Find the Right Moving Van For Your Needs
Need a moving van to relocate, make a delivery, or transport bulky items? Good news: with a standard Australian driver’s licence (Class C), you can legally drive vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 4.5 tonnes. This includes everything from compact 1-tonne vans to spacious hitop vans and dedicated moving vans or trucks. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving van hire in Australia, from selecting the right van to understanding GVM and making your move as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Moving Van Hire: Your Options
Simply put, you have three options when hiring a moving van:
- There is the standard 1-tonne van, also referred to as the delivery van, which is best for urban deliveries or small moves.
- A slightly larger option is the hitop van, which can accommodate larger items due to its larger cargo space and increased height.
- Last, a moving van or moving truck is a small truck that gives you enough space for the contents of a 3-bedroom apartment or townhouse. You can operate these trucks with just a standard car licence.
Comparison Table: 1-Tonne Delivery Van, Hitop Van and Moving Van
| Licence | Cargo | Transmission | Fuel | Best For | Other Advantages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Van / Truck | Car | 20m3 | Automatic | Diesel | DIY Moves, Interstate Moves, Business Deliveries | Plenty of space. Hydraulic Rear Tailgate Lifter. One-Way Hire and Long-Term Rental. |
| Hitop Van | Car | 7m3 | Automatic | Diesel | Furniture Transport, Small Business Logistics | Tall, spacious and compact. |
| Delivery 1-Tonne Van | Car | 4.5m3 | Automatic | Diesel | Small Moves, Urban Deliveries | Compact and manoeuvrable. |
Let’s explore each option one by one to better understand the differences. We will start with the moving van or moving truck.
Option 1: Moving Van / Moving Truck Hire: The Allrounder
✅ Standard Car Licence
✅ 20m3 of Cargo Space – Enough For the Contents of a 3-bedroom Apartment
✅ Hydraulic Lifts to Make Your Move Easier
✅ Typical Dimensions – Cargo Space: 4.2m long x 2.1m wide x 2.1m high
✅ Automatic
What Are Moving Vans / Moving Trucks Suited For
A moving van or moving truck is a versatile option for anyone who is moving houses or transporting larger items. Moving vans are best suited for DIY moves, interstate moves, furniture transport, or business logistics. They are an ideal temporary vehicle for all business-related tasks. They’re reliable, offer plenty of storage room and have the manoeuvrability of a regular 4WD passenger vehicle, allowing you to navigate tight spaces and busy streets with ease. Best of all, they can be driven with a standard car licence.
How Can I Rent a Moving Van?
To hire a moving van, research reputable truck rental companies and compare their offerings, reviews and fleets.
Usually, one of the biggest hassles of renting a moving van is picking up and returning the vehicle. For example, when moving interstate, returning the rental van to the same location is not an option. With Mobile Truck Rental, you don’t have to worry about logistics. With our one-way rentals, when you are finished, we will pick up the vehicle from you. In other words, you can move from point A to point B and never have to visit a rental site. This saves you time, the cost of travel & excess kilometres on your truck rental. So if you are moving from Sydney to Brisbane, the Gold Coast to Melbourne or even if it’s just around the corner, our one-way rental is a great option.
For businesses, we also offer long-term truck hire at discounted rates. If you run a seasonal business or frequently transport goods and don’t want to own a vehicle, consider our long-term (30+ days) deals!
Truck Rental – Get a Quote
We Come to You. You Move. We Pick Up. One Way Possible.
You Only Need a Car Licence. 20m³ Pantech Body. All trucks come with a free trolley and rope, all have rear tailgate lifters and all are automatic.
For the best rates on Pantech Truck Hire, contact us today.
Option 2: Hitop Van Hire: Vans With Extended Storage
✅ Standard Car Licence
✅ 7m3 of Cargo Space – Enough For Large Items
✅ Sliding Door to Make Loading Easier
✅ Typical Dimensions – Cargo Space: 3.2m long x 1.5m wide x 1.5m high
✅ Automatic
What Are Hitop Vans Suited For
A hitop van is a specialised vehicle designed with extended height dimensions, offering more headroom compared to a standard 1-tonne van. While it shares the same length and width as typical 1-tonne vans, the increased height provides additional space. This extra headroom enhances overall cargo capacity, making the hitop van well-suited for transporting larger items, such as appliances, boxes, or equipment that may not fit comfortably in standard vans.
In terms of cargo capacity, it’s important to note that a hitop van offers approximately 7 cubic meters of space. While this is enough for small to medium-sized loads, it is significantly less than what a moving truck can provide, which typically offers around 20 cubic meters of cargo space. This makes moving trucks the better option for larger or more extensive relocations.
Both hitop vans and moving trucks can be driven with a standard car license. The hitop van’s compact design allows for easier maneuverability in urban environments, making it a practical choice for city deliveries or small moves.
Option 3: 1-Tonne Van Hire: The Standard Van
✅ Standard Car Licence
✅ 4.5m3 of Cargo Space – Enough For the Contents of a 3-bedroom Apartment
✅ Sliding Door to Make Loading Easier
✅ Typical Dimensions – Cargo Space: 2.6m long x 1.5m wide x 1.2m high
✅ Automatic
What Are 1-Tonne Vans Suited For
A 1-tonne van is typically what most people envision when they think of a van. This compact vehicle is designed for a variety of uses. Its size makes it particularly well-suited for urban deliveries, where navigating tight streets and parking in crowded areas can be challenging or small moves. A 1-tonne van can comfortably accommodate household items, boxes, and other cargo without the bulk of larger vehicles. It’s perfect for transporting items when you’re relocating without furniture or only have a few pieces to transport.
1-tonne vans are also frequently employed by tradespeople, delivery services, and small businesses that require reliable transportation for tools, equipment, or inventory. The ease of loading and unloading, combined with their maneuverability, makes them an excellent choice for frequent urban trips.
Summary: Moving Van Hire – Your Options
When selecting between moving van hire options, it’s essential to consider several factors.
First, evaluate the size of your cargo to ensure it fits comfortably within the van’s capacity. Next, think about the type of items being transported, as some vans may be better suited for specific goods. Additionally, the distance and route of your journey play an important role in choosing the most appropriate vehicle. Some companies charge expensive “drive-back fees” for one-way rentals. These fees can quickly add to your total rental fee, especially for interstate moves. Our moving van services, on the other hand, cover the East Coast of Australia (VIC, NSW and QLD), and we offer great rates even for one-way rentals!
Finally, consider the access requirements at both the pickup and delivery points, as this can impact your ability to load and unload efficiently. By taking these factors into account, you can make a more informed decision that meets your needs.
Moving Van Hire Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, and Brisbane
Do you need a moving van for your next move?
Email or call us for a quote: info@mobiletruckrental.com.au | 1300 799 317 | Open 7 Days from 7:30am to 5:30pm