BIG VANS, SMARTER CHOICES: THE LARGE DELIVERY VEHICLES THAT GET THE JOB DONE EVERY TIME
As South Africa’s e-commerce and courier industries grow from strength to strength, delivery businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve reliability, and scale efficiently. Choosing the right delivery vehicle is essential to running a successful courier business. While many have pivoted to smaller and more affordable commercial vehicles, like the Suzuki Eeco, many delivery firms need to have something larger in the fleet.
While these smaller vans have received much attention recently, larger vans like the Toyota Quantum and Volkswagen Transporter continue to form the backbone of high-volume last-mile operations. For businesses handling bulkier consignments or making fewer stops with more goods, bigger light commercial vehicles (LCVs) offer an edge over their smaller, more affordable counterparts. However, there are a few things that business owners need to consider when purchasing a larger commercial vehicle.
Fuel efficiency
While larger vans typically consume more fuel than their compact counterparts, several models stand out for their impressive efficiency. On the smaller end, options like the Volkswagen Caddy, Opel Combo, and Peugeot Partner deliver solid fuel economy. Thanks to its efficient turbodiesel engine, the Combo 1.6 TD leads with a claimed 5.0 L/100 km and a range of 1,040 km. The more powerful Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI uses slightly more (5.5 L/100 km) but boasts a longer range of 1,091 km.
Those needing something bigger can still find frugal options. The Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 CDI, priced at R907,212, consumes 6.1 L/100 km and has an impressive 1,148 km range. It’s on the pricier side, but more affordable alternatives exist. The Hyundai Staria 2.2D, priced at R669,500, consumes 8.7 L/100 km and has a range of 862 km. While not as efficient, its generous cargo space and lower price point may appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
Electric vans are also worth considering, especially for businesses operating in urban areas with shorter routes. Though typically more expensive upfront, they offer long-term savings. For instance, the R919,994 Maxus eDeliver 3 panel van can travel up to 300 km on a single charge, sufficient for many fleet operations.
Cargo capacity
One of the main perks of owning larger delivery vehicles is the ability to transport large volumes and heavier items. While factors such as pricing and fuel economy are important to consider, there’s no point in purchasing something that’s a great deal but, in reality, isn’t fit for purpose.
Flexibility and usability
While larger courier companies buy vans solely for deliveries, smaller operators—or those just starting out—often need a vehicle that can double as a delivery van during the week and a family car on weekends.
That’s where crew cab panel vans come in, offering the versatility of both a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and a panel van in one. Options are limited on the new car market, with the most affordable being the Toyota Quantum 2.8 LWB crew cab. While it offers the added benefit of increased seating, it’s worth noting that cargo capacity is lower than in a traditional panel van.
The R995,946 Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 CDI Mixto crew cab manual offers five seats—enough for most families—but only 3,600 litres of cargo space. That’s less than smaller vans like the Fiat Doblo Cargo Maxi, though still more than what the VW Caddy Cargo provides. Compared to the cheaper Vito 114 CDI panel van, which offers 6,000 litres, the trade-off in space is noticeable.
Still, it gives business owners two vehicles in one, with added flexibility if you need to transport staff or travel with clients.
“When you’re running a delivery operation, your vehicles aren’t just a means of transport—they’re the backbone of your business,” commented Damian Velayadum, Group Financial Director at Fastway Couriers. “It’s not just about finding the cheapest option upfront; it’s about long-term reliability, fuel efficiency, serviceability, and suitability for the kind of deliveries you’re doing. While there are many competent options on the market, our data shows that when it comes to larger vans, Fastway franchisees tend to favour the Toyota Quantum and the discontinued Hyundai H1—both of which offer a solid balance between capacity, durability, and cost of ownership.”
Affordability
Purchasing a delivery vehicle is often one of the biggest expenses a courier company faces—especially when multiple vehicles are needed. But the initial price is just one part of the equation. More expensive options shouldn’t be dismissed outright, as factors like service and maintenance plans, warranties, and resale value all play a role.
The Renault Trafic 2.0dCi panel van is not only one of the most affordable large vans, but also among the most spacious. It comes with a five-year/150,000 km warranty and a five-year/90,000 km service plan. However, because delivery vehicles rack up mileage quickly, that service plan could run out sooner than expected. Its 15,000 km service interval also isn’t especially long—particularly when compared to the Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 CDI, which requires servicing every 25,000 km or when prompted by the trip computer.
Despite its higher price, the Vito doesn’t include a standard service or maintenance plan. However, buyers can opt for packages ranging from three-year/120,000 km to ten-year/300,000 km, depending on their needs. The warranty is only two years, but with unlimited mileage—an advantage for businesses that replace vehicles frequently.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what the business needs from its fleet, as different models, price points, and service offerings suit different usage patterns.
“We always advise our franchisees to look at the full picture: from load capacity and fuel consumption to maintenance plans and resale value. The right vehicle can save you more than just money—it can save time, improve reliability, and scale with your business as it grows,” concluded Velayadum.