Moving house, relocating a business, or transporting large items always comes with one big question: What’s the best vehicle to hire? For many Australians, the decision usually comes down to van hire vs. truck hire. Each option has its advantages, and the choice depends on factors like budget, distance, the volume of items, and how comfortable you are behind the wheel.
At Trend Rentals, we provide both van hire and truck hire solutions across Australia, helping individuals, families, and businesses find the right fit for their moving needs. In this ultimate guide, we’ll compare vans and trucks in detail, looking at space, cost, convenience, and practical situations where one might work better than the other.
Why Choosing the Right Vehicle Matters
When it comes to moving, the vehicle you choose can make a massive difference in:
- Efficiency: Too small, and you’ll need multiple trips. Too big, and you’re paying for unused space.
- Cost: Rental fees, fuel, and potential extras all add up.
- Convenience: Comfort and ease of driving are often overlooked but crucial.
- Safety: The right size ensures belongings are secured and transported without damage.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of van hire vs. truck hire so you can confidently choose the right vehicle for your move.
What is Van Hire?
A van is typically a smaller, enclosed vehicle ideal for transporting furniture, boxes, or equipment. Popular sizes include:
- 1-tonne delivery vans – Compact and easy to drive, perfect for apartments or small house moves.
- Mid-sized vans – More space for furniture and boxes, without being overwhelming.
- Large vans – Great for moving multiple items of furniture, still manageable without a special license.
Advantages of Van Hire
- Easy to Drive
Vans handle much like regular cars, making them perfect for people who aren’t used to driving larger vehicles. - Fuel Efficient
Smaller vans use less fuel than trucks, lowering overall moving costs. - Parking Convenience
Vans fit into standard car parks, driveways, and even tighter suburban streets. - No Special License Needed
Most vans can be driven on a standard car license in Australia. - Great for Smaller Moves
Perfect for apartments, small houses, or moving items like furniture, white goods, or boxes.
When to Choose Van Hire
- Moving out of a 1–2 bedroom apartment.
- Relocating office supplies or equipment.
- Transporting items for events, trade shows, or markets.
- When you value convenience over capacity.
What is Truck Hire?
A truck is the go-to option when you have a larger amount of belongings or bulky furniture. Common options include:
- 3-tonne trucks (3T trucks) – Ideal for 2–3 bedroom homes.
- 4.5-tonne trucks (4.5T trucks) – Suitable for bigger homes or small business relocations.
- 6T+ trucks – Great for moving a large household or relocating office spaces.
Advantages of Truck Hire
- Larger Load Capacity
Trucks allow you to move more in one trip, saving time and hassle. - Fewer Trips Required
For bigger moves, trucks reduce back-and-forth journeys, making the process more efficient. - Handles Bulky Items Easily
Sofas, fridges, washing machines, and even heavy cabinets fit easily. - Tail Lift Options
Many trucks come with hydraulic lifts, making loading heavy items simpler and safer. - Best for Big Moves
If you’re moving a full family home, trucks are usually the smarter choice.
When to Choose Truck Hire
- Moving from a 3+ bedroom home.
- Relocating a business or office.
- Transporting bulky items or heavy furniture.
- If you want to finish your move in a single trip.
Comparing Van Hire vs. Truck Hire
To help you decide, let’s break down the major factors:
1. Space & Capacity
- Van hire: Up to 12 cubic metres (depending on size).
- Truck hire: 20+ cubic metres, enough for an entire household.
➡️ If you’re moving a small load, vans are enough. For full households, trucks win.
2. Licensing Requirements
- Vans: Car license only.
- Trucks (under 4.5T): Car license.
- Larger trucks: May require a Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR) license.
➡️ Vans and smaller trucks are license-friendly; bigger trucks may not be accessible for everyone.
3. Ease of Driving
- Vans: Similar to driving an SUV or large car.
- Trucks: Bigger blind spots, longer braking distance, and less maneuverability.
➡️ Vans are less intimidating and better for short urban moves.
