The right courier van must fit the size and weight of your goods, with suitable access for loading at both ends. Pallet count is only a starting point. A load can fit on the floor and still be too heavy, or fit inside the body but not through the doors.

Before comparing prices, write down three things: the dimensions of every item, the total weight including packaging, and how the goods will be loaded and unloaded.

1. Measure the goods as they will travel

Measure length, width and height after packing. Include the pallet, protective wrapping, handles and anything that overhangs. If items cannot be stacked or laid on their side, say so when requesting transport.

A long sign, machine part or display panel may need a larger van even when it weighs very little. Check the loading opening as well as the internal space. Wheel arches and the shape of the load can also affect what will fit.

2. Check weight separately from space

Add the weight of every item, including pallets and packaging. Do not estimate the shipment from the goods alone. Two pallets of light cartons and two pallets of dense components can need very different vehicles.

For example, if each of three packed pallets weighs 350kg, the total is 1,050kg. That calculation does not confirm a van is suitable: the usable payload, dimensions and loading arrangements still need checking.

3. Match the van to the load

• Small van: a starting point for documents, samples, small parts and light cartons.
• SWB van: consider this for compact boxed freight and smaller pallet loads.
• LWB van: useful for larger cartons, commercial parts and palletised goods.
• XLWB van: consider the extra length for longer items and higher-volume loads.
• Luton Box: an enclosed box body for bulky goods; a suitable tail-lift option may help where handling equipment is limited.
• Luton Curtain: curtain sides provide side-loading access where the vehicle and site arrangements allow it.

See our courier van sizes and fleet guide for current planning dimensions, payloads and pallet counts. These figures are guides. Ask us to confirm the allocated vehicle if your load is close to a limit. A larger body does not automatically mean a higher payload.

4. Check how the goods will get on and off

Tell us whether each address has a forklift, loading bay or suitable assistance. A forklift at collection does not solve an unloading problem at delivery. Include any restrictions on vehicle height, width or weight, plus narrow entrances and limited unloading space.

For ACS bookings, the tail-lift limit is 400kg per pallet or handling unit on suitable Luton vans, and 1,000kg on suitable tail-lift-equipped HGVs. These are separate from the total vehicle payload. Availability, platform suitability and ground conditions also matter.

A pallet above the Luton tail-lift limit may need a different unloading arrangement or a suitable HGV. Do not select a Luton simply because the whole shipment is within its payload. Drivers operate kerbside; loading and unloading are the sender’s and receiver’s responsibility unless agreed in advance.

5. Give us the details that could change the vehicle

Mention fragile goods, unusual shapes, non-stackable items and any need for side loading. Dangerous goods and temperature-controlled loads need a separate suitability check. Use our ADR quote request for dangerous goods, or contact the team about other specialist requirements.

If a van is too small or too light for the job, request an HGV quote. HGV requests are checked and priced manually; submitting a request does not reserve a vehicle.

Your checklist before booking

• Collection and delivery postcodes, with site access details.
• Number of items and the packed dimensions of each.
• Total gross weight, including pallets and packaging.
• Whether the goods can be stacked.
• Loading and unloading equipment at both addresses.
• Goods-ready time, receiving hours and any delivery deadline.

Ready to choose your van?

Get a courier quote to compare standard dedicated van options. You do not need a portal account or an email address to see prices.

Standard online bookings need at least 90 minutes’ notice. For collection within 90 minutes, a fixed delivery deadline, urgent out-of-hours collection or an uncertain vehicle fit, call 01234 385970 before booking.