What Size Courier Vehicle Do I Need? Car, Van or Lorry Explained
Quick answer: for documents, keys and small parcels, a car or motorbike courier is enough. For boxes and up to 1 pallet, book a small van. Short-wheelbase vans carry up to 2 pallets, long-wheelbase vans up to 3, extra-long-wheelbase vans up to 4, and Luton vans up to 5–6 pallets or a house move. Most bulk deliveries do not need a lorry (HGV) at all.
Choosing the wrong vehicle costs you either way: too small and the load will not fit, too big and you pay for empty space. Here is how to pick the right one.
Courier vehicle sizes at a glance
| Vehicle | Best for | Typical capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike or car | Documents, keys, samples, small parcels | A few small boxes |
| Small van | Several boxes, e-commerce orders, trade parts | Up to 1 pallet |
| Short-wheelbase (SWB) van, 2.4 m | Business deliveries, event kit | Up to 2 pallets |
| Long-wheelbase (LWB) van | Longer items and commercial freight | Up to 3 pallets |
| Extra-long-wheelbase (XLWB) van, 4 m | Pipes, timber, racking, display stands | Up to 4 pallets |
| Luton van | Furniture, white goods, removals, large freight | Up to 5–6 pallets |
| Lorry (HGV) | Full loads bigger than a Luton van | Beyond 6 pallets |
Four questions that decide the vehicle
- How much floor space does it take? Pallet count is the easiest measure. A standard UK pallet is 1.2 m by 1 m, so if your goods are not palletised, think about how many pallet-sized areas they would cover.
- What is the longest item? Length often matters more than volume. Pipes, timber, flat-pack furniture and display stands may need a long or extra-long-wheelbase van even if the rest of the load is small.
- How heavy is it? Dense loads such as metal parts, tiles or stone can reach a van’s weight limit before they fill the space. Tell us the rough weight so we can match a vehicle that carries it safely.
- How will it be loaded? Let us know whether there is a forklift, a loading bay or stairs at either end, and whether items need two people to lift.
When a car courier is enough
If it fits on the back seat, a car or motorbike courier is the quickest and most cost-effective option. It suits contracts, keys, medical samples, small parcels and spare parts, and it gets through traffic fastest. See our legal document courier page for a typical example.
When you need a van
Small van: the step up from a car for several boxes or a single pallet, ideal for e-commerce orders, trade parts and office supplies.
Short-wheelbase (SWB) van: room for two pallets while staying easy to drive in town. A popular choice for regular business runs and exhibition kit.
Long-wheelbase (LWB) van: up to three pallets or longer items. A versatile all-rounder for commercial freight and bulky parts.
Extra-long-wheelbase (XLWB) van: a 4 m van for four pallets or extra-long loads such as pipes, timber and racking, which makes it a favourite for construction and trade deliveries.
Luton van: the go-to for bulk items and removals
A Luton van carries up to 5–6 pallets, or bulky furniture and white goods. It is the right choice for large multi-pallet freight, office relocations and home moves. From our Preston base we also offer home and office removals with packing assistance and special care for fragile items.
Do I need a heavy goods vehicle (HGV)?
Usually not. Lorries are designed for full loads, typically well beyond 6 pallets, and they need loading bays and wide access. Most bulk business deliveries and house moves fit comfortably in a Luton van, which can also get into residential streets and business parks that a lorry cannot.
Eco Move Couriers does not operate HGVs. If your load is bigger than a Luton van, call us and we will tell you honestly whether a van will work for your job.
Why the right size matters
- Cost: every quote is tailored to the vehicle, cargo size and journey, so the right-sized vehicle keeps the price down.
- Emissions: a right-sized vehicle means you never move empty space. Our fleet includes electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Safety: a load that fits properly can be secured properly.
Frequently asked questions
What size van do I need for 2 pallets?
A short-wheelbase (SWB) van carries up to 2 pallets. For 3 pallets choose a long-wheelbase (LWB) van, for 4 an extra-long-wheelbase (XLWB) van, and for 5–6 a Luton van.
Can a car courier carry boxes?
Yes, a few small boxes, as well as documents, keys and small parcels. If you are sending several boxes or anything bulky, a small van is usually the better choice.
What vehicle do I need to move furniture?
A Luton van is the usual choice for sofas, wardrobes, beds and white goods, and for house and office removals. A long-wheelbase van can be enough for one or two large items.
Do I need a lorry (HGV) for a bulk delivery?
Usually not. Most bulk business deliveries and house moves fit in a Luton van, which carries 5–6 pallets. A lorry is normally only needed for full loads bigger than that. Eco Move Couriers does not operate HGVs, so call us and we will tell you honestly whether a van will do the job.
What if I am not sure which vehicle I need?
Tell us what you are moving, roughly how big and heavy it is, and how it will be loaded. We will match the right vehicle so you do not pay for space you do not need. Call 01772 379134, 24/7.
Not sure? Ask us
Tell us what you are moving and we will match the vehicle, any time of day or night. Request a quote or call 01772 379134.