What is a HIAB lorry, in plain words
A HIAB lorry is a road going lorry with a folding lifting arm fixed to its chassis, usually just behind the cab or at the back of the bed. It collects a load, carries it on its flatbed and lifts it off at the delivery point, all with one vehicle and one driver.
Because the lifting arm is built into the lorry, there is nothing separate to book at either end of the journey. The same vehicle and the same driver look after the load from collection to delivery.
At Hiab Haulage, a Manchester based company working across England, Scotland and Wales, these lorries are our everyday work. Our drivers lift containers, cabins, machinery, steel and building materials every day.
The main parts of a lorry loader
Every HIAB lorry is made up of the same four main parts working together.
The lifting arm
A folding, extending arm on a rotating column. It unfolds to lift the load and folds neatly away for the journey.
Stabilisers
Legs that extend from the sides of the lorry and press onto firm ground, keeping the vehicle steady during the lift.
Controls
The driver works the arm from a control station on the side of the lorry or with a remote control, giving a clear view of the load.
The flatbed
An open bed where the load is secured for the road, often paired with a trailer for longer or multiple loads.
What a HIAB delivery involves
Every lift is planned before the vehicle is booked. We ask about the load, the collection and delivery addresses and the access, and photos help us choose the right vehicle.
Set up
The driver parks the lorry close to the delivery spot and lowers the stabilisers.
Sling the load
Chains or straps are attached to the lifting points on the load.
Lift and move
The arm raises the load from the bed and swings it round to its new spot.
Set down
The load is lowered gently into position and unhooked.
The different kinds of HIAB truck
The lifting arm can be fitted to several kinds of lorry, so the vehicle can be matched to the load and the access at site.
- Rigid HIABs, compact and well suited to city streets and tighter sites
- Wagon and drag HIABs, a rigid lorry pulling a trailer to carry more in one run
- Artic HIABs, a tractor unit with the arm behind the cab and a long trailer
Customers choose a HIAB because it saves time, cost and coordination. See how it works in practice on our HIAB delivery service page, or for very long loads, our dual HIAB lifts, where two lorries share the lift. We work across every region:
HIAB lorry questions
What is a HIAB lorry used for?
A HIAB lorry is used to collect, carry and lift loads such as containers, cabins, machinery, steel and building materials. It suits any job where the load needs lifting at the collection point, the delivery point or both.
Does a HIAB delivery need other lifting equipment on site?
The lorry brings its own lifting arm, so most deliveries need nothing else on site. The driver lifts the load on at collection and off at delivery.
Who works the lifting arm?
The driver. Our drivers are trained to lift as well as drive, hold CPCS cards and work to ALLMI guidance.
Do I need anything on site for a HIAB delivery?
Just a firm, level spot for the lorry to set up, and a clear space where the load is going. Photos of the delivery point help us plan the lift before we book the vehicle.
How do I book a HIAB?
Use the quote form or email us with the load, the collection and delivery addresses and some photos. We will plan the job and send you a price.
What is a lorry loader?
A lorry loader is a hydraulic lifting arm fitted to the lorry chassis, usually just behind the cab. It lets the driver lift a load onto the bed, carry it and lift it off at the other end. Every HIAB lorry we run works this way, which is why one vehicle and one driver can handle the whole job.
How much can a HIAB lift?
It depends on the size of the lifting arm and how far the arm has to reach. A HIAB lifts the most when the load is close to the lorry, and less as the arm extends. Tell us the weight of the load and how far it has to travel from where the lorry can park, and we will send a vehicle that can do the lift.
Need a HIAB for your load?
Tell us what needs moving, where it is now and where it needs to go. Add a few photos and we will plan the lift and send you a price.
