What are the best courier and delivery vans for hire?

Best courier electric vans for hire

With 32% of van fleets planning to buy an electric van, we know courier drivers have got their eyes on the green future too. But can you get an electric courier van? Yes. The battery life and payload of electric courier vans have improved.

Many delivery vans can now get you to 100 miles and beyond. Whether you’re carrying heavy or light parcels, there’s an electric courier van for hire to fit your business. Some of the best courier vans are the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, Nissan e-V200, and the Mercedes-Benz eVito.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

Best urban courier van for hire

• 731kg payload
• 81 to 103 miles range

The eSprinter is a speedy smaller van that works best in urban spaces. Whether you’re in the city or just outside it, the eSprinter is your best friend. It can get you down smaller lanes, easily reach up to 75mph on the motorway, and avoid congestion charges.

While the van’s payload is on the lighter side, most couriers carrying parcels won’t have much of an issue. Need to get out and about fast? It’s worth upgrading to the rapid charging model, which can get up to 80% in around 30 minutes. Still, the 55-kWh battery is pretty good, and most drivers will finish their route without a problem. The van’s eco-driving mode helps the battery last even longer if needed.

Nissan e-NV200

Best courier van for small parcels

• 705kg payload
• 124 to 180 mile range

The Nissan e-NV200 is a top-rated courier van for a reason. This little van has a longer range than many of its competitors despite the smaller 40-kWh battery. It does, however, have a light payload compared to some other electric vans. But the van does pull its weight for its size. The same size diesel vans can only carry around 50 kg more.

Carrying light parcels? The Nissan-eNV200 might be what you need. If you stick to the city, the courier van can keep going for 180 miles in the right conditions. The eco battery mode can make you go even further, but it’s not the most enjoyable or comfortable to drive. Handy if you need it, but with the Nissan’s good range you probably won’t.

Mercedes-Benz eVito

Best for medium payloads

• 749 to 807kg payload
• 160 to 162 miles

Carrying heavier parcels? The eVito is one of the best options on the market for courier drivers who need a van that can handle a bit more weight. The more you add to your payload, the more you’ll take off the range. Thanks to a bigger than average 66-kWh battery, the eVito can make it further than its little brother the eSprinter.

Even if you’re carrying everything plus the kitchen sink, the eVito can still get you to where you need to be with a range of 160+ miles. You’ll get the most battery life and fuel efficiency in urban areas.

Best courier diesel vans for hire

Sticking to diesel? You’ll enjoy higher payloads in your hired courier van. Diesel vans do have higher CO2 emissions, leading to added costs in some areas in the UK. But the latest courier diesel models for hire are more efficient than they used to be.

The best diesel delivery vans balance higher payloads with comfort and efficiency. Some of our favourites will be familiar names: the Vauxhall Vivaro and the Volkswagen Transporter.

Volkswagen Transporter

Best medium-heavy diesel van

• 2,600 to 3,200kg payload
• 22 to 43 miles per gallon (MPG)

Since 2015, the Volkswagen Transporter has dominated the diesel courier van market for hire and purchase. It’s no surprise considering the payload and comfortable driving experience. If you’re driving longer delivery routes with heavier parcels, the VW Transporter is a pretty good pick.

But does it live up to the hype? Despite its popularity and various model upgrades, the Transporter isn’t perfect. While it does have one of the better payloads for a medium-sized diesel van, it doesn’t offer you the best miles per gallon. If you’re looking to cut your fuel costs, there are more efficient options like the Vauxhall Vivaro.

Vauxhall Vivaro

Best medium diesel van

• 975 to 1,458 kg payload
• 61 miles per gallon (MPG)

The standard Vivaro has a medium payload of 975kg, making it a good choice for couriers handling some heavier parcels. If you want the heaviest payload possible, you’ll want to upgrade to the 3100 2.0 150hp version which can get you up to that massive 1,458 kg payload. We recommend getting the Vauxhall on van hire for parcel delivery. A long-term contract most likely set you back less than the van’s price tag of £34,635 – £49,465.

As courier drivers will know (especially the tall ones!), Vivaro vans suffer from a cramped driver and passenger seat. If you like having a lot of legroom, the Vivaro isn’t the van for you.

How to hire a courier van

You need a van that delivers results as you deliver. But buying your courier van isn’t always the best choice, especially when you want to upgrade or sell in the future.

Long term van hire for couriers means you get your van on a contract that suits you. Long term agreements can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. It’s often cheaper than buying the van. Van hire for parcel delivery means you get your Mercedes-Benz or Vauxhall without having to bite down on those big price tags. We compare courier van hire providers to find the best match for your business.