Dropside's & Flatbeds

Dropsides & Flatbeds are particularly useful for builders and anyone else that needs to transport a dirty or bulky load because they offer a generous payload and great practicality.

The most significant advantage of drop sides is loading and unloading becomes as straightforward as they can be. Loading can take place by hand or with loading equipment, such as forklift trucks or a crane.

If you dont require the dropside boards and just need a straight forward Flat body, they can be removed very easily with a spanner and some elbow grease.

Without a lifting mechanism, the vehicle is lighter, allowing for heavier payloads.

Here at Thomas’s we have been in business for over 40 years. Our staff here have full experience and knowledge within the transport industry ensuring you that we can certainly meet your business’s transportation needs.

We offer every shape and size of truck/ van for contract hire and rental – including small vans, long wheelbase vans,7.5 t luton, 26 ton box or curtainsides and tractor units.

With all of our vehicles having less than three years on the road, we guarantee you a smooth, hassle free trip.

The Dropside Advantage

Dropside trucks in the 7.5 tonne and above category are designed for maximum practicality and versatility, making them a top choice for builders, contractors, and businesses that regularly move bulky, dirty, or irregular loads. The key benefit is the open-sided body with hinged boards, allowing for unmatched ease of loading and unloading, whether by hand, forklift, or crane.

Key Features

  • Generous Payloads: With no fixed lifting mechanism, these vehicles are lighter, so you can carry heavier loads per trip.
  • Flexible Body Options: Dropside boards can be easily removed with basic tools, instantly converting the truck into a flatbed for even greater versatility.
  • Engine Choices: Available with engine outputs from 180 bhp up to 320 bhp, and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes to suit your driving preference.
  • Drivetrain: Standard 4×2 configuration for most models, with 6×2 available for higher payloads.
  • Crew Accommodation: Typically seats up to 3 crew members, making it practical for site teams.
  • Tail Lift Option: Some models offer a tail lift for safer handling of heavy or awkward items.

Business Benefits

  • Efficient Loading: Dropside design means you can load from any side, making it ideal for sites with restricted access or for rapid turnaround at multiple stops.
  • Adaptable for Any Task: Perfect for transporting building materials, landscaping supplies, scaffolding, machinery, or waste—anything that doesn’t require full enclosure.
  • Flatbed Conversion: Remove the dropside boards to create a true flatbed, ideal for oversized or oddly shaped cargo.
  • Lower Running Costs: Without the weight of lifting gear, these trucks are more fuel-efficient and offer higher payloads per journey.

Typical Applications

  • Construction and Building Sites
  • Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
  • Plant and Machinery Transport
  • General Haulage of Palletised or Bulk Goods

Flexible Hire, Rental and Sales

Thomas Group provides complete solutions of contract hire, short and long-term rental and vehicle sales. Whether you require a dropside on a one-off project or a fleet of flatbeds to complete work, they have flexible packages to keep your business moving efficiently and cost-effectively.

Why Choose Thomas’s Group?

Thomas Group has a reputation for quality vehicles and customer-centred service, and by doing so, every drop-side truck is kept in the best condition. They have a highly skilled team to assist you in selecting the correct specification to suit your needs, and they can adapt as your business evolves.

Contact Thomas’s Group today to discuss your requirements and get a tailored quote for 7.5 tonne and above dropside trucks—where practicality meets performance for every job.

Our Services

Contract Hire

Our contract hire solutions give you the pleasure of driving commercial vehicles without the administrative burden and financial risk.

Vehicle Rental

Whether you need to rent a vehicle at short notice or are researching long-term fleet hire, we offer flexible package options to suit your needs.`

Fleet Hire

Fleet hire provides a flexible and affordable way for you to manage your transportation needs and keep your business moving.

Vehicle Sales

Our range of new and used vehicles might just be what your business needs to complete its fleet and take your business to the next level.