Small Van Dimensions: What a Courier Car or Small Van Carries
Typical small van dimensions are a load area about 1.8 to 2.2 metres long, 1.5 metres wide and 1.2 metres high, around 3 to 4.5 cubic metres. First Choice Transportation Ltd uses cars and small vans for documents, parcels, boxes and single items, at £40 for the first 10 miles plus VAT. Book on 020 8202 2008.
Office: 020 8202 2008 · WhatsApp: 07507 612919
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Small Van Sizes at a Glance
| Measurement | Typical car-derived small van | Typical SWB panel van |
|---|---|---|
| Load length | about 1.8 to 2.2 m | about 2.3 to 2.6 m |
| Load width | about 1.5 m (about 1.2 m between the wheel arches) | about 1.7 m |
| Load height | about 1.2 to 1.3 m | about 1.4 m |
| Load volume | about 3 to 4.5 m³ | about 5 to 6 m³ |
Typical figures; they vary by make and model.
SWB Van Dimensions
SWB van dimensions are those of the shortest full-size panel van: a load length of about 2.3 to 2.6 metres, about 1.7 metres wide and 1.4 metres high, or 5 to 6 cubic metres. That is a step up from a car-derived small van, with room for a washing machine, a small sofa on its side or a dozen large boxes, while still being easy to park in town.
What Fits in a Small Van
- Documents and keys: contracts, court bundles and tenders. See document courier.
- Parcels and boxes: online orders, stock top-ups and returns.
- Samples and parts: laboratory samples, machine and vehicle parts.
- Single items: a chair, a monitor, a small table or a musical instrument.
Bigger loads: long wheelbase van or Luton van. All sizes: van sizes and our fleet.
Small Van Dimensions FAQ
What fits in a small van?
A small van takes documents, parcels and boxes, laboratory samples, computer equipment, a single chair or small table, and car or machine parts. As a rough guide, a car-derived van holds about 3 to 4.5 cubic metres, enough for a stack of boxes or one bulky item. Anything longer than about 2 metres needs a bigger van.
What is the difference between a small van and a SWB van?
A small van usually means a compact, car-derived van with a load length of about 1.8 to 2.2 metres. A short wheelbase (SWB) van is the shortest version of a full-size panel van, with about 2.3 to 2.6 metres of load length and more height. Both are priced the same with us.
How much does a small van courier cost?
£40 for the first 10 miles, then £1.25 a mile, plus VAT, for the whole vehicle. A job across London of under 10 miles costs £40 plus VAT; 50 miles costs £90 plus VAT. The same rate applies 24 hours a day, at weekends and on bank holidays.
Do you use cars as well as vans?
Yes. For documents, keys, small parcels and samples, a car is often the quickest way through the city, and it is priced the same as a small van. We choose the vehicle that suits the load; you tell us what you are sending and we confirm the vehicle with the price.
When do I need a bigger van?
When the longest item is over about 2 to 2.5 metres, when there are more boxes than a small van holds, or when the goods are on a pallet. Then a long wheelbase van or a Luton is the right choice. Send a photo when you ask for a quote and we tell you which.
How quickly can a small van collect?
Within 30 to 45 minutes of booking across the 32 London boroughs and the Home Counties, and within 45 minutes to an hour elsewhere in the UK, 24 hours a day. The driver goes straight to the delivery address with no other stops. Call 020 8202 2008 to book.
Why Book First Choice Transportation
First Choice Transportation Ltd is a registered UK company (No. 15276847) based in Southgate, North London, founded by Allam, who has 15 years’ experience in courier and transport work, with 30 drivers across the UK.
From £40 Plus VAT
For the first 10 miles, then £1.25 a mile, for the whole vehicle.
Collected Within the Hour
30 to 45 minutes across London and the Home Counties; 45 minutes to an hour elsewhere.
Direct, No Stops
One job per driver, straight to the delivery address.
Proof of Delivery
Signature and photo on handover, texted to you.