Work out your load before choosing a van
Load volume and payload are different limits. Light parcels may fill the load area long before you reach the weight limit; dense goods can overload a van while leaving plenty of space. Payload must cover the driver, passengers, equipment and goods. Shelving, lining and other fitted equipment also reduce what remains available for deliveries.
Measure your largest regular items and estimate a busy day's load, not just an average one. Check usable floor length, wheel-arch spacing and door openings on the exact derivative. A longer body may save a return trip, but spare capacity has little value if it makes parking or access difficult.
Also consider how you unload. Side-door access can make multi-drop work easier, while organised shelving can reduce time spent searching for parcels. Secure the load properly and keep frequently needed items accessible without disturbing heavier goods.
Small vans for parcels and local courier work
The Ford Transit Connect, Citroën Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy are sensible starting points for light parcels and local courier rounds. Their smaller footprint helps with residential parking and restricted access. Compare standard and longer versions carefully: the extra space may be useful, but body length, payload and seating layouts vary between generations.
A Transit Connect is worth considering where compact size and straightforward everyday use matter. The Berlingo can offer a practical load area, particularly in longer versions, but do not assume every example carries more than a Connect. Check the actual floor layout and payload rather than comparing headline figures from different derivatives.
A Caddy may appeal if cab comfort and finish matter during a long working day. Some examples carry a higher asking price, so weigh that against age, mileage and maintenance history. For all three, condition and suitability are more useful buying criteria than a badge's reputation.
Medium vans for mixed loads and multi-drop rounds
The Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic suit operations that have outgrown a small van but still need manageable access. They provide more room for mixed parcels, equipment or larger packages without necessarily requiring a full-size van. Check wheelbase, roof height and door arrangements: these can change how useful the vehicle is on your round.
The Transit Custom is worth comparing for its range of configurations and readily available servicing support. Pay particular attention to the engine's maintenance requirements. Many 2.0 EcoBlue versions use a timing belt running in oil, not a timing chain; verify the arrangement, current replacement guidance and documented maintenance for the exact vehicle.
The Vivaro and Trafic also offer useful medium-van options, but specifications differ substantially by age and generation. Compare the space you can actually use, driving comfort and service records. A long-body version may carry more parcels, while a shorter one may be easier to park repeatedly. None is automatically the most economical or reliable choice.
Large vans for bulky goods and higher volumes
For furniture, bulky products or larger delivery rounds, compare the full-size Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master. Long-wheelbase and high-roof versions can provide substantially more load space, but a large body does not automatically mean a high legal payload. Check the plated weights and the specification of the individual van.
The Transit offers a broad choice of bodies and drivetrains. A Sprinter may suit operators who value cab comfort or need a particular configuration, though purchase and repair costs need assessing alongside those benefits. Movano and Master models are also worth comparing for usable space and purchase cost; generations and body options vary.
For heavy deliveries, look beyond cargo volume. Confirm loading height, load-securing points and how goods will be moved safely. A tail lift can help with certain loads, but its weight reduces available payload and it brings additional maintenance requirements. Check driving-licence entitlement and any applicable operating rules through official guidance.
Match the van to your Devon delivery route
Longer runs on the A30, A38 or A361 place different demands on a van from repeated stops in Exeter or deliveries down narrow rural lanes. Consider the whole route, including the final approach. Farm entrances, steep driveways, limited turning space and height restrictions can make an otherwise suitable large van awkward to use.
Check the access points you visit regularly rather than assuming a medium van will fit everywhere or a large one will be unsuitable. Vehicle width, turning circle, rear overhang and overall height all matter. A medium van may be a useful compromise, but if it forces repeated extra journeys, a larger vehicle could still make better operational sense.
Check maintenance and the full running cost
Used delivery vans can have demanding working histories. Mileage alone will not show repeated stop-start use, door wear or time spent idling. Review service invoices and inspect the load area, locks, hinges, tyres and cab controls. On a test drive, assess braking, steering, clutch or gearbox operation and any warning lights. An independent inspection can help if you are unsure.
Compare total costs rather than purchase price alone. Allow for servicing, tyres, likely repairs, fuel and the consequences of downtime. Short urban rounds can be unsuitable for some diesel emissions systems, so check regeneration requirements against your use. Confirm insurance cover for the goods and delivery work involved with your insurer; ask an accountant about any tax treatment.
Shortlist vans that carry your busiest normal load and can reach your delivery addresses. Then compare the exact specification, maintenance evidence and running costs before committing.