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Which Van is Right for my Business?
24 Feb 2025
A van is one of the most essential investments any business can make, so choosing the right one is a big decision.
You may be thinking where do I start?!
Choosing the right van size for your business is all about understanding your needs and planning for the future.
The right van can enhance your operations, improve efficiency, and even save costs. Here’s a guide to help you determine the best van size for your business needs.
What size van do I need for my business? Factors to consider:
What’s the nature of your business?
Vans are needed by all kinds of businesses from couriers to caterers; from construction workers to florists, there are many commercial uses for a van.
If your business involves frequent deliveries, consider the volume and weight of the packages. A compact or medium-sized van might be ideal for urban deliveries, while a larger van could be necessary for bulkier items.
For tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, or carpenters, a medium to large van with ample storage for tools and materials is essential.
Catering businesses that transport equipment or food for events may need a larger van with refrigeration options.
What loads will you be transporting?
One of the biggest decision making factors to think about when purchasing a van is the load capacity. Overloading a vehicle can be dangerous on the roads as the stopping distance can be affected dramatically. When researching what type of van you want to invest in you will need to consider its maximum capacity and the weight of the vehicle itself.
Also consider the length, width, and height of the cargo area to ensure it can accommodate your items without constraints.
Frequency and Distance of Use
If you use the van daily, fuel efficiency and ease of driving will be crucial. But if you’ll be using your van for long-distance travel, you’ll need to prioritise comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Future Growth
Think about whether your business might grow. Choosing a slightly larger van can save you from needing to upgrade soon.
Mercedes-Benz Van Sizes
Mercedes-Benz Citan
Ideal For: Urban deliveries, small trades, and businesses needing to navigate tight spaces.
Load Compartment Capacity: 3.62m3
Max. Payload: 686kg
Small vans like the Mercedes-Benz Citan and eCitan offer a safe space to store deliveries and equipment when on the move. They are also cost-effective and agile to be driven on short journeys. This would be the ideal size van for someone who does a lot of driving around in small bursts but may just have a bit too much equipment to fit safely in a car such as photographers, caterers and other similar professions.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Ideal For: Medium-sized loads, tradespeople, and small businesses.
Load Compartment Capacity: 6.6m3
Max. Payload: 903kg
Medium sized vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Vito and eVito are useful for a number of professionals as they offer enough space to transport long items but also have straight, tall side walls should racking need to be installed or cargo need to be safely stacked. This size vehicle would often be used by tradesmen and delivery drivers. Capable of doing both longer journeys and city driving, a medium van's versatility makes it a great investment for many businesses.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ideal For: Large deliveries, transporting heavy equipment, and businesses with high-volume needs.
Load Compartment Capacity: 15.5m3
Max. Payload: 2,479kg
Typically used by businesses such as removals and logistics for transporting heavy loads, large vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and eSprinter offer extra space for transporting larger and longer loads. They often have a higher roof too meaning you can carry taller items but also stand up inside to make loading the van easier. However, due to the added length and weight, driving a large van requires extra care when taking corners, going around bends and driving at a higher speed so may not be the best option if this is your first move from car to van. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is available in a range of larger payloads and vaster load space options.