Van Type Guide
Panel Van leasing, subscriptions & short-term hire
The panel van is the backbone of UK trade and delivery fleets: solid sides, no rear windows, and dedicated load space built for tools, stock or parcels.
What is it?
What is a panel van?
A panel van has a fully enclosed, windowless rear body, giving you secure, weatherproof load space that's separate from the cab. They come in small, medium and large sizes, so there's a panel van for everything from a one-person trade business to a multi-drop delivery round.
Best for: Tradespeople, couriers, delivery fleets and any business that needs secure, lockable load space rather than passenger seats.
Popular panel van models
- Ford Transit Custom
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Mercedes-Benz Vito
- Renault Trafic
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Peugeot Expert
How to get one
Panel Van leasing options
However long you need a panel van for, there's an agreement type to match.
Panel Van Subscription
A rolling panel van subscription from 1 month, with maintenance, servicing and breakdown cover included — ideal if your requirements might change.
Read the van subscriptions guide →Panel Van Short-Term Lease
A fixed 6–12 month panel van lease, usually cheaper per month than a subscription if you know your required contract length.
Read the short-term lease guide →Panel Van Long-Term Leasing
A traditional 2–4 year panel van lease, typically the lowest monthly cost of any agreement — well suited to fleets and predictable, ongoing use. The fastest way to see what's available is Cocoon's Van Finder tool.
Read the long-term leasing guide →FAQs
Panel Van leasing questions, answered
What sizes do panel vans come in?
Panel vans typically span small (car-derived), medium (e.g. Transit Custom, Transporter) and large (e.g. Transit, Sprinter, Movano) sizes, with load volume and payload increasing with each step up.
Is a panel van subscription or lease cheaper?
A fixed-term lease (short or long-term) is usually cheaper per month than a flexible subscription, because the provider can price in the certainty of a fixed end date.
Can I get a panel van at short notice?
Yes — subscription and short-term lease partners often have panel vans available within a few days, subject to stock and approval.