate in urban environments, whereas trucks have multiple axles to support heavier loads and ensure stability during long-haul transport.
Vehicle Classification: In Singapore’s logistics context, lorries are often classified as light- to medium-commercial vehicles, while trucks are categorized as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), reflecting their different operational roles.
Business Decision Factors: Companies should choose between a lorry and a truck based on delivery distance, cargo weight, shipment frequency, route conditions, and overall cost efficiency.

Why Choosing the Right Vehicle Matters in Logistics Operations

Aside from being a procurement decision, the choice between a lorry and a truck also affects supply chain efficiency and cost control.

Correct vehicle selection delivers tangible benefits:

Improved Delivery Efficiency: Matching vehicle size to route type reduces unnecessary transit time and supports more deliveries per shift, particularly in high-frequency urban distribution models.
Optimized Fuel Consumption: Using a lorry for urban last-mile routes and a truck for long-haul freight keeps fuel costs aligned with the demands of each trip.
Reduced Maintenance Costs: Vehicles deployed within their design parameters experience less mechanical stress, resulting in lower wear-and-tear costs over the fleet’s working life.
Better Load Management: Choosing the right vehicle for the cargo type reduces the risk of overloading, improves compliance with road safety regulations, and ensures loads arrive in better condition.
Enhanced Operational Reliability: A fleet matched to its working environment experiences fewer breakdowns and scheduling disruptions, supporting more predictable service delivery.

Get the Right Vehicle for Seamless Logistics

A seamless logistics process depends on matching the right transport mode to each requirement and managing those decisions as a strategic concern. Choosing between a lorry and a truck can determine whether your mode of transport adds efficiency or introduces friction to your broader supply chain.

For businesses evaluating their logistics arrangements, selecting the right 3PL company is a natural next step in building a more resilient supply chain. When you choose SH Ground Services as your logistics service provider, you can access end-to-end ground transport coordination, cargo handling, and supply chain support in Singapore.

With expertise spanning urban deliveries, freight movement, and integrated logistics operations across warehousing and transportation networks, we support enterprise clients looking for reliability, efficiency, and solutions tailored to their specific requirements.