SPECIALIST VEHICLE HIRE NEWS

Commercial vehicles are in many ways the backbone of Britain, just as the Ford Transit advert says. They enable millions of us to get to work safely and with all the tools we need to get the job done. But, have you ever considered what would happen should those all-important vehicles be out of use?

At Specialist Vehicle Hire, our business exists to help keep those whose vehicles are essential to their work, keep moving. We have a team in place to help business owners, fleet managers, insurance companies and individuals find a like for like replacement vehicle in their hour of need.

Our Commercial Vehicle Hire Options

If you need to hire a commercial vehicle, have a conversation with SVH. Our range of commercial vans is endless, as we have the network in place to source you a replacement vehicle that is suitable for your line of work. We can supply you with a van that is equipped with tow bars, roof racks and beacons depending on your exact requirements.

Our fleet of commercial vehicle hire models include mess vans, tippers, drop sides, crew cabs, small vans, transits and long wheelbase vans. But not only this, just ask us and we will be happy to provide vehicles that are equipped for the job whether you need tow bars, ladder racks, hand wash facilities, tail lifts, cranes, night working lights, night heaters or a Sat Nav.

What is a commercial vehicle?

Commercial vehicles are designed to transport goods and materials to and from places of work. They are an essential tool of the trade for millions of people throughout the UK.

Commercial vans are used to support all kinds of enterprises from dog walkers to plasterers, builders to engineers, couriers to plumbers and everything else in between. Generally, they are used to carry tools, equipment and goods and not passengers, unless of course they are designed to do so such as crew vans or minibuses.

Commercial Van Hire available at SVH

Below is a list of example commercial vehicles that are available to hire, but as we cater for almost any commercial van requests, please do get in touch should you require any information about a replacement vehicle. 

Courier Van Hire / Panel Vans

Panel van hire isn’t exclusive to couriers, and couriers don’t always opt for a panel van, but they do make a good combination with easy side door access, sizeable load space and they are straightforward to drive. Inexperienced van drivers, such as those who need to hire a panel van for a weekend will notice there is no rearview mirror or back windows, but there are larger wing mirrors to make life easier, and some models come with assistance via a rearview camera.

3.5-tonne Van Hire

3.5-tonne vans often come with sliding panel doors much like a courier van. They are the largest van that can be driven by someone with a standard UK driving license.

Dropside Van Hire 

Dropsides are available with single and double cab configuration, allowing you to carry up to six passengers, which is often requested by those who need to carry not only material or equipment loads but a team to a job. The drop side panels open up so you can get on with the job with ease. 

Tipper Van Hire

Should you need a tipper van to help ease your workload when you have extra work come in, or you need to hire one to replace your vehicle, you’ll be able to source one from SVH. Like a dropside, they have a large loading bay with the major difference being the hydraulic arm which can tilt out the contents of the van, ideal for groundwork and moving materials such as gravel or soil.

Chapter 8 Van Hire

Chapter 8 vans certainly fall into the category of specialist vehicle, with the familiar livery recommended for vehicles that will be stopping on UK roads. Avoid putting your fleet at the risk of legal action by replacing your Chapter 8 vans with a like for like model. Equipped with high visibility markings and available in conspicuous colours, you can rest assured our hire vehicles will comply with best practice standards for a highway vehicle. Immediately available for short to midterm rental, our Chapter 8 van hire service is ready and waiting to be of assistance.

Additional Heavy Goods Vehicles & Commercial Vehicle Hire Options

7.5-tonne Van Hire

Capable of carrying 3 people, ideal for unloading heavy deliveries, 7.5-tonne van hire is hugely popular whether the vehicle is replacing an existing model when it is off the road, or a business requires additional vehicles at busy times. Our team can advise on the license requirements for 7.5-tonne van hire.

18-tonne Truck Hire

Ideal for general haulage including moving pallet loads, 18-tonne trucks can serve multiple purposes. SVH is able to provide curtain side vehicles, box lorries, drop sides, models with sleeper cabs and more. Speak to our team about what your requirements are and we can source you a commercial vehicle quickly.

Tractor Unit & 44-tonne Truck Hire

Should you require a 44-tonne truck to hire, we can help. A 44-tonne truck hired from SVH will allow you to haul large loads and rest after a long day. We supply professional hauliers who are looking for additional support at busy times or need a replacement vehicle. Tractor units are designed to pull any type of heavy equipment, so get in touch should you need a specialist hire vehicle to help lighten your load. 

Minibus & Coach hire

Moving people safely and comfortably is big business. If you are short of a specialist coach or minibus and need an additional vehicle, then we are happy to help. We can source 9 – 17 seater minibuses, plus we can source wheelchair accessible options should you require them.

In addition to this, coach hire is also available with 29-53 seater coaches ready and waiting should you need them. All of our commercial vehicles are sourced from our modern and well-maintained fleet, so you can rest assured you will be able to ferry around your passengers in comfort.

Tips For Hiring a Commercial Vehicle

• If you need to hire a commercial van, be wary of loading it with heavy items as if you exceed the MAM limit (Maximum Authorised Mass) it is the driver’s responsibility not that of the hiring company. If you have doubts, speak to our team when hiring the vehicle about its limits. 

• Avoid paying excess mileage charges by looking into an unlimited mileage deal.

• As with all vehicle hire, check the commercial vehicle over for any damage both inside and out to make sure you are totally happy with the condition of the vehicle.

• Return the van as you found it. Ensure the load area has been swept out and that the cab is left tidy and check the fuel agreement too, as it may be stated that it needs to be refuelled before its return. 

Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Hire

SVH is happy to provide a delivery and collection service throughout the UK mainland. We can source you a specialist commercial vehicle and deliver it to your office or place of work ready for use. Although based on the South Coast in Portsmouth, there is no need to come and collect the vehicle directly from us as we will be happy to bring your van or commercial vehicle to you.

Feel free to contact one of our team about a commercial vehicle or van hire, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

or by calling us on 023 9273 9911 and they'll happily discuss your requirements in further detail.