Transport vehicles and commercial vehicles include all vehicles used for the commercial transport of goods and passengers. This main group includes lorries over 7.5 tonnes (single-axle lorries, swap body vehicles), vans and lorries up to 7.5 tonnes for workshop and delivery use, as well as tractor units for long-distance transport.
In the trailers and bodies sector, there are trailers (flatbed, low-loader, refrigerated), semi-trailers (curtainsider, refrigerated semi-trailer, container chassis), tippers for construction and bulk goods transport, and specialised recovery vehicles. Buses for regular services, coach travel and minibuses make up the passenger transport sector. Cranes, including mobile cranes and semi-trailer cranes, and other specialist vehicles round off the range.
Well-known manufacturers include Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Volvo Trucks, Scania, DAF, Iveco, Renault Trucks, and, for semi-trailers, Schmitz Cargobull, Krone, Kögel and Fliegl.
Transport vehicles are used by haulage contractors, tradespeople, construction companies, food logistics firms, passenger transport operators and in the municipal sector.
Frequently asked questions about buying second-hand transport and commercial vehicles
Which vehicles fall into this category?
These include lorries and tractor units, semi-trailers and trailers, tippers, flatbed and box bodies, refrigerated vehicles, vans, as well as municipal and specialised commercial vehicles. Key factors to consider when choosing include the gross vehicle weight, axle configuration, body type and whether the vehicle is designed for long-haul transport, distribution or use on construction sites.
How do I assess mileage and engine condition in lorries?
Mileage is a guide; in long-haul transport, high mileage is quite common provided the vehicle has been well maintained, whilst distribution vehicles, with their frequent cold starts, are subject to greater wear and tear. More telling factors include the service history, the condition of the turbocharger, exhaust after-treatment system and clutch, as well as checking the oil pressure, smoke emissions and any unusual noises during a test drive.
What role does the emissions standard play for commercial vehicles?
The Euro emissions standard (such as Euro V or Euro VI) determines access to low-emission zones, toll rates and suitability for certain contracts and tenders. For modern vehicles, check the functionality of the SCR system with AdBlue, the DPF and the associated sensors, as repairs to the exhaust after-treatment system can be costly.
What should I look out for with the chassis, axles and brakes?
Check the chassis for corrosion, cracks and repair welds; check the axles and air suspension for play and leaks; and check the condition of the braking system, including discs, pads and the electronic braking system (EBS). In the case of articulated lorries, the kingpin, fifth wheel and coupling are also safety-critical and should be free from excessive play.
What inspections and documents are required for commercial vehicles?
A valid general inspection (HU) with supporting documentation is essential, along with the complete vehicle documents, evidence regarding the speedometer and tachograph, and, for certain body types, special inspections. Crane systems, tail-lifts and hydraulic tipping mechanisms are subject to periodic UVV/DGUV inspections; you should ask to see the current inspection reports for these.
What should you look out for with body types such as refrigerated lorries, tippers or lorries with cranes?
For refrigerated vehicles, check the refrigeration unit, the unit’s operating hours, the insulation and the ATP certificate; for tippers, check the tipping hydraulics, cylinders and side panels. Loading cranes and tail-lifts have their own maintenance and inspection histories, and a body type suitable for the intended use is often more important for practical purposes than engine specifications alone.
How important are tyres, tyre specifications and axle loads?
Tyres are a significant cost factor; check the tread depth, even wear, age and whether the tyres are suitable for the intended use. Ensure that axle loads and the gross vehicle weight rating match your payload requirements, as uneven tyre wear can indicate problems with the axles, alignment or chassis.
What are the typical pitfalls when buying a second-hand lorry?
Rust damage to the chassis, tampered with or implausible odometer readings, faulty exhaust after-treatment systems and worn-out bodywork are often overlooked. A test drive with the engine warmed up and under load, checking all vehicle documents and comparing service records with the vehicle’s actual condition significantly reduce the risk of costly follow-up expenses.
What do I need to bear in mind regarding transfer and registration?
Before collection, clarify whether the vehicle can be transported by yourself – provided it has a valid MOT and is fitted with temporary or export number plates – or whether it must be transported by a professional haulage company. In the case of a cross-border purchase, export documents, VAT regulations and re-registration in the destination country must be taken into account; you should discuss these matters with the seller at an early stage.
How do I get in touch with the seller of a commercial vehicle?
On the multilingual marketplace, use the contact function in the listing to get in touch directly with the dealer or seller, without any middlemen. You arrange the viewing, test drive, price, payment and transfer directly with the seller; communication takes place via email.
How do I filter for suitable vehicles?
Each listing shows the year of manufacture, condition, location and technical details such as mileage, power output, emissions standard and body type. Using the filters for manufacturer, condition, year of manufacture, price and technical specifications, you can narrow down the selection to suit your payload, intended use and low-emission zone requirements.
Can I finance commercial vehicles through leasing or hire purchase?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding leasing or hire-purchase enquiry directly, which makes expanding your fleet a cash-friendly option; you agree the terms with the supplier or financing partner. The purchase and payment take place outside the platform, as this is purely a marketplace.