When choosing between a van and a truck, pallet count, weight and volume decide. A van up to 3.5 t handles 1–5 pallets up to 2 LDM, a rigid 7.5 t truck up to 15 pallets, a 12-tonne truck up to 18 pallets and an articulated truck 33–34 euro pallets. The calculator works out the right vehicle.
Key facts
Van (3.5 t)
up to ~1 t / up to 5 pallets
Curtain-side van
up to ~1.3 t / up to 10 pallets
Truck / trailer
up to ~24 t / 33 euro pallets
Deciding factors
weight, volume, deadline
Trailer load length
13.6 m
Advice
within 30 minutes
For 1 to 5 pallets a van up to 3.5 t is usually enough. For more pallets or heavier loads choose a rigid truck or an articulated truck. Pallet count, weight and volume decide.
When a van is enough
A van up to 3.5 tonnes is the cheapest and fastest option. It suits 1 to 5 pallets up to about 2 loading metres and a weight up to about 1,000 kg; a curtain-side van takes up to 10 pallets. Typical for smaller shipments, express delivery of single pallets or spare parts.
When to choose a rigid truck
A rigid 7.5 t truck handles up to 15 pallets (up to 6 LDM), a 12-tonne truck up to 18 pallets (7.2 LDM). Both can be ordered with a tail lift.
When you need an articulated truck
An articulated curtain-side truck holds 33 to 34 euro pallets and suits full loads. For bulky, light goods we offer a MEGA trailer with 100–120 m³.
Vehicle comparison
Vehicle
Pallets
LDM
Weight
Van up to 3.5 t
1–5
up to 2
up to 1,000 kg
Curtain-side van
1–10
up to 4
up to 1,300 kg
Truck 7.5 t
up to 15
up to 6
up to 3,500 kg
Truck 12 t
up to 18
7.2
up to 6,000 kg
Articulated 24 t
33–34
13.6
up to 24 t
Not sure which vehicle?
Enter pallet count and weight into the calculator — we work out the vehicle and price.
A van up to 3.5 t fits 1 to 5 pallets, a curtain-side van up to 10.
When do I need a truck instead of a van?
From about 10 pallets or over 1.3 t a truck is more suitable.
How many pallets does an articulated truck hold?
A curtain-side articulated truck holds 33 to 34 euro pallets.
What about bulky, light loads?
For those we offer a MEGA trailer with 100–120 m³.
How do I find the cheapest vehicle?
Enter the shipment into the calculator — it suggests the right vehicle.
How much weight can a van carry?
A standard van up to 3.5 t carries about 1,000 kg, a curtain-sided van around 1,300 kg. Heavier goods suit a rigid truck.
Is a van faster than a truck?
Often, yes. A van drives directly from loading to delivery and is not covered by the Czech weekend driving ban, which makes it ideal for express shipments.
When is a rigid truck worth it?
For roughly 10 to 18 pallets or up to about 5 tonnes, and where an articulated truck cannot get in – city centres or sites with restricted access.
What is a part load and when does it pay off?
Your pallets travel in a truck together with other shipments and you only pay for the space used. It pays off for a few pallets when you are not in a hurry.
Can a van be unloaded without a dock?
Yes, if the consignee has a forklift. Without one we arrange a van or rigid truck with a tail lift that lowers the pallet to the ground.
Do vans also go abroad?
Yes, all over Europe. On longer routes they suit mainly smaller and urgent shipments.
How tall can goods be in a van?
It depends on the vehicle – usually about 1.8 m, more in a curtain-sided van. State the height in your enquiry and we will choose the vehicle accordingly.
What if the goods are not on pallets?
State the dimensions and weight of each piece in your enquiry – we choose a van, rigid truck or articulated truck based on them.
Does the weekend driving ban apply to vans?
In the Czech Republic the ban covers vehicles over 7.5 t and combinations over 3.5 t with a trailer, so a van without a trailer may drive on Sundays and holidays. Local rules apply abroad.
Is a van cheaper than a truck?
For a few pallets usually yes. Above a certain volume a part load or a full truck works out cheaper – the calculator shows the comparison.