4. Fuel Efficiency
- Vans: More fuel-efficient, especially in city driving.
- Trucks: Consume more fuel but carry larger loads.
➡️ For long-distance moves, a truck may still be cost-effective by cutting down trips.
5. Parking & Access
- Vans: Easy to park in tight spots and underground garages.
- Trucks: Need more clearance and often restricted in city areas.
➡️ Vans win for city moves; trucks suit suburban or interstate moves.
6. Cost
- Van hire: Cheaper daily rates and lower fuel costs.
- Truck hire: Higher daily rates but better suited for bigger moves.
➡️ Small move = van. Large move = truck.
Cost Breakdown: Van Hire vs. Truck Hire
Here’s a rough cost comparison (prices vary by provider, location, and rental duration):
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Capacity | License Required | Typical Cost/Day | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Van | 4–6m³ | Car License | $90–$120 | Small moves, deliveries |
| Large Van | 10–12m³ | Car License | $120–$150 | Apartment/office moves |
| 3T Truck | 17–20m³ | Car License | $150–$220 | 2–3 bedroom homes |
| 4.5T Truck | 20–25m³ | Car License | $200–$280 | 3–4 bedroom homes |
| 6T+ Truck | 30m³+ | LR/MR License | $250+ | Large homes/business moves |
Van Hire: Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Easy to drive
✔ Lower fuel costs
✔ Ideal for city moves
✔ No special license needed
✔ Flexible for mixed-use (events, deliveries, moving)
Cons:
✘ Limited space
✘ Multiple trips may be required
✘ Not suitable for bulky furniture
Truck Hire: Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Large capacity
✔ Can move everything in one trip
✔ Handles bulky/heavy items
✔ Tail lift options available
Cons:
✘ Higher rental and fuel costs
✘ Harder to drive and park
✘ May require special license
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Small Apartment Move in Brisbane
You’re moving from a 1-bedroom apartment to another across town. Most of your belongings fit in boxes, plus a bed, small fridge, and TV unit.
✅ Van hire is perfect—cheaper, easier to park in inner-city Brisbane, and no need for a truck.
Scenario 2: Family Home Move in Adelaide
A 4-bedroom house full of furniture, whitegoods, and outdoor equipment needs relocating. Doing multiple trips would be exhausting.
✅ Truck hire is the smarter option—everything fits in one load, saving time and energy.
Scenario 3: Corporate Office Relocation in Sydney
You’re moving office desks, chairs, and equipment from one CBD location to another. Parking is tight, but bulky items need careful handling.
✅ A combination of van hire and small trucks may work best—vans for flexible city access, trucks for large desks and storage units.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Hire
Both vans and trucks are available for short-term and long-term rental at Trend Rentals.
- Short-term hire is ideal for one-off moves or weekend relocations.
- Long-term hire works well for businesses needing vehicles for ongoing deliveries, logistics, or multiple moving projects.
👉 Explore our long-term rental solutions if you require flexible fleet support.
How Trend Rentals Makes Your Move Easier
At Trend Rentals, we take the hassle out of vehicle hire with:
- A wide range of vans, trucks, and 4WDs to suit any move.
- Flexible hire options – daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Affordable rates with no hidden fees.
- Convenient pick-up locations across Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, and beyond.
- Options for mine spec vehicles and corporate fleet hire if your business needs extra support.
Whether you need a compact van for a few items or a truck for an entire household, Trend Rentals has you covered.
Final Verdict: Van Hire vs. Truck Hire
So, which is better for your move?
- Choose Van Hire if: You’re moving light loads, working in the city, or want an easy driving experience.
- Choose Truck Hire if: You’re moving an entire household, relocating a business, or transporting bulky furniture.
At the end of the day, the best choice depends on your situation. If in doubt, reach out to the friendly team at Trend Rentals, and we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for your move.
✅ Ready to move with confidence?
Book your van hire or truck hire today with Trend Rentals and make your relocation simple, cost-effective, and stress-free.