Loading a van safely

By the end of this topic you can

• You can work out a van's payload from its plated weights.
• You can load a van so weight is spread evenly and kept low.
• You can secure a load so it cannot slide, tip or fall off.
• You can explain the fines for an overweight van.
• You can adapt your driving for a heavy load.

What you need to know and understand

• The maximum permitted weight is the design gross weight shown on the van's plate. It includes the van, driver, passengers, fuel and load.
• Payload is roughly the gross weight minus the van's kerb weight; remember to subtract the weight of people and any accessories or racking.
• Each axle also has its own maximum weight, so a van can be overloaded on one axle even when the total is legal.
• You can be fined up to 300 pounds or summoned to court if your van exceeds its maximum permitted axle weight.
• Roadside fixed penalties for excess weight are 100 pounds for under 10% over, 200 pounds for 10% to under 15%, and 300 pounds for 15% or more.
• Serious overloading, for example 30% or more, can lead to a court summons instead of a fixed penalty.
• Some vans have no bulkhead, so an unsecured load can enter the cab in a collision.

Working out what you can carry

Remember that the gross weight also sets which licence you need. Adding a tow bar and trailer brings combined weights into play too.

1. Read the design gross weight and the axle weights on the manufacturer's plate.
2. Find the van's kerb (empty) weight in the handbook or hire paperwork.
3. Subtract the kerb weight from the gross weight to get the rough payload.
4. Take off the weight of you, any passengers, tools, racking and roof bars.
5. If you are unsure, use a public weighbridge to check the loaded van.

Loading and securing: do and do not

• Do put the heaviest items at the bottom and spread the load evenly.
• Do keep heavy items forward against the bulkhead and between the axles, not hanging out at the back.
• Do use the van's tie-down points with ratchet straps, netting or load bars.
• Do close and lock doors and check nothing can move before setting off.
• Do not overload a single axle by piling everything at the rear.
• Do not stack heavy items above lighter ones or above the height of the restraints.
• Do not put heavy items on the roof rack beyond its stated limit.

Driving a heavy van

Expect longer stopping distances, slower acceleration and more body roll. Leave a bigger gap, brake earlier and more gently, and take bends and roundabouts slower so the load does not shift. Check tyre pressures for the load using the handbook, as many vans need higher pressures when loaded.

Police and DVSA examiners can stop vans for spot checks. Examiners usually allow a 5% leeway before issuing a fixed penalty or prohibition, but not if the weight is exceeded by 1 tonne or more. A prohibition means the van cannot move until the excess weight is removed.

Common mistakes

• Guessing the payload. Check the plate and kerb weight and allow for people and kit.
• Loading everything at the back. Keep weight between the axles and against the bulkhead.
• Leaving items loose because the trip is short. Strap everything.
• Driving a loaded van like an empty one. Brake earlier and corner slower.

Test yourself: Loading a van safely

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.