Start with your route, load and contract requirements
Look at a typical working day and your busiest realistic day. Lightweight parcels can fill the load bay before reaching the weight limit; dense goods can reach the weight limit while leaving plenty of space. Cargo volume and payload are different measures, and both need checking on the exact vehicle. Any racking, equipment, occupants and other carried items affect the weight available for deliveries.
Consider the route too. Narrow residential roads, restricted parking and frequent stops favour a manageable footprint and easy loading access. Longer runs place more emphasis on seating comfort, driving position and having enough capacity to avoid an extra depot visit. Before buying, confirm any vehicle requirements set by the delivery company or contract.
- Measure the largest items you regularly carry, including their packaging.
- Check usable load space, door openings and access around any wheel arches or bulkhead.
- Confirm the vehicle’s weight limits and allow for everything carried, not just parcels.
- Assess parking restrictions, depot access and any clean air zones on your routes.
Small vans for local parcels and tight streets
The Ford Transit Courier is worth considering for lightweight local deliveries where compact size matters. A smaller van can be easier to position at a drop and less awkward in tight parking spaces than a larger panel van. It may also cost less to run, although fuel use depends on the engine, load, traffic and driving pattern.
The trade-off is capacity. A small van that needs a second collection from the depot may be less economical overall than a larger one that completes the route in one load. Check the particular Transit Courier’s load length, payload and door arrangement: these vary by generation and specification. Do not assume a pallet or an unusually wide parcel will fit just because the advertised cargo volume looks sufficient.
Medium vans for mixed delivery work
The Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and Volkswagen Transporter are useful starting points for mixed parcel routes. They offer more room than compact vans without necessarily requiring the footprint of a large panel van. That can suit drivers carrying a changing mix of boxes, longer packages and occasional bulkier goods.
Compare wheelbase, roof height and door configuration rather than treating each model name as a single specification. A side loading door can make repeated stops easier, but only if the parcels you need remain accessible. Think about how you will organise the load and secure it without blocking access. Cab comfort, visibility and the effort involved in getting in and out also deserve attention on multi-drop work.
There is no automatic winner among these models. A well-maintained example in the right size can be a better purchase than a preferred badge with an unclear history or unsuitable layout.
Large vans for bulky goods and higher volumes
A full-size Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter may make sense for furniture, appliances or routes with enough parcels to outgrow a medium van. The extra space can reduce return trips, but it brings compromises in parking, access and running costs. Buy the capacity your work needs rather than the largest van your budget allows.
Large load space does not automatically mean a high payload. Longer bodies, fitted equipment and different weight ratings can change how much a van can legally carry. For palletised or heavy goods, check payload, axle limits, load restraint points and the loading method. If a tail lift is needed, account for its weight and maintenance. Check official guidance on licence entitlement and any operator requirements relevant to the vehicle and work.
Choosing between diesel and electric
A used electric van can suit predictable local routes with dependable charging at home or at a depot. Work out whether its realistic range covers the full day, allowing for load, cold weather, heating and diversions. Check battery condition, remaining battery warranty where applicable, charging capability and the cost of installing or using a suitable charger.
Diesel can be practical for longer or less predictable journeys where refuelling flexibility matters. However, repeated short trips may be unsuitable for some diesel emissions systems, so discuss your duty cycle before buying. Compare energy costs against your actual tariff or likely charging stops rather than assuming electric is always cheaper. For clean air zones, use the official vehicle checker and current local rules; do not rely on a seller’s general description.
Check condition and plan for maintenance
Courier work puts repeated demands on doors, brakes, tyres and the drivetrain. Review service records alongside mileage and MOT history, looking for evidence that scheduled work has been completed. Inspect door hinges, locks, load-floor damage and tyre wear, and use a test drive to assess braking, steering and clutch or gearbox operation. An independent inspection can help if you are unsure.
Once the van is working, follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule and any guidance for demanding use. Regular fluid and tyre checks, prompt attention to warning lights and timely brake maintenance can reduce avoidable downtime. Oil must meet the required specification. Mileage alone cannot predict remaining life: previous use, maintenance and current condition all matter.
Exeter Diesels is a family-run used commercial vehicle specialist established in Exeter in 1996. When comparing a vehicle here or elsewhere, ask for its specification, available history and written purchase terms. Check any warranty’s exclusions, claim limits and servicing conditions rather than assuming every repair is covered. Include suitable courier insurance and a repair reserve in your budget; seek professional advice on finance or tax questions.
Shortlist vans that fit your load and route, then buy on condition, history and exact specification. Spare capacity is useful only if its extra cost earns its keep.