Getting the van size right before you book is one of those small decisions that makes a big practical difference. Too small and you are doing the job twice. Too big and you are paying for capacity you do not need while dealing with something harder to drive and park than the job warrants.
Here is a straightforward breakdown of every van in the Hirus fleet and what each one is actually for.
Small Van
The small van is the easiest vehicle we offer to drive and park. It sits close to a large car in terms of how it handles and will fit in a normal car parking space. Good if you are making multiple stops, heading somewhere tight, or just want something straightforward.
Good for: - Tip runs and household clearances - Picking up furniture or white goods - Moving a studio flat or single room - Tools and kit for a day job around Watford or Hemel Hempstead - Light deliveries and local errands
If you have large items or more than a room or two to move, the Transit will serve you better.
Transit Van (Standard Wheelbase)
The Transit handles the bulk of what our customers need day to day. It has a practical load area, drives well on a standard licence and is familiar enough that most people are comfortable with it after a few minutes.
Good for: - Moving a one or two bedroom flat - Furniture collections and deliveries - Trade and contractor work - Event and catering equipment - Bulky garden or household rubbish
Transit Long Wheelbase
More load length than the standard Transit, which matters when you have longer items to move. Bed frames, wardrobes, timber and ladders are the kinds of things that make the long wheelbase the smarter call.
Good for: - Larger flat moves or small houses - Anything that is too long to lie flat in a standard Transit - Trade deliveries where floor length is the constraint - Moving everything in one trip from Watford, Hemel or further out
Transit Extra Long Wheelbase
The largest panel van we offer. You get as much load space as a van can give you before stepping up to a Luton box, and it is still on a standard car licence. The right choice when you want maximum capacity without the extra complexity of a larger vehicle.
Good for: - Bigger house moves with a lot of furniture - Large trade and commercial deliveries - Getting everything done in one trip
Luton Van with Tail Lift
The Luton gives you a larger enclosed load area than any panel van, plus a tail lift that takes the hard work out of loading and unloading. If you are moving a house or shifting heavy furniture, the tail lift alone is worth it.
Good for: - Three bedroom house moves or larger - Heavy items including sofas, beds, fridges and washing machines - Commercial deliveries of bulky goods - Anyone who needs to load safely without lifting everything by hand
Our Luton vans are under 3.5 tonnes gross, so a standard car licence covers them.
7.5 Tonne Lorry
The biggest vehicle in the fleet. Substantially more capacity than a Luton and the right tool for large house moves or significant commercial transport work.
Important: Driving a 7.5 tonne lorry requires a Category C licence. If you got your car licence after 1 January 1997, you will not automatically have this. Check your photocard before you book.
Good for: - Large full house moves - High volume commercial deliveries - Jobs where a Luton would mean going back for a second load
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 |
Still not sure? Call the Hirus team on 01923 245354 and we will point you in the right direction.