Light, medium, and heavy commercial vehicles in comparison

1. Light commercial vehicles (up to approx. 3.5 t GVW)

Typical areas of application

• Courier, express, and parcel services

• Craft businesses and service providers

• Food and small business logistics

• Inner-city transport

Technical features & payload

• Vehicle types: panel vans, flatbed trucks, minibuses

• Payload: usually between 800 and 1,300 kg

• Maneuverable handling, compact dimensions

• Comfortable features, similar to passenger cars

Engine

• Usually economical diesel engines with 100–180 hp

• Suitable for frequent starts, city traffic, and moderate distances

Legal framework

• Can be driven with a passenger car driver's license (B)

• Toll-free in many situations (depending on country/regulations)

• No tachograph requirement

Economic aspects

• Low purchase and operating costs

• Clear maintenance intervals

• Ideal for flexible use and high utilization in urban areas

Practical recommendation

Companies should pay attention to cargo space height, body length, and individual equipment (shelves, cooling, trailer coupling). Oversizing costs unnecessary money; on the other hand, vehicles that are too small require more trips.

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2. Medium commercial vehicles (7.5–12 t GVW)

Typical areas of application

• Regional distribution in trade and commerce

• Municipal services (winter service, waste disposal)

• Light construction site logistics

• Box, tarpaulin, and refrigerated transport

Technical features & payload

• Payloads between 3.5 and 7 tons

• Vehicle bodies: box, tarpaulin/bows, tipper, refrigerated box

• More robust than light vehicles, yet relatively flexible in use

• Good balance between maneuverability and load capacity

Engine

• Power ranges mostly between 180 and 260 hp

• Designed for regional distances and varying loads

Legal framework

• C1 or C driver's license required

• Tachograph mandatory

• Toll requirement (depending on the country)

Economic aspects

• Higher investment than for light vehicles, but significantly higher payload

• Ideal for companies that transport heavy goods on a daily basis or require superstructures

• Good residual values, especially for high-quality superstructures

Practical recommendation

The right combination of body, axle loads, and engine is crucial. Vehicles in this segment are often incorrectly sized—either too small (overloading) or too large (unnecessary operating costs). A professional needs analysis pays off.

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3. Heavy commercial vehicles (from 18 t GVW)

Typical areas of application

• Long-distance transport and logistics

• Heavy construction site logistics

• Special transports (crane vehicles, roll-off trucks, silo trucks)

• Refrigerated transport in long-distance operation

Technical features & payload

• Axle configurations: 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, some with all-wheel drive

• Payloads: depending on body and trailer, usually 10–28 t

• High durability of frame, engine, and transmission

• Extensive cab and assistance systems

Engine options

• 300–600 hp and more

• Optimized for continuous use, full utilization, and long distances

• Automated transmissions now standard in long-distance transport

Legal framework

• CE driver's license

• Strict driving and rest times

• Toll requirements

• Regular safety inspections and stricter regulations for certain superstructures

Economic aspects

• Higher purchase price, but optimal cost-effectiveness per ton transported

• Indispensable for companies with high transport volumes

• Long service life with regular maintenance

Practical recommendation

For heavy vehicles, engine power, axle configuration, transmission selection, and body type are crucial. Different requirements apply to construction sites and long-distance transport—a precise analysis of the applications prevents mispurchases and high follow-up costs.

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4. Comparison of the three classes

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5. What companies should look for when making their selection

1. Precisely define the application profile – route, load, dimensions, industry requirements.

2. Calculate payload realistically – including driver, equipment, body weight.

3. Consider TCO instead of purchase price – fuel consumption, maintenance, tires, wear and tear.

4. Consider future-proofing – reserve for growth or new orders.

5. Decide on the body type early on – box, tarpaulin, tipper, refrigeration, crane, etc.

6. Adapt the engine and transmission to the daily load.

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6. Recommendations from the perspective of an experienced commercial vehicle dealer

• Don't decide based on gut feeling, but rely on reliable data.

• Avoid bad purchases by focusing on the actual intended use.

• Pay attention to axle loads – often underestimated, but crucial for usability and legality.

• If possible, take a test drive with a realistic load.

• Prefer documented maintenance histories, as they reduce the risk of breakdowns.

• Carefully check superstructures and special equipment – they have a major impact on utility and costs.

A professional dealer will actively support you in this analysis and help you choose a vehicle that is economical, reliable, and suitable for everyday business use in the long term.

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Conclusion

Light, medium, and heavy commercial vehicles perform completely different tasks. Choosing the right class depends on payload, application profile, and economic conditions. Companies benefit from clearly defining these factors and seeking guidance from experienced professionals when making their selection. This results in decisions that are reliable and economical in the long term.