At Oscar Car Rental, we know that there are countless situations where a small transporter is the ideal solution. Whether it's for moving to a new apartment, transporting bulky goods for a DIY project, or organizing events where equipment and materials need to be safely transported from one place to another.
Our small transporters offer the flexibility and space you need for such projects, and are available at over 50 locations nationwide. With our wide selection of small transporters, you will always find the right vehicle for your individual needs at Oscar Car Rental.
What is a small transporter?
A small transporter is a vehicle specifically designed for transporting goods or small groups of people. It is larger than a conventional car but smaller than a truck or bus, making it ideal for delivery services, tradespeople, or small moves.
Small transporters typically offer a spacious loading area that is easily accessible from the back or side, making loading and unloading easier. Many models also have partitions to safely transport the load and separate the driver's area from the cargo space.
Due to their compact size and maneuverability, small transporters are especially popular in urban areas, as they can be easily used in narrow streets and parking spaces.
How big is a small transporter?
The size of a small transporter can vary, but typically these vehicles offer a loading volume of about 3 to 6 cubic meters. In terms of dimensions, small transporters are often between 4.5 and 6 meters long, about 1.8 to 2.2 meters wide, and the height usually varies between 1.8 and 2.5 meters. These dimensions can vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
Small transporters are designed to offer a good balance between loading capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for urban deliveries and smaller moves.
Small Transporter Sizes - Small
Such as Ford Transit Connect or Citroën Berlingo
Exterior Dimensions
Height (B)
Length (C)
1.80m
4.40m
Interior Dimensions
Height (E)
Length (F)
Cargo Volume
Max. Additional Load
1.19m
1.82m
2.65m3
557kg
Small Transporter Sizes - Medium
Such as Peugeot Expert or Citroën Jumpy
Exterior Dimensions
Height (B)
Length (C)
1.98m
5.15m
Interior Dimensions
Height (E)
Length (F)
Cargo Volume
Max. Additional Load
1.40m
2.50m
5.55m3
1,237kg
How old do you have to be to rent a small transporter?
At Oscar Car Rental, the minimum age for renting a small transporter is 18 years.
The minimum age for renting a small transporter can vary depending on the car rental company and country. In Germany, the usual minimum age for renting a small transporter is often 18 years, provided the driver has a valid class B driving license.
However, some car rental companies may set a higher minimum age, such as 21 or 25 years, due to insurance policies or vehicle types. Additionally, a young driver fee may apply for drivers under a certain age.
It is always advisable to inquire directly with the car rental company from which you wish to rent the small transporter about the specific requirements and conditions.
What types of transporters are there?
There are various types of transporters, classified according to size, function, and area of application. Here are some of the most common types:
Box vans
This is the classic form of transporter with a closed cargo area behind the driver's area. Panel vans are often used for delivery services and tradespeople, as they offer protection from the elements and security for the transported goods.
Flatbed trucks
These transporters have an open loading area, particularly suitable for transporting bulky or heavy goods that do not fit into a closed cargo space. Flatbed trucks are often used in construction and agriculture.
Combi transporters
These vehicles combine passenger and cargo transport by having additional rows of seats behind the driver's area. They are ideal for teams or groups that need to travel together with tools or equipment.
High roof combi
Similar to panel vans, high roof combis offer additional height in the cargo area, allowing more volume for transporting taller goods or setting up shelving systems.
Refrigerated transporters
Specially converted transporters that provide a temperature-controlled environment for transporting perishable goods such as food or medical products.
Camping or motorhome transporters
These are specially equipped transporters for leisure and travel, often equipped with sleeping places, a small kitchen, and seating areas.
Minibus
A variant of the transporter primarily designed for passenger transport and offers more seats than a typical combi transporter.
City delivery vans
Smaller transporters specifically designed for the requirements of urban delivery traffic, with compact dimensions for better maneuverability in narrow streets.
Each of these types of transporters is designed for specific needs and industries, from simple goods delivery to specialized applications such as refrigerated transport or passenger transport.
What counts as a small transporter?
Vehicles specifically designed for transporting goods on short to medium distances and characterized by a compact design are considered small transporters. Typical features that classify a vehicle as a small transporter include:
- Loading volume and capacity: Small transporters offer a loading volume that typically ranges from 3 to 6 cubic meters and are designed for a payload of about 500 to 1,500 kilograms.
- Dimensions: They are compact enough to be easily maneuverable in urban environments, with a length of about 4.5 to 6 meters, a width of about 1.8 to 2.2 meters, and a height of about 1.8 to 2.5 meters.
- Type of vehicle: This category usually includes panel vans, which have a closed cargo area behind the driver's area, high roof combis, which offer a higher roof construction for additional loading volume, and flatbed trucks, which have an open loading area.
- Purpose: Small transporters are often used by tradespeople, delivery services, and for smaller moves. They are designed to provide an efficient solution for transporting goods and materials without reaching the size and fuel consumption of larger commercial vehicles.
- Driving license class: In many countries, including Germany, small transporters can be driven with a standard car driving license of class B, as long as the total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 3.5 tons.
Examples of popular small transporter models include the Volkswagen Transporter, the Mercedes-Benz Vito, the Ford Transit Custom, and the Renault Trafic. These vehicles are designed to offer a balance between loading capacity and flexibility for various transport needs.
Is a Sprinter a small transporter?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is generally classified as a small transporter. It is a popular model in this vehicle category and is valued for its versatility, reliability, and available loading volume.
The Sprinter is available in various sizes and configurations, from panel vans to flatbed trucks to minibuses, covering a wide range of applications from goods delivery to tradespeople services to passenger transport.
With its different wheelbases, roof heights, and lengths, the Sprinter can offer a loading volume suitable for classification as a small transporter, although some of the larger variants may also fall into the category of medium or even heavy transporters.
Is a VW Bus a small transporter?
Yes, the VW Bus, especially in its variants such as the VW Transporter or the VW T series (e.g., T4, T5, T6), is often classified as a small transporter.
These vehicles are known for their versatility and are used for both commercial purposes and by private individuals. They offer a good balance between loading capacity and size, making them ideal for transporting goods, tools, or people.
With various equipment variants ranging from panel vans to combis to fully equipped camper vans, the VW Bus covers a wide range of uses and is therefore considered a flexible small transporter.
80335 München
DE
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