What size hire van do I need?

When it comes to choosing your next commercial van to hire, size really does matter! Determining the size of your hire van all depends on the type of work you’ll be taking on in your business.

For example, if you only carry large loads occasionally you might want to consider getting a smaller, more economical vehicle and hiring a bigger van as and when needed.  Equally, a small van might be great now, but think about your business needs in another year - will a smaller vehicle still be suitable?

You’ll also need to consider how many passengers you will need to carry and the areas you will be driving in; are there any access restrictions such as working on narrow streets or height restriction? Will you be travelling in congestion or Low Emission Zones?

Below we take a look at typical van types, to help you make the right decision:

Small van

A small van, such as a Caddy or Partner has an average payload of 600-750kg, which makes it ideally suited for boxes of goods, tools or smaller items of furniture.

Panel van

If you’re after something larger like a panel van (such as a Transit or Master), you can expect an average payload of 1,000-1,400kg. These are often popular with electricians, plumbers and delivery firms. Short wheelbase vans offer a usefully large load compartment without being much longer or wider than a large car  while still offering good fuel economy. But for ultimate load carrying in a panel van, you’ll need an extra-long wheel base van.

Luton van

Luton vans typically have a payload of 1,000kg and offer customers a larger and more versatile storage space than the average van. An enclosed box body extends over the top of the cab area, providing additional capacity and valuable load dimension. And unlike panel vans, the entire load compartment is usually above the rear wheels, so the rear wheel arches don't interfere with your load space, making it perfect for large heavy or bulky items. Remember though, they are quite high off the ground so you may need to consider a tail lift when transporting goods.

Dropside van

Dropside vans are designed to carry heavy loads safely and efficiently, with drop down sides opening the load space to enable quick and easy unloading. It is this feature that makes it popular across industry sectors such as construction, plant hire and civil engineering.

Of course, all payloads and specifications will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and build variables, but hopefully this blog has given you better understand on the type of vans to suit your business.

Remember to take an holistic approach when considering new vehicles for your business. If you need help speccing a vehicle, speak to one of our vehicle specification experts below.