See Examples of Businesses That Need an Operator’s Licence

If your business uses goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (including any trailers) for commercial purposes on public roads in the UK, there’s a high chance you need an Operator’s Licence—and if you’re unsure, this article is for you.

This blog will walk you through a wide range of real-world examples of businesses—some obvious, some surprising—that require an Operator’s Licence. Whether you’re running a national haulage firm or a small garden centre with a lorry or two, the rules apply just the same. We’ll also explain which type of licence is required (Standard National, Standard International, or Restricted), so you can stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

What Is an Operator’s Licence?

Before diving into examples, let’s quickly cover what an Operator’s Licence is. An Operator’s Licence (O-Licence) is a legal requirement issued by the Traffic Commissioner for businesses that use goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) on public roads for commercial purposes.

There are three types:

• Restricted Licence: For businesses transporting their own goods in the course of trade or business.

• Standard National Licence: For businesses transporting goods for hire or reward within the UK.

• Standard International Licence: As above, but also allows international haulage.

  
  

Why Does It Matter?

Operating vehicles over 3.5 tonnes without a valid Operator’s Licence is a criminal offence and could result in:

• Fines

• Vehicle seizure

• Prohibition notices

• Loss of your repute as a business or transport manager

• Disqualification from operating goods vehicles in the future

In short: don’t risk it. Let’s look at some everyday business types that need to be licensed—including ones that often overlook this crucial requirement.

1. General Haulage Companies

Type of Licence: Standard National or International

This is the most obvious one. Haulage firms moving goods for other people for payment are clearly operating for hire or reward. These businesses typically operate fleets of HGVs and need qualified transport managers, driver CPC training, maintenance systems, and full compliance with the undertakings of an O-Licence.

Example:

📦 XYZ Logistics Ltd. runs 10 articulated lorries delivering palletised goods for manufacturers across the UK and Europe. They need a Standard International Licence.

2. Builders and Construction Companies

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Many construction firms own or lease 7.5-tonne tippers, flatbeds, or grab lorries to move equipment, aggregates, waste or building materials to and from sites. Even if the company is just hauling its own tools and materials, this still counts as commercial use, so a Restricted Licence is required.

Example:

🏗️ ABC Building Co. operates two 7.5-tonne lorries to deliver bricks, cement and plant to their jobs. They’re not carrying goods for other people, so a Restricted Licence is sufficient.

3. Garden Centres and Nurseries

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Businesses that grow and supply plants often deliver them using their own trucks. If they’re using vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, even just for local deliveries of their own stock, an Operator’s Licence is legally required.

Example:

🌱 Greenfield Nurseries owns a 12-tonne curtain-sider to deliver trees and shrubs to landscaping customers. They need a Restricted Licence.

4. Furniture Manufacturers and Kitchen Fitters

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Manufacturers delivering large items like fitted kitchens or furniture often use vehicles that exceed 3.5 tonnes. Again, even if they’re only delivering items they’ve made or sold themselves, this is still a licensable activity.

Example:

🪑 OakCraft Interiors uses a 7.5-tonne box van to deliver bespoke furniture across the Midlands. They need a Restricted Licence.

5. Courier and Parcel Delivery Companies

Type of Licence: Standard National or International

While many couriers use vans under 3.5 tonnes (which are exempt), companies using heavier vehicles to carry goods on behalf of customers must be properly licensed.

Example:

📬 Swift Parcel Group operates a mix of 3.5t and 7.5t vans for next-day deliveries. Because they carry goods for reward, their 7.5-tonne vehicles fall under a Standard National Licence.

6. Wholesale Food Suppliers and Butchers

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Cold-chain and food wholesalers frequently deliver in refrigerated 7.5t trucks or larger. If they’re transporting food to their own outlets or customers, a Restricted Licence is needed.

Example:

🥩 Smith’s Wholesale Butchers distributes meat to restaurants using a 12-tonne chilled vehicle. They need a Restricted Licence.

7. Event and Exhibition Companies

Type of Licence: Depends on Goods Carried

Companies that move staging, lighting, stands or AV equipment in heavy trucks often overlook that they need a licence. If they’re hauling equipment for clients, it may count as hire/reward.

Example 1:

🎪 StageTech Ltd. transports their own staging to venues across the UK. They need a Restricted Licence.

Example 2:

🎤 ProShow Logistics is paid to haul third-party exhibition stands and lighting to events. They need a Standard National Licence.

