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Urgent Same Day Courier Vehicle Size Guide: Choosing the Right Van for Your Delivery Out of 5 Van Sizes

Vehicle Size Guide

When booking a same day courier service, choosing the right vehicle size is essential. Whether you’re sending small parcels, large pallets, or fragile goods, selecting the correct van size ensures a secure, cost effective, and efficient delivery.

 

At Nationwide Courier Service, we offer a range of vehicle sizes, from compact small vans to spacious Luton vans. Here’s a guide to help you determine the best vehicle size for your shipment.

1. Small Van – Compact & Efficient

Load Space: 1.2m (L) x 1.0m (W) x 1.0m (H)
Ideal for: Small parcels, documents, urgent letters, and lightweight boxes
Capacity: Approx. 1 standard pallet,  a standard pallet being around 1.2m x 1m x 1m. 

Maximum Load Weight: 400kg

small van - the smallest vehicle size we do

Best For:

  • – Legal documents, contracts, or sensitive paperwork
  • – Urgent medical samples or prescriptions
  • – Small e-commerce orders or retail stock
  • – Small Urgent Deliveries

 If you need a fast, low-cost solution for small deliveries, a small van is the perfect choice!

2. SWB (Short Wheelbase) Van – The Everyday Choice

Load Space: 2.2m (L) x 1.2m (W) x 1.25m (H)
Ideal for: Multiple boxes, small furniture, and trade tools
Capacity: Approx. 2 standard pallets

Maximum Load Weight: 800kg

Best For:

  • – Retail restocking or shop deliveries
  • – Transporting exhibition materials for events
  • – Moving fragile or valuable goods safely

Short wheelbase vans are versatile and cost-effective for small business deliveries, what comes to mind when you think of a standard transit van is probably a SWB van!

3. LWB (Long Wheelbase) Van – Longer & Stronger

Load Space: 3.3m (L) x 1.3m (W) x 1.75m (H)
Ideal for: Large pallet deliveries, heavy machinery, and bulk shipments
Capacity: Approx. 3 standard pallets

Maximum Load Weight: 1000kg – 1300kg

Best For:

  • – Heavier loads as some LWB’s can take over a tonne 
  • – Larger Crates / Boxes 
  • – Transporting construction materials or tools

For businesses needing to move big or long loads efficiently, the LWB van is a reliable workhorse.

4. XLWB (Extra Long Wheelbase) Van – Heavy-Duty & Spacious

Load Space: 4.1m (L) x 1.3m (W) x 1.8m (H)
Ideal for: Large furniture, bulky equipment, and oversized shipments
Capacity: Approx. 4 standard pallets

Maximum Load Weight: 1000kg

Best For:

  • – Moving exhibition stands, staging, or bulky event equipment
  • – Moving large appliances, shop fittings, or machinery
  • – Transporting longer lengths and oversized goods

XLWB vans are the go to choice when you need serious cargo capacity without stepping up to a truck (i.e luton van). Perfect for larger deliveries, these vans offer a great balance between size, efficiency, and accessibility.

5. Luton Van – Maximum Capacity for Large Shipments

Load Space: 4.2m (L) x 2.0m (W) x 2.1m (H)

Ideal for: Furniture, large retail shipments, and bulk stock deliveries

Capacity: Approx. 4-6 standard pallets (depending on if it is a box or curtain side luton)

Maximum Load Weight: Vehicle – 1000kg Tail Lift – 500kg 

Best For:

  • – Large scale retail or warehouse deliveries
  • – Transporting furniture, fragile antiques, or oversized goods
  • – Moving high volume orders for e-commerce businesses

     

With a tail lift available for easy loading, or a curtain side for side loading longer items or oversized pallets, the Luton van is perfect for heavy or high-value shipments.

How to Choose the Right Vehicle Size for Your Same Day Delivery

Consider the Size & Weight of Your Items – Larger shipments require MWB, LWB, or Luton vans.

Think About Fragility – A dedicated van reduces handling, keeping fragile goods safer. Larger vans also tend to have straps and blankets available to help keep your goods safe. 

Factor in Cost-Effectiveness – Using the right sized vehicle avoids unnecessary costs.

 

If you have any questions, or need any help selecting the right vehicle size, particularly if you’re between sizes, please feel free to give us a call on 0115 986 5276!

Why Choose Nationwide Courier Service?

Collection Within 30-60 Minutes – Fast, reliable service across the UK.
Direct Deliveries with No Multi-Stop Delays – Your goods go straight to their destination.
Business Accounts Available – Cheaper rates, invoice payments, and priority service.
Secure & Tracked Deliveries – Real-time updates for peace of mind.

Book Your Same Day Courier Today!

 

Need a fast, reliable courier service? Whether you’re sending a small parcel or an entire truckload, we have the right vehicle size for the job. Contact us now to book your delivery! Take a look at our reviews here to see what our customers have to say. 

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