Which Van Size Do You Actually Need? A Courier Vehicle Guide for UK Businesses

Booking the wrong size vehicle is one of the most common and avoidable problems in courier logistics. Too small and the driver arrives, can't fit the load, and you've lost time and potentially your delivery window. Too large and you're paying for space and capacity you don't need. Getting this right before you book saves everyone a problem.

Here's a practical guide to the vehicle types in our full fleet, what actually fits, and when to choose one over another.

Small Van

Payload around 600–700kg. Load area roughly 2.5m long by 1.2m wide. Right for parcels, documents, small trade deliveries, and anything that would comfortably fit in the back of a large estate car but needs a professional courier vehicle. If you're sending a single printer, a box of files, or small retail goods, this is your vehicle. Fast to dispatch, nimble in city centres.

Short Wheelbase (SWB) Van

Payload around 800–1,000kg. Load length up to 2.4m. A step up from the small van in load capacity — right for larger trade deliveries, tools and equipment, and small commercial consignments. Still easy to park and manoeuvre in urban environments.

Medium Wheelbase (MWB) Van

Payload around 1,000–1,200kg. Load length around 3.0–3.5m. The MWB hits a useful middle ground — more capacity than an SWB without the length of a full LWB. Good for mixed commercial loads and mid-sized same day consignments.

Long Wheelbase (LWB) Van

Payload around 1,100–1,300kg. Load length around 3.8–4.2m. Maximum standard van capacity. Right for bulk same day loads, longer items that won't fit in shorter vehicles, and commercial deliveries where you want to maximise the load in a single trip. If you're sending furniture, long pipes, or a large volume of boxed goods, the LWB is usually the right call.

Extra-Long Wheelbase (XLWB)

Load length can reach 4.5m. Payload 1200KG. Sits between the LWB van and a Luton box. Useful for specialist trade deliveries where length is the constraint rather than weight or height.

Luton Box Van

Payload around 1,000–1,200kg. Load volume significantly larger than a standard van — the box body above the cab increases cubic capacity considerably. Right for furniture, large boxed goods, exhibition equipment, and anything that needs more space than an LWB provides. Tail-lift versions available for heavy items that need to be loaded from ground level.

7.5 Tonne

Payload up to 4,000kg. Carries up to 8 standard pallets. If you're moving 6–8 pallets, a few tonnes of industrial components, or a significant volume of commercial goods, the 7.5T is usually the right vehicle.

18 Tonne Rigid

Payload around 10,000–12,000kg. Carries up to 14 standard pallets. The main haulage vehicle for significant freight movements. National routes, pallet deliveries, and commercial freight contracts. Available in curtainsider configuration for side loading.

Articulated Lorry (44 Tonne)

Carries 26+ standard pallets. Maximum UK road freight capacity. For full loads, major freight movements, and European road freight. Requires a Category C+E licence.

How to Choose

•      Under 1 tonne, short items: small van or SWB

•      1–1.2 tonnes, longer items: LWB or Luton

•      6–8 pallets: Luton or 7.5T depending on weight

•      8–14 pallets: 18T

•      14+ pallets: artic

Not sure? Book the right vehicle or call us with your dimensions and weight — 0191 6911351.