What Freight Can't Go in a Courier Van? A Melbourne Guide to Vehicle Types
Quick answer
Freight that is too long or tall for the load space, heavier than the vehicle can carry, or needs a forklift or tail lift that one of the sites doesn't have usually can't go in a standard courier van. Vans suit cartons, parcels and stock that fit inside and can be loaded safely. Drop-X runs cars, utes and vans, plus separately quoted 10-pallet tail-lift trucks.
Know your delivery cost before you book
More delivery for your money.
Courier bookings: pay for the journey, not the zone · GST included · 20–50 km included by item type.
For published courier rates
- No fuel levies
- No tolls
- No hidden fees
- No surprises
| Item | Same dayStandard rate | Next dayBook ahead, save 10% | Freight accountUp to 30% off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small items(Max 5 items)Parcels, satchels & legal documents — under 50kg total | $35 | $35 | $24.50 |
| Euro pallet(Max 4)800mm W × 1200mm L × 1500mm H · max 250kg per pallet | $88 | $79.20 | $61.60 |
| Standard pallet(Max 2)1165mm W × 1165mm L × 1500mm H · max 500kg per pallet | $110 | $99 | $77 |
| Oversized palletUp to 2400mm L × 1650mm W × 1500mm H · max 1000kg per pallet | $155 | $139.50 | $108.50 |
| Regional Victoria Freight | from$1.95/km | from$1.76/km | from$1.37/km |
Add-ons: Priority delivery +$55 · After-hours delivery +$110 · Weekend delivery +$110
Next day: metro small items stay at $35; regional next-day jobs are 10% off the item rate and distance charge.
Freight account: shown at the maximum 30% discount for top volume tiers; actual rates are tailored to your volume.
These are courier item, pallet and distance rates, not a full 10-pallet truck booking. Truck transport is quoted separately: explore the truck service or request a quote. Courier add-ons and discounts do not apply automatically to trucks. Compare fleet options; dispatch confirms vehicle fit.
A courier van is not a universal answer to every freight problem. Here’s what actually fits where, and what you’re paying for when you step up to a larger vehicle.
Sedan / car (small freight)
A car may suit small, compact freight such as documents, satchels, small parts or equipment that can be safely loaded into the available space. The actual dimensions, weight, packaging and pickup and delivery access must be assessed before booking.
Van (enclosed general freight)
A van may suit cartons, flat-pack items, catering equipment, medical device kits, server components and retail stock transfers where the dimensions, weight and loading method fit the vehicle. Palletised or heavy freight may need different equipment or a tail-lift; that requirement must be confirmed before dispatch.
- Check first: pallet dimensions, total weight, loading equipment, access and any item that needs a specific vehicle body.
Ute / tray vehicle (long or awkward freight)
A tray vehicle may suit long items, awkward loads and trade freight such as pipe, conduit, timber, steel sections, panels or machinery components. Tell dispatch whether loading is manual or requires a forklift, and whether weather protection or specialist restraint is needed.
Tray vehicle with tail-lift (where confirmed)
A tail-lift may assist with palletised or heavy items at sites without a suitable dock or forklift. Tail-lift capacity, pallet-jack access, ground conditions and the vehicle available for the route must be confirmed for the booking.
Pantech (enclosed or larger consignments)
A pantech may suit multiple pallets, larger consignments or freight that needs an enclosed body. Vehicle size, loading equipment and route access are checked against the freight rather than assumed from the item description.
The rule
Book to the freight, not just the price. Hypothetical example: a pallet that needs a tail-lift or forklift may not be suitable for an ordinary van. Tell dispatch the weight, dimensions, pickup access and delivery access; if any detail changes, the vehicle, price or available service may also change.
Questions about the right vehicle for your freight? Call 1300 973 038 with the dimensions, weight and access details. See the full freight guide, pallet delivery page and current pricing page for more information.
Common questions
What vehicles does Drop-X use?
Drop-X uses cars, utes and vans for courier work, plus 10-pallet trucks with tail lifts for larger business freight. Truck jobs are quoted separately from the published courier rates.
Can a courier van carry a pallet?
Often, if the pallet fits the load space and there is a safe way to load it at pickup and unload it at delivery. Tell Drop-X dispatch the pallet size, weight and the equipment at both sites so the right vehicle is sent.
What if the delivery site has no forklift?
Say so when you request the quote. Heavy pallets may need a tail-lift truck, and Drop-X offers hand unloading as a $44 add-on that includes up to 30 minutes on site.
Does Drop-X carry refrigerated freight?
No. Drop-X does not offer refrigerated or temperature-controlled transport, so chilled or frozen goods need a specialist carrier.
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