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There is no universal vehicle. The right choice combines dimensions, weight, type of goods, loading method and access at origin and destination.
Choose by dimensions, payload and unloading method
These are the capacities confirmed by On Set Transporte for its fleet. Body dimensions are length × width × height; vehicle tonnage is maximum authorised mass, not the weight of goods you can load.
Vehicle capacities
L3 / L4 van
- Euro pallets
- 2–3 depending on L3 / L4
- Maximum payload
- 1,300 kg
Box van with tail lift
- Body: length × width × height
- 4.2 × 2 × 2.2 m
- Euro pallets
- 8
- Maximum payload
- 1,000 kg
- Maximum tail-lift capacity
- 700 kg
Truck 12 t
- Body: length × width × height
- 7.7 × 2.4 × 2.2 m
- Euro pallets
- 18
- Maximum payload
- 5,000 kg
- Maximum tail-lift capacity
- 1,500 kg
Truck 18 t
- Body: length × width × height
- 7.7 × 2.4 × 2.5 m
- Euro pallets
- 18
- Maximum payload
- 9,000 kg
- Maximum tail-lift capacity
- 2,000 kg
Vehicle tonnage means maximum authorised mass, not payload. Euro-pallet capacity is subject to total cargo weight and dimensions. We confirm load distribution and tail-lift use before each service.
Three examples to help choose a vehicle
Illustrative scenarios, not records of completed deliveries. We check the actual dimensions, load distribution and access before confirming a vehicle.
- Two pallets weighing 400 kg each: 800 kg is within the van’s 1,300 kg payload. Check pallet height, door openings and available loading equipment before choosing L3 or L4.
- Eight pallets weighing 200 kg each: 1,600 kg exceeds the box van’s 1,000 kg payload, even if the pallet count matches its stated capacity. A larger vehicle must be assessed.
- Eighteen pallets weighing 400 kg each: 7,200 kg exceeds the 12 t truck’s 5,000 kg payload. The 18 t truck allows up to 9,000 kg, subject to dimensions and load distribution.
A larger body does not always mean more payload
Our box van has more pallet capacity than the van, but its maximum payload is lower: 1,000 kg versus 1,300 kg. The 12 t and 18 t trucks both have a 7.7 × 2.4 m floor; they differ in height, payload and tail-lift capacity.
Quick vehicle comparison
| Vehicle | Best fit | Strong point |
|---|---|---|
| L4 van | Urgent loads, boxes, equipment and a few pallets | Speed and access |
| 3,500 kg box body | More volume, protected goods and tail-lift unloading | Closed body and flexibility |
| 12 t rigid truck | Several pallets, bulky equipment and professional operations | Mid-range capacity |
| 18 t rigid truck | Large volume, many pallets or heavy material | The fleet's maximum capacity |
L4 van: speed for express services
This is the usual choice for urgent, dedicated deliveries when the goods fit by size and weight. It has good urban mobility and can run national routes with no transfers. Before booking, check especially the length of the items and the total weight.
3,500 kg box body: volume and tail lift
The closed body protects the load and offers a more regular space. The tail lift is very useful when there is no loading dock or forklift. It's a common solution for events, technical equipment, furniture, boxes and palletised goods within its payload limits.
12 or 18-tonne rigid truck
Recommended for bulky loads, many pallets and professional material. It can work with a closed box or curtainside and a tail lift depending on the vehicle available. It's essential to confirm the truck can access, manoeuvre and park legally at both points.
What we need to recommend a vehicle
- Number of items or pallets.
- Maximum dimensions of each piece.
- Approximate total weight.
- Whether the goods can be stacked.
- Loading and unloading equipment available.
- Height, width and access restrictions.
- Date, time and level of urgency.
Work out which vehicle you need
Answer a few details and we tell you which vehicle fits. It is guidance only: we confirm the vehicle when we review your cargo.
Recommended vehicle: L3/L4 van
2 to 3 Euro pallets or boxes, up to 1,300 kg payload. It is the most agile option for urgent jobs and difficult access.
Request a quote with these details →If you're not sure what to choose
Select "To be recommended" in the form. We'll review the information and propose the right vehicle without oversizing the service.
Request a recommendation →A photo helps, but it doesn't replace measurements
A general picture helps us understand the shape of the load, but it can distort its real size. To confirm the vehicle and the price we always need approximate measurements and weight. For special goods we'll also check the tie-down and handling points.
Published by On Set Transporte · ONSET TRANSPORTE, S.L. — goods transport from Barcelona and the Vallès throughout Spain. Vehicle capacities refer to our fleet; availability is confirmed for each job.