5-plank wagons were considered to be 'high goods wagons' and were referred to as 'Highfits' or 'High NF'. Anything larger was probably specifically for the coal and mineral trades. At one time, 5-plank wagons were highly numerous on the British rail network and often had their load sheeted over. They were used for the transportation of general merchandise. The British weather and the labour cost of protecting the load made them impractical and some were replaced by vans. However, it seems that many were privately owned and these were not usually replaced by privately owned vans. It is more likely that the wagons were replaced by the railway company's own vans.