Best Vehicles for Courier Work

If you’re a self-employed courier driver, you need a vehicle you can count on – one that’s efficient, economical, and practical. The model you choose may depend on the size of your deliveries or the location in which you work, but reliability should be your number one priority. For both new drivers and old hands looking for a new ride, we’ve listed some of the best vehicles for delivery work.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle couriers are most common in large, urban centres. A motorbike is a perfect vehicle for city work, as it can cut through traffic jams with ease. If you’re a courier driver who gets around on two wheels, you’re most likely delivering documents or small parcels. Consider these options for courier-friendly motorbikes.

Honda CBF 125 – This sporty, lightweight model is marketed as a flexible and practical commuter bike. With a fuel consumption of 160 mpg, the CBF 125 has remarkably low running costs and can travel up to 430 miles on a full 13-litre tank. At £2,699, the Honda CBF 125 is a high-value bike that will serve any urban courier driver well.

Suzuki SV650S – If you’re travelling longer distances by motorbike, you might opt for a larger model. The Suzuki SV650S is a sports bike that has equally fantastic performance on the road. Its ease of handling and comfort make it a great choice, and its liquid-cooled, two-cylinder engine delivers a smooth, powerful ride. The SV650S, which has a starting price of just under £5,000, gets around 54 mpg and has a fuel capacity of 17 litres.

Small Vans

If you’re transporting larger loads, you should opt for a small van over a car. A van designed especially for delivery work makes more efficient use of load space than a car, which is harder to get deliveries in and out of.

Ford Transit Courier – Although the Ford Transit Courier may look small from the outside, it is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 660kg, with a load space of 2.4m3. The long haul courier driver will love this vehicle’s fuel efficiency (76 mph) and the variety of useful features include a device dock to store and charge mobile devices, digital audio broadcasting radio, and overhead and under-set storage. At £11,145, the Ford Transit Courier is an excellent investment for owner-drivers.  

Large Vans

If a small van won’t accommodate your loads, opt for a large panel-sided van. They may have lower fuel mileage, but they can transport big loads with ease.

Ford Transit – The trusty Ford Transit is a common sight on Britain’s roads. According to Auto Express, one of every four UK vans is a Ford Transit. For 50 years running, the Transit has been the van of choice for large deliveries. The vehicle has an enormous maximum load area of 15.1m3 and can store items up to 4.2m long. Of course, such a large vehicle will have higher running costs, and depending on what model you choose, you can expect to get between 32 and 44 mpg.

Mercedes Sprinter – The Mercedes Sprinter is another popular high-capacity vehicle, and, like the Ford Transit, comes in several sizes. With the Sprinter you can choose from three different wheelbases, four body lengths, three loading space heights and three roof variants. Every courier driver has different demands and specifications, and the Sprinter makes it easy to find a suitable vehicle. The Sprinter achieves a fuel mileage of up to 36 mpg, depending on the size and model you choose. Similarly, the price can vary widely, from £20,000 to £47,000 for larger models with all the bells and whistles.