8. Scaffolding Companies

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Scaffolders typically use flatbed lorries to transport poles, boards and equipment to sites. This use is considered commercial, so even small firms must be licensed.

Example:

🏗️ QuickScaff Ltd. operates two 10-tonne flatbeds. They carry only their own scaffolding, so they require a Restricted Licence.

9. Farming and Agricultural Businesses

Type of Licence: Often Restricted (sometimes exempt)

This one gets tricky. Many agricultural vehicles are exempt, but if a farm business uses a 7.5-tonne lorry to deliver produce to customers or markets, or to haul feed or equipment, they may require a licence.

Example:

🌾 Meadow View Farm uses an 18-tonne lorry to deliver hay to equestrian centres. They’re not exempt, so they need a Restricted Licence.

10. Waste Collection and Skip Hire Firms

Type of Licence: Standard National or Restricted (depending on customers)

Skip hire companies using HGVs to deliver and collect skips are engaging in licensable activity. If the firm transports its own waste, a Restricted Licence might suffice—but many also carry third-party waste, making a Standard Licence necessary.

Example 1:

🗑️ EcoSkip Ltd. collects skips from domestic and trade customers. They’re paid for the service, so they need a Standard National Licence.

Example 2:

🧹 Town Council Refuse Dept uses a 12-tonne tipper to collect rubbish from council buildings only. May qualify under municipal exemptions, but advice should be sought.

11. Film and TV Production Companies

Type of Licence: Depends on Who Owns the Goods

These companies often use HGVs to transport props, sets and technical gear to locations. If they’re carrying their own equipment, a Restricted Licence is fine. If they carry gear for third parties, they’ll need a Standard Licence.

Example:

🎬 BigScene Productions uses 18-tonne trucks to move their film gear. They need a Restricted Licence.

12. Timber, Fencing and Landscaping Suppliers

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Suppliers delivering their own heavy stock—timber, decking, aggregates—must comply if they use HGVs. Even if it’s “only local” deliveries.

Example:

🌲 Timber Direct runs 7.5-tonne and 12-tonne lorries to deliver timber fencing to trade customers. They need a Restricted Licence.

13. Drink and Brewery Businesses

Type of Licence: Usually Restricted

Microbreweries and drinks manufacturers often grow into operating their own delivery fleet. As soon as they’re using vehicles above 3.5 tonnes, they need to be licensed—even if only delivering their own beer.

Example:

🍻 Golden Hop Brewery delivers casks in a 7.5-tonne lorry. They require a Restricted Licence.

14. Removals Companies

Type of Licence: Standard National

Furniture removal companies usually carry goods for private individuals or businesses, meaning it’s not their own goods—so this is always hire/reward work, which means a Standard National Licence is required.

Example:

🚚 Jones & Son Removals uses 12-tonne and 18-tonne lorries to move households. They need a Standard National Licence.

15. Mobile Plant or Equipment Hire

Type of Licence: Depends on Usage

If a company delivers hired-out plant or equipment (e.g. diggers, access platforms), and it’s not just their own use, they’ll need a Standard Licence.

Example:

🔧 SitePlant Hire Ltd. delivers access platforms to customers using a 26-tonne beavertail. They need a Standard National Licence.

Common Misconceptions

Many business owners mistakenly believe:

• “We only use it occasionally.” → Doesn’t matter. Even one trip can count.

• “It’s just our own goods.” → You still need a Restricted Licence.

• “It’s under 7.5 tonnes.” → That helps, but 3.5t is the key threshold.

• “We’ve got a van and trailer.” → Check combined weight!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume—Check

If you operate—or are thinking of operating—vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for business, it’s vital to check your licensing obligations. There are no exceptions for size of company, number of vehicles, or distance travelled.

At JS Transport Solutions, we help businesses across all industries:

✅ Understand whether you need an O-Licence

✅ Apply correctly with the right licence type

✅ Maintain full compliance with transport law

✅ Avoid costly enforcement action from the DVSA or Traffic Commissioner

Need Help?

🚛 Whether you’re a farm business with a single truck or a removals company scaling up, we can guide you through the O-Licence application process and ongoing compliance.

👉 Download our free guide: “Do I Need an Operator’s Licence?”

📞 Or book a call to speak to a transport compliance specialist.

JS Transport Solutions – Keeping Your Wheels Legal and Your Business Moving