The latest advice on common sizes and weights for business vans

Sept. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Two things: size and weight. When choosing a van, one must make sure it’s big and strong enough to handle a typical cargo.

They must Check the width, length and height of the van’s cargo hold. Check its maximum payload. And if they tow, check its maximum trailer weight.

Then ensure the van meets their cargo needs. These typical weights and sizes will help them choose.

Baled hay, straw   130-225kg per cubic metre
Barrel (36 gallons)   275kg
Beer case (24 x 1 pint)   35kg
Beer crate (24 x 10fl oz bottles)   23kg
Books   815-1125kg per cubic metre
Bricks, building   2300-2500kg per 1000
Bricks, engineering   2000kg per 1000
Bricks, house, standard pallet   1000kg
Coal, loose   920kg per cubic metre
Copper tubing   3000mm length
Cement, bag   50kg or 25kg
Chipboard, sheet   2440mm x 1220mm
Euro pallet   1200mm x 800mm
Gravel, loose   1635kg per cubic metre
Hardboard, sheet   2440mm x 1220mm
Hardcore   1940kg per cubic metre
Ladders   2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm
MDF, sheet   2440mm x 1220mm
Milk crate, 20 bottles   27kg
Paint tin, 5.0 litres   7kg
Paving slab   600mm x 450mm x 65mm, 40kg
Paving slab   600mm x 600mm x 65mm, 52kg
Plaster, bag   25kg
Plastic guttering   4000mm, 2000mm
Plywood, sheet   2440mm x 1220mm
Potatoes, loose   530kg per cubic metre
Potatoes, bag   50kg
Sand, dry   1330kg per cubic metre
Sand, wet   1600kg per cubic metre
Slate   2800kg per cubic metre
Softwood, lengths   1800mm, 2100m, 2400mm, 2700mm etc
Soil   1200-1490kg per cubic metre
Water, 10 x 1.0-litre bottles   10kg

When choosing a business van it's important to remember that, if they only need to carry really large items occasionally, sometimes it's more financially advisable to buy a small van, and rent a bigger van for the days you need it.

Business van operators should also make sure that they keep within the law for van weights, particularly if you are towing.