Vehicle choice
3.5-tonne or 7.5-tonne truck?
Compare volume, payload, licence, access and total journey costs.
AI transparency: This article, including its FAQ answers, was created using generative AI. More about our use of AI.
Three checks before choosing the vehicle
Do not decide by size alone
Will your cargo fit into the loading area?
Do cargo, occupants and equipment stay within the applicable limits?
Do your licence and the provider rules cover the specific vehicle?
Before booking
Check these points
- 1
calculate planning volume
- 2
check weight independently
- 3
verify permitted total mass
- 4
check licence and driving experience
- 5
measure access and parking
What do 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes describe?
They describe permitted total mass, not a guaranteed load volume or payload. Body type and empty weight change the usable capacity.
Why must load volume and payload be checked separately?
Load volume describes the available space in cubic metres. Payload describes the remaining weight capacity. A move can fit into the cargo body by volume and still be too heavy. Conversely, a high payload does not help if long or bulky items do not fit through the opening or inside the cargo area.
- Space: load volume and interior dimensions
- Weight: payload, occupants and equipment
- Law: permitted gross mass and driving licence
- Practice: height, width, manoeuvring space and access
Which licence is required?
Category B generally covers up to 3,500 kg permitted total mass. Heavier vehicles require a suitable entitlement.
- Bring the original driving licence to pick-up
- Check the rental company’s minimum age and licence-holding period
- Do not judge a vehicle class by model name alone
How do access and handling differ?
Larger vehicles need more turning and parking space and may face height or width limits.
One large trip or several smaller trips?
A larger vehicle can reduce the number of journeys. A smaller class can be easier in narrow streets and at constrained loading points. Compare rental price, total kilometres, fuel, loading time and licence requirements together.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Up to 3.5 t | 7.5 t |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence | Often category B | Suitable higher category / acquired rights |
| Handling | More compact | More manoeuvring space required |
| Cargo space | Highly model-dependent | Often a larger box body |
| Payload | Do not infer from volume | Check the specific vehicle data |
Frequently asked questions
Short answers
Does 7.5 t guarantee more payload?+
No fixed amount; body, lift and empty weight affect the actual payload.
Is one large trip always cheaper?+
No. Compare rental, fuel, mileage, time and licence requirements.
Is one large van always cheaper than making two trips?+
No. Rental price, fuel, mileage, loading time and driving-licence requirements have to be compared together.
External rental-van comparison
Finished planning?
Review the route, vehicle class and cost estimate before opening the CHECK24 rental-van comparison.
Transparency
Sources
- Section 6 FeV – driving-licence categoriesFederal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
- Section 34 StVZO – axle load and gross weightFederal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Note: This article provides general information. The original sources, specific offer, vehicle documents and rental agreement remain authoritative. Editorial standards · Legal notice