ARTICLE FROM B&T VEHICLE HIRE : Recovery truck hire: Everything you need to know before you book
Recovery vehicle hire is in high demand, and the reasons people need one vary enormously. You might be collecting a car you bought online, transporting a classic to a show, recovering your own broken-down vehicle, or running a fleet operation that needs extra capacity at short notice. Whatever the situation, booking the right truck and knowing what to expect before you pick up the keys will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
At B&T Vehicle Hire Part of long established Recovery World Ltd, we have been hiring recovery trucks from our depots in Hatfield and Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, since 2001. This guide covers everything you need to know before you book.
Who hires recovery trucks?
The short answer is: all kinds of people. Recovery truck hire is not just for breakdown companies or large fleets. At B&T, we regularly hire to:
- People collecting a car bought on eBay or at auction
- Classic and vintage car owners transporting their vehicle to shows or events
- Drivers who need to recover their own broken-down vehicle
- Track-day enthusiasts moving cars
- Garages that need a temporary or additional recovery vehicle
- Large corporate fleet operators who need extra trucks due to high workload or a vehicle being off the road after a breakdown or accident
We also supply recovery trucks to companies working on police contracts, where vehicles need to meet specific requirements and carry the relevant certifications. Whatever your situation, our team will help you find the right vehicle for the job.
What size recovery truck do you need?
Choosing the right size vehicle matters. Too small and you may not be able to carry the load safely; too large and you could be paying for capacity and extra fuel you don’t need, we can also advise what licence will be required to drive the vehicles.
Our recovery fleet covers a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit different jobs and different licence categories:
- 3.5t beavertail
- 7.5t slidebed
- 7.5t super low slidebed
- 12t slidebed recovery
- 12t super low slidebed
- 15t slidebed recovery
- 15t super low slidebed
The super low slidebed options are particularly useful for vehicles with very limited ground clearance, such as sports cars, classics, and low-slung project cars. If you are not sure which configuration suits your needs, our team will help you choose the right one.
Do you have the right licence to drive a recovery truck?
This is one of the most important things to check before you book. The licence you need depends on the size and weight of the vehicle.
- Smaller recovery trucks, such as 3.5t beavertails, can be driven on a standard Category B licence.
- Vehicles over 3.5t up to 7.5t require a Category C
1licence. - Anything over 7.5t requires a full Category C1 licence.
Driving outside your licence category is illegal and invalidates insurance. If you passed your UK car driving test before 1 January 1997, you automatically have Category C1 entitlement (up to 7.5 tonnes).
At B&T, we have recovery vehicles to suit every licence type. When you get in touch, we will confirm which vehicles are available to you based on what license you hold.
What equipment comes with the truck?
All of our recovery trucks come equipped with winches and the standard equipment needed to do the job properly. You don’t have to worry about picking up a vehicle from B&T and find it missing essential equipment.
For customers with more specific requirements, such as those operating under a police contract or similar regulated work, we can supply vehicles that meet the necessary specifications and carry the relevant certifications. If your hire has particular equipment or compliance requirements, let us know when you book and we will make sure everything is in order before you collect.
How much does recovery truck hire cost?
The cost of hiring a recovery truck depends on a few factors: the size of the vehicle, the length of the hire, and any specific equipment or compliance requirements. Smaller trucks on short-term hires will naturally cost less than larger, fully-specced vehicles taken out for longer periods.
The best way to get an accurate figure is to give us a call or book online. We are completely upfront and transparent about pricing with no hidden extras, and we will make sure you know exactly what is included before you pay.
Why hire from B&T Vehicle Hire?
B&T has been a family-run business since 1977, and recovery truck hire has been part of what we do for a long time. Our fleet is modern and well-maintained, and we carry the same vehicle specifications you would expect from the largest operators in the industry. The difference is that we also take the time to get things right for each individual customer.
Our team are experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Many customers come back to us again and again, from the those collecting an eBay purchase to the large corporate fleet manager who needs reliable overflow capacity at short notice.
We operate from two locations in Hertfordshire, in Hatfield and Hoddesdon, and are well-placed to serve customers across the county and beyond.
FAQs about recovery truck hire
Can I hire a recovery truck on a standard car licence?
Yes, you can drive a truck that falls within the 3.5-tonne limit for category B licence holders. We will confirm which options are available to you when you get in touch.
Do the vehicles come with winches and straps?
Yes. All of our recovery trucks come with winches and the equipment needed for standard recovery work. If you have specific requirements beyond that, let us know and we will make sure the vehicle is set up correctly.
Can I hire a recovery truck for just one day?
Yes, short-term hire is available. If you need a truck to collect a car from a private seller or move a vehicle to a garage, a single-day hire is straightforward to arrange. Get in touch and we will sort it out for you.
Do you supply recovery trucks for police contract work?
Yes. We have experience supplying vehicles to companies working on police contracts and can provide trucks that meet the relevant specifications and carry the required certifications. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can a business hire multiple recovery trucks at once?
Absolutely. We regularly hire to fleet operators and larger companies that need additional capacity when workload increases or a vehicle is out of action. Give us a call to discuss availability and we will do our best to accommodate you. We also offer contract hire if you need the vehicles for longer periods.
Where are you based?
B&T Vehicle Hire has two locations in Hertfordshire: one in Hatfield and one in Hoddesdon.
Ready to book your recovery truck hire?
If you need a recovery truck in Hertfordshire or the surrounding area, get in touch with the B&T team and we’ll find the right vehicle for your needs.