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Have you ever wondered, ‘What is a box van, and how does it differ from other commercial vehicles?’ Box vans, also known as box trucks, have been around for many years, and their design and features have evolved to meet the demands of modern businesses. Modern box vans are characterised by their rectangular cargo area enclosed by four walls and a roof.
Box vans are also cost-effective and can be customised to meet specific needs, making them a popular choice for both small businesses and large corporations. In this article, we will explore the history of box trucks, their many uses and the benefits of using one for your business needs.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Box Van
A box van is a commercial vehicle with a cargo area surrounded by four walls and a roof. The cargo area is typically accessed through a large rear door, though some box vans may also have side doors. Box vans are frequently used to transport items that require protection from the elements, such as furniture, appliances and electronics.
They are available in various sizes and configurations, with some models incorporating a cab-over-engine design for increased cargo space and a tail lift for easier cargo handling.
History Of Box Vans
During the 1900s, the idea of developing enclosed trucks to transport household goods became popular. Early box vans were used primarily for delivering ice and other perishable goods. They continued to evolve as the transportation industry grew, and by the 1930s, box trucks were more commonly used for delivering all types of goods.
Many manufacturers started producing these vans in a range of sizes and configurations. The popularity of box vans continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and they became a common sight on UK roads and around the world.
When driving a new box truck, pay close attention to the length and width to avoid collisions.
Box Vs Luton Vs Panel
When it comes to selecting a small van with an enclosed cargo space, you have three options: a box, a panel and a Luton van. Here’s everything you need to know about differentiating between these three different types of vans:
Box van
A box van, as the name implies, is built with a box-shaped load space that is separate from the cab. This van is popular with delivery drivers and couriers who appreciate its large load area for transporting bulky loads. Box trucks typically have only rear doors and are raised off the ground because they sit on the chassis.
Unlike a dropside van, a box van doesn’t sacrifice space for wheel arches, which maximises the cargo area. As a result, most box trucks are outfitted with tail lifts to make loading easier. A tail lift is a hydraulic ram that is attached to the rear of a vehicle for heavy lifting.
Luton Van
A Luton van is like an extended box van. Luton vans are also designed with enclosed bodies that are separate from the cab. While a box van’s load space ends where the cab starts, for Luton vans, the cargo space slightly extends over the cab. The extended body of the Luton van gives room for even more cargo than a box van. Similar to a box truck, a Luton van may be equipped with a tail lift.
Panel Van
A panel van is like a bigger version of a car-derived van. Unlike box and Luton vans, panel vans have a more traditional design with a cargo area that is integrated with the driver and passenger cab. The cargo area of a panel van is usually accessed through the rear doors, sliding side doors or a combination of both. The Mercedes Sprinter is an example of a panel van. These vehicles serve various purposes, from cargo transportation to being used as mess vans.
Ensure you have the appropriate licence for your box or Luton van weight before getting on the road.
For What Cargo Is A Box Van Best?
A box van is best for transporting larger or bulkier cargo due to its spacious and versatile cargo area. The absence of wheel arches, unlike in car-derived vans, allows for more usable cargo space. You can even add racks to your van to customize it further. Some of the items you can use a box van for include:
- Furniture: A box truck can accommodate large pieces of furniture such as sofas, chairs, tables and dressers.
- Appliances: Box trucks are great for transporting appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
- Palletised goods: Box trucks are commonly used for transporting palletised goods, such as boxes or crates of merchandise.
Reach out to SDVH today to secure fantastic box van rental deals for your personal and business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Box Truck And A Box Van?
There is no difference between a box truck and a box van. In most cases, people use both names to refer to the same vehicle. Most British residents refer to the vehicle as a box van, whereas ‘box truck’ is more commonly used by American English speakers. A box truck is a common vehicle used by couriers and businesses that need to transport large items.
What Is The Difference Between A Box Van And A Panel Van?
The difference between a box van and a panel van is that the load space of a box van is separate from the cab. On the other hand, in a panel van, the cargo space is integrated with the driver and passenger cab. Furthermore, unlike panel vans, which typically have both sliding and rear doors, box trucks typically only have rear doors.
What Licence Do You Need To Drive A Box Van?
The licence that you need to drive a box van depends on the gross weight of the vehicle. You can drive box or Luton vans below 3.5 tonnes if you have a standard driving licence. However, you need to take extra tests to drive any box or Luton van with a gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes.
Why Is It Called A Box Van?
It is called a box van because of the shape of the cargo space. A box van has a cargo area that resembles a box or a rectangular prism. Therefore, the name describes a commercial vehicle with an enclosed box-shaped cargo area. This type of vehicle is commonly used for transporting a variety of goods, such as furniture, appliances and other large items.
Is Ford Transit A Box Van?
No, the Ford Transit is not a box van but a panel van. A panel van is a vehicle that has a cargo area integrated with the driver’s cabin. It usually has no rear side windows or seats, which maximises cargo space and load capacity. Unlike panel vans, box vans have box-shaped cargo areas.
Conclusion
A box van is a type of commercial vehicle with an enclosed cargo area in the shape of a box separate from the driver’s cab. It is a popular option for companies and organisations that need a dependable and efficient way to transport goods or materials. Understanding what a box van is and its features can help businesses and individuals make a proper decision when choosing the right type of vehicle for hire or purchase.
