Choosing the right size van before you book saves you time, money and a lot of unnecessary stress on the day. Book too small and you are doing two trips. Book too large and you are paying for space you do not need while navigating something far bigger than the job calls for.
We have been helping customers across Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring and the wider Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire area choose the right vehicle for over 25 years. This guide is our straightforward answer to the question we get asked more than any other.
Small Van
A small van is the most straightforward vehicle in our fleet. It drives and parks much like a large car, fits in a standard car parking space and handles well in town. If you are heading somewhere tight, doing multiple stops, or just need something easy to manage, start here.
Good for: - Trips to the tip or recycling centre - Collecting flat-pack furniture or a new appliance - Light removals such as a studio flat or single room - Tools and equipment for a day job - Small business deliveries around Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area
If you are moving more than a room or two, or you have large items like a sofa or a wardrobe, step up to a Transit.
Transit Van (Standard Wheelbase)
The Transit is the van most people picture when they think of van hire, and for good reason. It handles the majority of jobs people bring to us without fuss, and it is still perfectly manageable to drive on a standard car licence.
Good for: - Moving a one or two bedroom flat - Furniture collections and deliveries - Trade and contractor work - Garden clearances and bulky rubbish - Market stalls and event supplies
Transit Long Wheelbase
The long wheelbase Transit adds a meaningful amount of extra length to the load area. If you have longer items to move, such as bed frames, wardrobes, timber, or ladders, you will feel the difference.
Good for: - Larger flat or small house moves - Longer items that will not lie flat in a standard Transit - Trade deliveries where floor space matters - Customers coming from Berkhamsted, Tring or further afield who want to do the job in one go
Transit Extra Long Wheelbase
The extra long wheelbase is the largest panel van we offer and gives you as much space as you can get before stepping up to a Luton. It is still on a standard car licence and is a good choice when you want maximum capacity in a van that handles like a van rather than a lorry.
Good for: - Bigger house moves with plenty of furniture - Large trade deliveries - Moving everything in a single trip rather than coming back for a second load
Luton Van with Tail Lift
The Luton van gives you a significantly larger load area than any panel van, and the tail lift takes the hard work out of loading and unloading heavy or bulky items. If you are moving house or shifting large furniture, this is the one that will save your back.
Good for: - House moves of three bedrooms or more - Heavy furniture including sofas, beds and white goods - Commercial deliveries of bulky or heavy items - Anyone who needs a tail lift to load and unload safely
You can drive a Luton van on a standard car licence as long as the vehicle is under 3.5 tonnes gross, which ours are.
7.5 Tonne Lorry
The 7.5 tonne lorry is the largest vehicle we offer and is built for the biggest jobs. It carries considerably more than a Luton and is the right choice for large house moves or substantial commercial work.
Important: You need a Category C licence to drive a 7.5 tonne lorry. If you passed your car driving test after 1 January 1997, you will not automatically have this entitlement. Please check your photocard licence before booking.
Good for: - Large house moves with a full household of belongings - Commercial deliveries requiring significant capacity - Jobs where a Luton would need two trips
Quick reference
| Van | Best for | Licence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small van | Light loads, tip runs, studio flats | Standard car |
| Transit | Flats, trade work, furniture | Standard car |
| Transit LWB | Longer items, larger flats | Standard car |
| Transit XLWB | Bigger moves, maximum panel van space | Standard car |
| Luton with tail lift | House moves, heavy items | Standard car |
| 7.5 tonne lorry | Large moves, heavy commercial loads | Category C |
Not sure which one is right for your job? Give us a call at our Hemel Hempstead depot on 01442 232 257 or our Watford depot on 01923 711 117. We know the fleet inside out and are happy to help you choose without wasting your money on more van than you need.