Vans are one of the most versatile vehicles on the road as they are safer and more flexible than regular vans and are able to fully utilize the interior space of the vehicle to increase its carrying capacity. The van market is generally categorized on the basis of size, purpose and function, with a diverse range of options to suit commercial, industrial and personal needs. Whether you want to buy a van to go for business use or personal self driving, you should know what different types of vans are available in the market, understand their uses and functions and get an informed decision.
1.Car-derived vans
Car-derived vans are compact vans that are built on a sedan platform. With the compact cargo capacity of a van and the functional flexibility of a sedan, some models, such as the Ford Transit Connect or the Renault Kangoo, have high fuel efficiency and excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, and are generally used for community delivery and daily commuting in cities, making them a reliable choice for those who value cost savings.
2. Panel vans
Panel vans are the most common commercial fleet choice, offering excellent durability and reliability, with a fully enclosed cargo area behind the cab. The fully enclosed cargo area can accommodate shelves, equipment or bulk items, ensuring safety and space when transporting goods, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ram ProMaster, etc. They are generally used by construction companies for material transportation, or by delivery service personnel, electricians or plumbers, etc. The Panel van is the most common commercial fleet choice.
3. Box vans
Box vans have a higher roof than vans, so their box-shaped cargo area is larger and more enclosed, and they have better cargo capacity. Such as Ford E series and Iveco Daily, etc., can carry larger cargo and handling tasks, including for your furniture transportation, wholesale distribution of goods and materials transportation, etc., to provide you with a strong, stable and safe environment.
4. Luton Vans
Luton vans are huge, with a high roof, and have the largest cargo capacity because of the high roof cargo area that extends over the cab, and are representative of cargo vehicles. Designed to maximize vertical storage space, Luton vans have the size and capacity to accommodate furniture, appliances, and other bulky items, making them a great choice for movers, event logistics, companies that transport tall items, or businesses that need a large number of storage solutions.
5. Crew Vans
With a second or third row of van seating behind the driver, Crew vans are a good balance between the seating capacity of a passenger car and the cargo-carrying capabilities of a van. For example, construction crews or workers transporting equipment can not only ride in the seats of a Crew Van, but also place their tools and luggage inside. Representative vehicles are the Nissan NV200 Crew and the Transporter Shuttle, etc.
The Nissan NV200 Crew vans are mainly used for craftsmen, and the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is mainly used for group travel.
6. Pickup Trucks
Although pickup trucks are classified as trucks, some pickup trucks are also available as vans. These vehicles not only have a van-like cab that seats 4-5 passengers, but also have a flatbed cargo area that can carry oversized cargo. Vehicles such as the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux are reliable choices for transporting construction materials, landscaping equipment or weekend trips.
7. Specialized vans
Specialized vans are customized to meet the needs of different industries.
• Refrigerated vans: with insulated bodies and cooling systems
• Catering vans: with serving counters, generators and storage space
• Camping vans: with sleeping areas, kitchens and off-grid capabilities
• Armored vans: for safe transportation of cash or valuables
There are a wide range of vans, each with its own excellent features and characteristics, so if you need to buy a van, you need to understand the above categories , get the right car-derived van , vans, box vans, Luton vans, Crew vans, pickup trucks (van models), or specialized vans for your needs or business to help you with your fleet optimization or travel adventures.