Van Hire

Moving house? Delivering product to a customer? Moving stock between your warehouses? There are many wonderful reasons why you might need to hire a van (or fleet of vans!). Whatever the reason, there are numerous companies out there that can support your needs. From local, one van operations, through to huge suppliers, with nationwide coverage, there is a supplier for all and every need! In this section of the Knowledge Centre, we will cover the key considerations when selecting a company to hire a van from and detail any watchouts that you need to be aware of. Of course, we have also done all the hard work for you when it comes to finding a suitable supplier and these can all be found in the Logisto Directory.

Let’s start with our tips to help you on your way.

Tip1 – Requirements and planning!

Before you even start engaging suppliers to understand pricing, it is critical that you spend the time to understand your own requirements. Simply put, what do you need the van for and how much space do you require? It is vitally important that you get this element right (or at least close) as otherwise you risk hiring a van that is too big for your requirements (and consequently you pay more!) or you end up with something too small and you have to undertake numerous trips.

Tip2 – Can I hire it?

There are some restrictions when hiring and driving a van, but thankfully they are not too onerous. If you have a full B Category car license (the one that nearly everyone has) then you’re permitted to drive a van weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

I have no idea on van weight, what does that even mean I hear you say….

Fair question and more good news – Nearly every van you see on the road, from the postman and the courier, to the supermarket delivery driver, all these vans are below 3.5 tonnes.

Anything above this (and all van hire companies will advise on this) and you will require a specialist driver to support your movements.

Tip 3 – Compare like with like

Always ensure you are clear what it and hat isn’t included in the offer. For example, the insurance coverage will vary by company. Often cheaper quotes will not include as comprehensive cover which may leave you exposed if there is any damage to the van. Extra tip: always pay by credit card for purchases over £100 so that you are covered in the event of the van hire supplier having issues.

Tip4 – Check what you are getting

Make sure you read the documentation carefully and ensure that there are not any extras added that are above and beyond what you have requested.

Tip 5 – What to take with you

You don’t need much:

Driving licence

Credit card (for deposit)

Utility bill showing your address

Tip 6 – check your vehicle

Much like when hiring a car, you should ensure the following when you collect your vehicle:

• Check for damage (inside and out)
• Confirm the van mileage is accurate
• Take note of the fuel level (also ensure you are aware of the fuel policy i.e. full to full)
• Confirm you are aware of what to do / who to call in a breakdown or emergency

Tip 7 – Driving a van is a little different

Once you have followed tips 1-6, you will be ready to drive your van and commence with your tasks. If you are not familiar with driving vans, ensure you take extra precautions as it can feel a little different to driving a car. Of course, they are a little taller and wider than cars and this can limit your visibility when driving. Parking can also be more of a challenge so it is best to plan ahead when deciding where you will park up at the end destination.

Happy Driving!

Tip 8 – Returning the van

Much like when returning a car, it is imperative that you ensure:

• You return it in the same condition that you took it
• Return the van with the correct fuel level (as per the fuel policy)
• Ensure you drop it off at the required time in order to avoid additional fees

And finally…..Check your card statement once the van has been returned to ensure there were no additional or unexpected fees

Great, now we are aligned on the process, it is critical to understand the requirements for van hire and just how much space you need in order to select the right van(s) for your needs.

Below, we have put together a handy guide to the most common vans that you can hire and their approximate capacities.

Note: Don’t forget to check out the LOGISTO Directory to find suppliers to support your requirements.

 

Van size guide:

Medium Wheel Base (MWB) Transit and Sprinter Van

The two most common types of van, the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.

Dimensions:

• Overall dimensions - Length 5.3m / Height 2.1 to 2.6m / Width 2.3m (inc. mirrors)
• Loading dimensions - Length 2.9m / Height 1.8 to 2.3m / Width 1.6m
• Loading capacity - 8 to 10.4 cubic metres

 

How much can I fit in in a MWV van?

A van such as this is great for those that need to deliver products or for small house moves. You can fit approximately 30-40 moving boxes (stacked) in a van of this size.

Long Wheel Base (LWB) Transit and Sprinter Van

Similar to the MWB, but slightly longer and often referred to as Jumbo Transits or Jumbo Sprinters. The dimensions will vary slightly from model to model but will be similar to the below.

• Overall dimensions - Length 6.9m / Height 2.4 to 2.7m / Width 2.4m (inc. mirrors)
• Loading dimensions - Length 4.3m / Height 1.9 to 2.3m / Width 1.8m
• Loading capacity - 12 to 14 cubic metres

 

How much can I fit in an LWB transit?

An LWB can comfortably handle 50 medium size moving boxes. Otherwise, you should be able to fit several items of furntiture, enough for a small flat move; three seat sofa, double bed, arm chair and chest of drawers!

Next….the 3.5 tonne Luton Van (with tail lift!)

The ‘Luton’ is one of the most common removal vans. Although it actually has a similar pay load capacity to the large transit vans, it is a favourite for removal and delivery companies as the rear loading area is a better shape and isn’t restricted by wheel arches.

• Overall dimensions - Length 6.7m / Height 3.3m / Width 2.3m (inc. mirrors)
• Loading dimensions - Length 3.9m / Height 2.2m / Width 2m
• Loading capacity - 15.1 cubic metres

 

How much can I fit in a Luton van?

Similar to the LWB transit van, you can expect to fit approximately 50 medium size boxes in the van. Including the boxes, you can fit the equivalent furniture of a small house or a 2 bed flat. Including 2 double beds, dining table (and chairs), sofas, chest of drawers and white goods.

Still need something bigger? Welcome…the 9.5 tonne Luton Lorry

Note: This van requires a special licence to be driven and can’t be driven by someone with a standard UK B Category licence.

This van is perfect for those that require a little more capacity to move a significant amount of product or to move a 3-bedroom house. Capable of moving 50 medium size boxes as well as the belongings of the house; three to four dismantled beds, two to three sofas, dining table and chairs, two double and two single wardrobes and all kitchen appliances.

• Overall dimensions - Length 8.3m / Height 3.5m / Width 2.5m (inc. mirrors)
• Loading dimensions - Length 6.1m / Height 2.4m / Width 2.3m
• Loading capacity - 26.3 cubic metres

 

Great, I now have an understanding of my requirements, how do I find a suitable supplier?

Well, that bit is easy. Whilst one half of Logisto is about knowledge sharing, the other half is all about connecting people with great suppliers to support their needs, by way of the Logisto Directory. Simply search for your requirements in the directory to find lots of relevant van hire companies, ready to support your needs.

We have also provided a number of van hire comparison websites to help with your search. Please read about them in the Knowledge Centre here. If you would like to access them within the LOGISTO Directory, then you can do so by clicking here.

Of course, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to reach out to someone on the LOGISTO Team, by contacting us.

Thank you

LOGISTO Team