What to Expect from Van or Commercial Vehicle Rental: The Ultimate Guide
Renting a professional Van is no longer just for transport companies. More and more private individuals, freelancers, and small businesses are turning to the flexible solution of renting to cover emergency needs, relocations, or seasonal workloads.
At Rent it Papas, we specialize in Van rentals in Thessaloniki, and we know your questions well. Here is everything you need to know before booking your vehicle.
1. The License Myth: What Can I Drive?
The most common question we receive is: “Do I need a professional license?” The answer in most cases is NO.
Category B License (Car): This allows you to drive vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tons. Most Vans in our fleet (like Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Citroen Jumper, etc.) fall into this category. If you have held your license for at least one year (and are over 21 or 23 years old depending on the category), you are legal.
When is a Professional License needed: Only if the vehicle exceeds 3.5 tons gross weight or if it is a bus with more than 9 seats.
2. Choosing the Right Size (Not all Vans are created equal)
Choosing the wrong size can cost you time and money.
Small Vans (e.g., Fiat Doblo/VW Caddy): Ideal for small loads, tools, or city deliveries. They park easily like a regular car and have low fuel consumption.
Medium/Large Vans (Mercedes Benz Sprinter): These are the “tools” of the trade. They offer large cargo space (usually 10-15 cubic meters). Ideal for house moves, transporting pallets, or large equipment.
Tip: Pay attention to the useful height of the cargo area if you want to transport tall furniture (e.g., a refrigerator) upright.
3. DIY Moving: How to Save Money
“Do-It-Yourself” moving is the new trend in Greece. Instead of paying a moving company, you rent a Van from Rent it Papas for a weekend and move your belongings at your own pace.
Loading Tip: Place heavy items (washing machines, boxes of books) deep inside and low down, and secure them with straps to the special hooks our Vans feature.
Economy: The rental cost is often a fraction of the cost of a moving company.
4. Driving Tips for Beginners
If you haven’t driven a Van before, don’t worry. It’s easier than it looks, as long as you pay attention to three things:
Mirrors are your Eyes: Closed Vans do not have a central rearview mirror. You must rely on the side mirrors (which are large and panoramic).
Watch the Height: This is the most common mistake. Do not enter underground parking garages and watch out for balconies or trees when parking on the side of the road. A medium Van is about 2.5 meters tall!
Turning Radius: Take turns a little “wider” than you would with your car, so the back wheel doesn’t mount the curb.
5. Professionals: The Flexibility Solution
For businesses, buying a fleet of vehicles is a big commitment. Renting offers:
Seasonality Coverage: Do you have more work at Christmas or in the summer? Rent extra vehicles only for as long as you need them.
Vehicle Replacement: Did your own professional vehicle break down? Don’t let work “freeze.” Rent a replacement Van immediately.
Tax Benefits: The rental invoice is 100% tax-deductible as a business expense.
