If you are a courier driver then you will be aware that the most popular type of vehicle used to make parcel deliveries here in the UK is a van also known as a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). So, how many new vans were sold here in the UK in 2024?

Well, according to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of new vans registered here in the UK last year amounted to 351,834. This was a 3% increase on the number of new such vehicles sold in 2023 when 341,455 were registered. We are sure you will agree this is a commendable improvement and will no doubt be welcome news to the motor trade industry that has gone through a difficult trading period in the last 2 or 3 years.

Van weights in every class increased in 2024 when compared with the previous year with vans in the up to 2 tonnes weight category rising by 44.5%, in the 2 to 2.5 tonnes category by 12.3% and in the 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes category by 2.1%.

Courier drivers will be interested to read that the sale of new battery electric vans (BEVs) rose in 2024 to 22,155 compared to 21,456 in 2023. However, there was no change in the market share of such electric vans between those periods with this being 6.3%. This is somewhat disappointing news as the target market share was 10% by the end of 2024.

It is concerning that, although there is a good choice of electric vans available, apparently there are not enough public charging points devoted just to vans and it is felt that this is causing the fleet sector to be concerned.

The top 5 selling new vans in the UK in 2024 were: –

1. Ford Transit Custom 46,967
2. Ford Transit 31,322
3. Ford Ranger 19,695
4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 18,753
5. Vauxhall Vivaro 18,581

Of course, if you run your own courier service, you will need to decide if you are going to replace your existing van when the time comes with a brand new LCV or a more modest capital outlay that buying a used van normally entails. Your decision, like many decisions, will no doubt be based upon a number of factors not least of which will be how successful your courier service business is doing. If you are making a good profit then you are more likely to consider the usual grater capital outlay required for a new van but if you have had a poor trading year then you may prefer to invest in a more modestly priced second hand van.

If you are either looking for courier insurance for the first time or your existing cover is coming up for renewal then why not get in contact with us. We provide access to an extensive panel of specialist courier insurance companies and will endeavor to help you obtain a competitive quote.