How to Choose the Right Beavertail Lorry for General Haulage

Published on: 11th June 2025

When it comes to general haulage, choosing the right beavertail lorry is essential to ensure efficiency, safety, and profitability across your operations. Whether you’re transporting plant machinery, palletised goods, or mixed loads, having a versatile and dependable plant body can make all the difference in keeping your fleet productive and compliant.

In this guide, we break down what to look for in a beavertail truck, explore common use cases in general haulage, and compare two of the most versatile options on the market: the Sterling Multiload and Sterling Combiload.

What is a Beavertail Lorry and Why Is It Used in General Haulage?

A beavertail lorry is a flatbed truck with a sloped rear section (the “beavertail”) that allows plant, vehicles, or equipment to be driven or winched onto the deck. It’s widely used across the general haulage sector for its ability to transport a wide variety of loads – from excavators and generators to pallets and site equipment.

Key benefits include:

• Easier loading and unloading of wheeled and tracked machinery
• Reduced need for external lifting equipment
• Greater operational flexibility

Key Considerations When Choosing a Beavertail for Haulage

When selecting the right beavertail truck body, ask yourself:

• What types of cargo will I be moving most often?
• Will I need crane compatibility for lift-on loads?
• Do I need the ability to carry both plant and palletised goods?
• How important are loading speed, safety, and ease of use?
  

Choosing the wrong vehicle setup can lead to costly downtime, limited versatility, and increased wear and tear. That’s why Sterling offers two highly engineered options tailored for modern hauliers: the Multiload and Combiload.

Sterling Multiload – Dual-Purpose Versatility for Mixed Loads

If your operation handles both lift-on and drive-on cargo, the Multiload delivers true multi-role capability.

Best for: Operators needing a vehicle that functions as both a crane flatbed and beavertail plant truck.

Key Features:

• Cheesewedge fold-forward ramps (available in twin, full-width, or gate configurations)
• Ramps can be stored upright or flat to maximise deck space
• Crane compatibility for lift-on cargo like containers or pallets
• Low deck height and optimal ramp angles for safe, efficient loading
• Built on rigid chassis from 14 to 32 tonnes
• Stacker twistlocks, post and socket fall arrest, and hardwood deck as standard
• Galvanised steel components and headboard for corrosion resistance

The Multiload is engineered with an outrigger-based structure that mounts the body directly off the crane subframe, enabling a lower centre of gravity and a safer ride, even at full load capacity. It’s ideal for hauliers seeking maximum earning potential from a single body type.

Sterling Combiload – Built to Handle Daily Demands with Confidence

The Combiload is a tough, straightforward beavertail lorry body designed for dependability, safety, and adaptability in the general haulage sector.

Best for: Operators who move heavy machinery, access platforms, and mixed loads with minimal hassle.

Key Features:

• Double flip ramps for rapid, secure loading
• Multiple lashing points and fall arrest safety features
• Hardwood deck with steel mesh overlay on the beavertail
• 12,000lb electric winch for secure loading of non-driven machinery
• Crossmembers at 300mm centres for enhanced point load capability
• Galvanised steel components and headboard for corrosion resistance

With its no-nonsense design, the Combiload offers the strength and simplicity that fleet operators rely on every day, particularly in construction, utilities, and civil engineering logistics.

Which Beavertail is Right for Your General Haulage Fleet?

If your business involves multi-sector logistics, such as moving both generators and palletised equipment, the Multiload offers more operational flexibility.

If you’re focused on rugged plant transport with a strong emphasis on reliability and minimal downtime, the Combiload may be the best fit.

Common Questions About Choosing a Beavertail Truck

Can a single beavertail truck do multiple job types?

Yes – especially with a dual-purpose body like the Sterling Multiload, which combines crane functionality with a drive-on ramp.

How important is ramp angle?

Very. A low ramp angle (as found on both Sterling models) improves safety and makes it easier to load plant equipment without bottoming out.

Are Sterling bodies configurable to my specification?

Absolutely. From chassis size to deck material, ramp configuration, lashing points, toolboxes, and lighting – every body is built to spec.

What size lorry do I need?

Sterling bodies are available on 14T–32T rigid chassis, offering the right platform for local, to regional and national haulage operations.

Ready to spec your next general haulage vehicle?

Get in touch today to find out how a Sterling Multiload or Combiload can power your next fleet upgrade.