What is the Difference Between Lorry and Truck?

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The terms "lorry" and "truck" are often used interchangeably, but they have some differences depending on the context and the variety of English being used. In British English, a lorry is a large vehicle used for transporting goods by road, while in American English, the term "truck" is more commonly used for the same purpose.

Some people argue that all lorries are trucks, but not all trucks are lorries, suggesting that lorries are bigger than trucks. However, this distinction is not universally accepted, and the terms are often used synonymously in both British and American English.

In summary, the main differences between a lorry and a truck are:

  • Terminology: "Lorry" is more commonly used in British English, while "truck" is more common in American English.
  • Size: Some argue that lorries are larger than trucks, but this distinction is not universally accepted.

Both lorries and trucks are classified as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and are used for transporting goods or materials.

Comparative Table: Lorry vs Truck

The main difference between a lorry and a truck is their usage and size. Here is a table comparing the two vehicles:

Feature Lorry Truck
Size Large Smaller
Purpose Transporting heavy items, such as logs, machinery, etc. Transporting small items and lightweight goods, such as household goods
Skill Requires more skill to drive due to its size and weight Requires less skill to drive due to its smaller size
Region British English primarily uses the term "lorry" American English and some other countries primarily use the term "truck"
Railway Lorries are not used in railway stations Trucks are used in railway stations
Airport Lorries are not used in airports Trucks are used in airports

In British English, a lorry is a large vehicle used for transporting goods by road, while in American English, a truck is a smaller vehicle used for the same purpose. The terms "lorry" and "truck" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and applications in different regions and contexts.