We explain the differences in sizes, and recommend some of the best options in each class
Couriers need vehicles. It’s a simple fact. And vans make a great choice for delivering all types of goods. The problem is there are so many to choose from it can be difficult to know what might be best for your business. That’s exactly why we created this guide – to help you figure out which is the best for your particular type of courier work.
There are plenty available to choose from, along with some of the good and bad points to each category and variant.
Load Length: Up to 1.5m (3 – 6.5ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 450 – 750Kg
Some options in this class: Citroen Berlingo, Ford Transit Courier, Mercedes Citan
Load Length: Up to 2m (6.5 – 9.8ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 650 – 1050Kg
Some options in this class: Ford Transit Connect L2, Mercedes Vito, VW Caddy Maxi
Load Length: Up to 2.4m (6.5 – 9.8ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 750 – 1250Kg
Some options in this class: Ford Transit Custom, Citroen Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro
Load Length: Up to 3m (3 – 6.5ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 1000 – 1650Kg
Some options in this class: Mercedes Sprinter L1, Peugeot Boxer L3
Load Length: Up to 4m (3 – 6.5ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 900 – 1250Kg
Some options in this class: Ford Transit L3, Citroen Relay / Fiat Ducato L4
Load Length: Over 4m (3 – 6.5ft)
Estimated Weight capacities:
Range from 800 – 1000Kg
Some options in this class: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit L4, VW Crafter, Iveco Daily
The sizing of modern commercial vehicles is actually more complicated than it needs to be. This is because most of the manufacturers don’t talk to each other and they’ve never bothered to come up with an actual set of industry standards that everyone can use so that we all know where we stand.
Also – Some vans seem to be getting bigger within their range. For example, in the early-mid 2000’s, the Citroen Dispatch was classed as a midi-van, but the most recent model now comes in more inline with a SWB.
Another way we look at distinguishing a Midi from a true SWB is on the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). We try to class midi vans as those rated under 3 tonnes, where as the more capable SWB options are plated at over 3 tonnes. The Ford Transit Connect L2 is a fairly capable in the midi-class, and has options rated up to a maximum GVW of 2.5t.
Please note: This guide should not be considered an industry standard. It’s just our way of trying to organise the choices more efficiently.
Due to manufacturer variances in branding and categorisation, there is a LOT of cross-over when it comes to which class each vehicle should be in.
Documents and small packages make up a large portion of courier jobs. This is where small vans become the essential delivery vehicles to have. There are plenty of models to choose from too. The good thing for anyone looking for a van like this, is that there are hardly any bad choices. Most of these vehicles will make a great choice for your company.
A lot of people are going to question the results here, as these models are often also considered as SWB too.
The reason we’ve put them in this class, is that some variants are just not capable enough to cover all SWB loads. It’s best to play safe unless you’re absolutely sure you can carry the goods.
The Short-Wheelbase category is another that is confusing when it comes to the differences between manufacturer classification, and load-exchange classes.
You can get Short-Wheelbase versions of a lot of different size vans, for example the Transit Connect comes in both L1 and L2 variants and is known as Short and Long-Wheelbase, but they’re not going to work on CX or SDCN in that class.
We recommend that a TRUE SWB van, is any L1 variant of a 3.5t-rated vehicle. This way you can be sure that when a customer requires a collection, you’ve got the best chance of accommodating the load without issues.
Okay I know what you’re all going to start saying now. The Long and Extra-Long Wheelbase Van categories, aka LWB and XLWB, are actually a real headache for couriers to deal with. And it’s a very annoying repetitive conversation to have.
You see it’s basically comes down to two things
1) The classification that manufacturers put their commercial vehicles into
2) The way courier work websites classify their requirements for vehicles/loads.
On services like CX a Long WheelBase van is measured UP TO 4m.
But Mercedes class their LWB as a 4.3m van, which puts it into CX’s (and almost everyone else’s) XLWB category.
Yes, it’s confusing and annoying. This is the kind of thing the EU should be regulating really.
But for now, we all have to learn to deal with it. Until such time that the Websites and van-manufacturers get together and agree on something. Hopefully this is one thing our guide has been useful for.
Some people will tell you the Extra-long wheelbase are the best for this job, but we believe it’s all relative. With length comes weight, meaning that XLWB vans can often carry more in volume, but less heavy loads. Too many people forget this fact, and can get easily caught out by VOSA due to overloading.
As long as you know what you’re doing though, there are some great vans in this class. Many similar makes and models to the S/M/LWB vans, but in the longest form available.
The Citroen Relay / Peugeot Boxer / Fiat Ducato / Vauxhall Movano are all essentially the exact same van (with some engine and feature variations) These only just squeeze into the XLWB class.
Fords Transit L4 (Jumbo) is a great balance between length and strength
Mercedes / Volkswagen have the longest internal load length, but tend to have the lowest weight capacity in class, especially if you go for the EXTRA extra long version with a 4.8m internal length.
If you’re becoming a courier, a van is often the best choice, but they’re not cheap. You can buy whatever you want, but if sub-contracting then most companies usually requires a vehicle in good condition, less than 5 years old. This means considering new or nearly new, which can lead to high initial costs. We’ve compiled helpful information and directed you to companies with relevant deals. If you’re not sure what size, make or model will be right for you, check out our guide to delivery vehicles.
New for 2024! We’re compiling a list of 10 leading options that you we think you should consider when you’re ready. No matter which option you want – why not get advice from each service provider so that you can make an informed decision?
Owning from brand new, is generally the most expensive option as it could set you back over £25,000 (or more) depending how you finance the purchase.
On the plus-side, it gives you the most flexibility.
You own it, you can do with it as you please – sign write it, paint it, stick alloy wheels on it – whatever! Brand new vehicles will also come with a warranty protecting you from major costs in the first few years (often capped by a mileage limit though).
The downside is that if you have any problems, you have to pay for all other repairs and maintenance, and once that warranty has lapsed, constantly fixing things can get expensive.
Buying outright can be a huge expense, and if you need to borrow money to afford it make sure to get the right advice. You can find good information via the Governments Finance Support page
A great way to get a van without having to find thousands of pounds to buy outright, is to LEASE.
This often seen as a short-term solution, but with the right deal there’s no reason why it can’t work for you longer term too.
Hiring commercial vehicles can seem more costly in some circumstances than actually buying or leasing, but the protection comes in the way that the hire company typically takes care of all maintenance and repairs.
Also – if you need something urgently then it might be a great solution.
This might be the best choice if you need to take another driver on to cover a fixed-length contract, but be wary of hidden costs over damage when returning them.
