Choosing the right courier van for your business

Choosing a new courier van is a big decision for any courier. 

With so many options available, it can be tough to find the right fit. 

The van you choose will determine what jobs you can take on, and will impact your efficiency, costs, and customer satisfaction. That’s why it’s essential to make an informed choice. 

In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different van sizes and features, and give you some examples. So you can find the perfect van for the long-term success of your courier business.

Different courier vans by length

Short Wheelbase (SWB) Vans

Short wheelbase vans are perfect for city deliveries. They are easy to drive and park, even in tight spaces. These vans are ideal for couriers who mostly work in urban areas.

Renault Kangoo courier van

The Renault Kangoo is a reliable small van for couriers. It’s great for carrying light loads, as well as navigating London and other busy city streets.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 1,806mm, Width: 1,570mm, Height: 1,215mm
• Maximum Payload: 836-937kg

Citroën Berlingo

The Citroën Berlingo is another excellent choice for a small courier van. It offers a bit more space while still being compact.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 1,817mm, Width: 1,550mm, Height: 1,236mm
• Maximum Payload: 840-1059kg

Short wheelbase vans are ideal for busy locations for couriers, like London and Birmingham. Their small size makes them easy to handle and park, and they are efficient for quick deliveries.

Medium Wheelbase (MWB) Vans

Medium wheelbase courier vans strike a balance between size and manoeuvrability. They are suitable for a variety of delivery needs and are popular among many couriers.

Renault Trafic courier van

The Renault Trafic is a versatile van for couriers. It offers more space without being too large to handle.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 2,537mm, Width: 1,662mm, Height: 1,387mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,122-1,266kg

Citroën Dispatch

The Citroën Dispatch is another good option for medium wheelbase vans. It provides ample load space and is easy to drive.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 2,510mm, Width: 1,628mm, Height: 1,397mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,200-1,400kg

Medium wheelbase vans are popular for courier work because they offer a good mix of space and flexibility. They are perfect for couriers who need to carry a bit more without the bulk of a large van.

Long Wheelbase (LWB) Vans

Long wheelbase vans are perfect for larger loads and longer distances. They are ideal for couriers who need more space and can handle driving a bigger vehicle.

Renault Master courier van

The Renault Master is a robust courier van. It’s great for heavy and bulky loads.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 3,083mm, Width: 1.765mm, Height: 1,894mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,200-1,971kg

Citroën Relay

The Citroën Relay offers a lot of space and is perfect for long-distance courier work.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 3,120mm, Width: 1,870mm, Height: 1,662mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,150-2,000kg

Long wheelbase vans are the best choice for couriers who need to transport large items over long distances. They provide plenty of space and a higher payload capacity.

Extra Long Wheelbase (XLWB) Courier Vans

Extra long wheelbase vans offer the maximum cargo space. They are best for very long distances and large loads.

Peugeot Boxer

The Peugeot Boxer is a large van for couriers, offering plenty of space for big loads.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 4,070mm, Width: 1,870mm, Height: 3,920mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,340-1,900kg

Nissan Interstar

The Nissan Interstar is a strong contender in the extra long wheelbase category. It’s ideal for heavy and bulky items.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 3214mm, Width: 1764mm, Height: 1912mm
• Maximum Payload: 1,413-1,606kg

Extra long wheelbase vans are perfect for couriers who need to transport very large items. Their spacious design and high payload capacity make them ideal for long-distance courier work.

Luton Vans

Luton vans are ideal for handling heavy and bulky items. They have a box-shaped cargo area that provides maximum storage space and often include a tail-lift for easy loading and unloading.

Peugeot Boxer Luton

The Peugeot Boxer Luton stands out for its robust build and reliability, making it perfect for transporting large and heavy loads.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 4,150mm, Width: 2,057mm, Height: 2,235mm
• Maximum Payload: 979-1,147kg

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Luton

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Luton offers advanced safety features and a spacious cargo area, with a tail-lift that simplifies the handling of bulky items.

• Load Area Dimensions: Length: 4,080mm, Width: 2,025mm, Height: 2,235mm
• Maximum Payload: 754kg

Luton vans are perfect for couriers who need to transport large items. Their spacious cargo areas and included tail-lifts make loading and unloading easier. These vans provide a higher payload capacity, making them ideal for couriers dealing with bulky items regularly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right courier van for your courier business depends on your specific needs. For city deliveries, short wheelbase vans like the Renault Kangoo are perfect. Medium wheelbase vans such as the Renault Trafic offer a good balance of size and flexibility.

For larger loads, long wheelbase vans like the Renault Master are ideal. And for maximum cargo space, extra long wheelbase vans like the Peugeot Boxer are the best choice. Luton vans with tail-lifts offer additional benefits for handling heavy and bulky items, making them an excellent choice for couriers dealing with large packages.

If you want to find out how much you can earn in your area with each specific type of van, check out our earnings calculator.  

Once you’ve decided on your ideal van, check out our guide for making sure you have the correct courier insurance.

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