Van Size Guide: Which Courier Vehicle Do You Need?
Choosing the right vehicle for your delivery saves money and ensures your cargo arrives safely. This guide compares every vehicle type available through T&C Logistics — from motorcycle couriers for urgent documents to flatbed trucks for construction materials.
Vehicle Comparison Table
| Vehicle | Load Length | Load Width | Load Height | Max Weight | Pallets | From Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Top box | — | — | 10 kg | — | £30 | Urgent documents, small packages, legal filings |
| Car Courier | 1.2m | 1.0m | 0.5m | 100 kg | — | £35 | Envelopes, small parcels, medical samples |
| Small Van | 1.7m | 1.2m | 1.2m | 350 kg | — | £50 | Boxes, IT equipment, small furniture |
| SWB Van | 2.4m | 1.5m | 1.4m | 600 kg | 1 | £65 | Larger boxes, exhibition materials, auto parts |
| LWB Van | 3.4m | 1.7m | 1.6m | 1,000 kg | 2 | £85 | Furniture, bulk stock, large equipment |
| Luton Van | 4.1m | 1.8m | 1.8m | 1,200 kg | 3-4 | £120 | Office moves, trade show stands, pallet loads |
| Flatbed | 6.0m+ | 2.4m | Open | 3,500 kg+ | 6+ | £200 | Construction materials, machinery, oversized loads |
| Refrigerated Van | 3.0m | 1.6m | 1.5m | 800 kg | 2 | £120 | Pharmaceuticals, food, biological samples, vaccines |
Choosing the Right Vehicle
By Cargo Type
- Documents & small packages: Motorcycle or car courier — fastest and cheapest for items under 10kg
- Boxes & parcels (1-10 items): Small van — most popular choice, fits standard pallet-sized cargo
- Furniture & large items: LWB or Luton van — rear access, some with tail-lift for heavy items
- Pallets: SWB (1 pallet), LWB (2), Luton (3-4), Flatbed (6+)
- Temperature-sensitive: Refrigerated van — holds +2°C to +8°C or -20°C with dry ice
- Construction/oversized: Flatbed — open loading for items that don't fit in enclosed vans
By Budget
Our pricing starts from £30 for a motorcycle courier and scales with vehicle size and distance. A general rule: always choose the smallest vehicle that safely fits your cargo. Booking a Luton van for a single box costs 2.5x more than a small van for the same route.
See our UK Courier Pricing Report 2026 for detailed cost breakdowns by distance and vehicle type.
All Vehicles Include
- Dedicated driver (your cargo only — no multi-drop)
- Real-time GPS tracking with live ETA
- Goods-in-transit insurance up to £50,000
- Digital proof of delivery with photo
- 24/7 availability including weekends and bank holidays
- ULEZ-compliant (no surcharges in London Clean Air Zone)
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which vehicle suits your delivery? Call 07963 400173 or WhatsApp us — we'll recommend the right vehicle and give you an instant quote. From same-day courier to pallet delivery, we match every job to the optimal vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest courier vehicle?
A motorcycle courier from £30 for urgent documents under 10kg. For parcels and boxes, a small van starts from £50. Always match vehicle to cargo size for the best rate.
How many pallets fit in a Luton van?
A standard Luton van fits 3-4 UK standard pallets (1200×1000mm). For 6+ pallets, use a flatbed or curtain-sider.
Do you have tail-lift vehicles?
Yes — our Luton vans and some LWB vans are available with hydraulic tail-lifts for heavy items (up to 500kg per lift).
Can I book a refrigerated van same-day?
Yes — refrigerated vans are available 24/7 for same-day collection. We maintain +2°C to +8°C for pharmaceuticals and food, or -20°C with dry ice for frozen specimens.
What vehicle for a house/office move?
Luton van (4.1m load length, tail-lift) for most office moves. For full house moves, we can deploy multiple vehicles on the same day.
Questions
- What is the cheapest courier vehicle?
- Motorcycle from £30 for documents. Small van from £50 for parcels.
- How many pallets fit in a Luton van?
- 3-4 UK standard pallets (1200×1000mm). For 6+ use flatbed.
- Do you have tail-lift vehicles?
- Yes — Luton vans and some LWB with hydraulic tail-lifts up to 500kg.
- Can I book a refrigerated van same-day?
- Yes, 24/7. We maintain +2-8°C or -20°C with dry ice.
- What vehicle for office move?
- Luton van with tail-lift for most. Multiple vehicles available same-day.