
Van Leasing: Payload vs. Load Volume
When it comes to selecting the right lease van for your business, understanding the concepts of payload and load volume is crucial. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct aspects of a vehicle's capacity that can significantly impact your operations.
For businesses that rely on transportation—whether for deliveries, moving equipment, or logistics—making informed decisions about van specifications can enhance efficiency and reduce costs. In this blog, GB Vehicle Leasing explore the key differences between both of these measurements.
What does payload mean on a van?
Van payload refers to the maximum weight that a van can safely carry, encompassing all cargo, passengers, and any additional equipment or accessories. It is a critical specification for any commercial vehicle, as it directly affects how much weight you can transport without risking damage to the vehicle or compromising safety.
Different models and manufacturers have varying capacities based on design, materials used, and structural integrity. Payload is calculated by subtracting the vehicle's curb weight (the weight of the van without any cargo, passengers, or extra equipment) from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle is rated to safely handle, as determined by the manufacturer.
What does load volume mean on a van?
Load volume refers to the total amount of space available inside a van for transporting cargo, typically measured in cubic feet or cubic metres (m³). This metric is essential for businesses that need to maximise their cargo capacity and efficiently utilise their transportation resources. Unlike payload, which focuses on weight, load volume emphasises the physical space available for goods.
Load volume is determined by measuring the interior dimensions of a van's cargo area—length, width, and height. This measurement represents the total usable space for cargo, regardless of its weight.

Avoid Overloading a Van
Overloading a van is a common mistake that can have serious consequences for both safety and vehicle performance. An overloaded van may have reduced braking ability, decreased stability, and impaired handling, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the vehicle's payload capacity and load space, as specified by the manufacturer. Always adhere to these limits to ensure safe operation.
If frequent overloading occurs, it may be worth considering a larger commercial vehicle that better meets your business needs. Investing in a vehicle with a higher payload capacity can enhance safety and efficiency.
Choosing the Right Van
Picking the right van to lease for your business is a crucial decision that can impact your operational efficiency, cost management, and overall success. When evaluating your van leasing options, it's essential to consider both of these measurements to ensure the vehicle meets your specific needs. Start by analysing the types of goods you will be transporting. For weight-heavy loads, prioritise vehicles with higher payload capacities. For bulky items, focus on maximising load space.
Also, the physical dimensions of the lease van play a significant role in both of these capacities. Ensure the vehicle’s cargo area can accommodate your typical load sizes. Plus, features such as side doors, rear doors, and loading ramps can enhance accessibility and improve efficiency. If your operations require towing, check the towing capacity along with payload and load volume to ensure that you can transport additional equipment or trailers.
As well, the type of fuel a commercial vehicle uses can significantly affect both of these measurements. Diesel vans often have higher payload capacities. Meanwhile, electric vans have a battery to carry which can reduce the available payload. Finally, consider your budget for acquiring and maintaining the vehicle. While a commercial vehicle with a higher payload capacity or larger load space may involve a higher upfront cost, it could lead to long-term savings through reduced trips, lower fuel consumption, and fewer repairs.
Payload of Popular Vans 2025
Different van models are designed with varying payload capacities to cater to diverse needs, from transporting cargo to carrying passengers. Here’s an overview of the capacities of some popular vans to lease on the market:
Ford Transit (large van) – max. gross payload of 2,447kg
Ford Transit Custom (medium van)– max. gross payload of 1,327kg
Peugeot E-Partner (electric van) – payload up to 780kg
Renault Kangoo (small van) – payload up to 894kg
Citroen Dispatch (medium van) – payload up to 1,400kg
Load Volume of Popular Vans 2025
When choosing a lease van for business or personal use, understanding its loading volume is crucial for optimising cargo space and ensuring efficient transportation. Here’s an overview of the loading volumes for some of the most popular options available in 2025:
Ford Transit Courier (small van) – max. load volume of 2.9m³
Peugeot Boxer (large van) - max. load volume of 17m³
Citroen e-Berlingo (electric van) – load volume up to 4.4m³
Ford Transit Custom (medium van)– Load volume of up to 6.8m³
Fiat Ducato (large van) - max. load volume of 17m³

In conclusion, GB Vehicle Leasing recognise that grasping the distinctions between payload and load volume is vital for most people choosing a van lease. Ultimately, the right commercial vehicle should not only meet your immediate transportation demands but also adapt to the changing needs of your business. As the van market continues to evolve with new technologies and designs, staying informed will empower you to select the best vehicle for your transportation strategy.
Ready to find the perfect van and explore van leasing? Browse our current van lease deals today. Whether you need a commercial vehicle with high payload capacity for heavier loads or one with maximum cargo space, leasing can be a flexible and cost-effective option with GB Vehicle Leasing. From diesel and petrol models to cutting-edge electric vans, we offer a range of van leasing options to suit every business.
About The Author: Charlotte Kennedy
Charlotte joined the GB Vehicle Leasing team around 6 years ago starting out as an apprentice and is now being a key member of our marketing team.
Find Out More About CharlotteUseful Links
Newsletter Sign Up
Receive the latest content right in your inbox weekly
Latest Posts

Polestar 2 Review UK
We take an in-depth look at...

How Do You Say Hyundai? The Great Pronunciation Debate!
Hyundai. The name is everywhere but...

Double Cab Pickup Tax Hike April 2025
Tax increase of up to 236%....

Hybrid Car Quiz
How well do you know hybrid...

Are All Electric Cars Automatic?
In short, most electric cars have...