Cargo Van Vs. Cube Van: What to Choose?

When buying a commercial van in Indiana, you have numerous options to choose from. However, one of the decisions most customers make is between a cargo van and a cube van. So, to have all the necessary information at your disposal before making a choice, we prepared a brief overview outlining the distinctions between these types of commercial vans.

A cargo van is a single-unit vehicle that integrates the cargo and passenger areas. This design provides convenient access to the cargo area from inside the interior. Typically equipped with sliding side and rear doors, most cargo vans lack windows in the rear and utilize a cargo guard to separate the areas. 

Cargo vans differ in the arrangement of places for cargo and passengers. With the classic layout, a large area is intended to accommodate goods and cargo. You can also install up to 5 seats for passengers here. Without the installation of durable seats, the transportation of people in cargo vehicles is prohibited.

If you need a cargo van, you can consider a used Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

The benefits of a cargo van include:

• Smaller size. Parking in tight spaces and maneuvering through crowded Indiana streets is easier.
• Direct access. Ability to reach items in the cargo area from the passenger section.
• Familiar handling. Cargo van handling is similar to driving a sedan, making it appealing for those accustomed to non-commercial vehicles.

The main disadvantages of these commercial vans are related to the characteristics of all vehicles with single space: the interior warms up slowly, it is quite noisy, and odors permeate throughout the car.

Cube vans, also known as box trucks or box vans, feature a box-like cargo area that sits on the frame. Unlike cargo vans, the cargo area in cube vans is inaccessible from the interior, with straight sides and roll-up doors at the back. 

Classification of cube vans by purpose:

• General-purpose box vans are created for goods that do not require special transportation conditions and are placed in packages, pallets, stacks, and rows. There are models with opening sidewalls for access to the cargo from different sides;
• Isothermal cube vans can maintain a given temperature due to the heat-insulating design of the walls and the installation of cooling/heating equipment; they allow the transportation of goods that require being in a definite temperature range;
• Highly specialized vans are used to transport goods of certain categories and are equipped with appropriate devices, for example, clothes hangers or mailboxes;
• A flatbed van is a collapsible structure made of racks and an awning with gates, tail lifts, and other devices.

The benefits of using a cube van for business include:

• Greater capacity compared to cargo vans: with flat sides, cube vans can accommodate more cargo, especially stacked boxes.
• Ideal for bulky items: rolling rear doors make the loading and unloading more handy, especially with heavy or bulky goods.
• Advertising: the flat sides of cube vans provide enough space for your business advertising.

Among the disadvantages of cube vans are lower maneuverability, large dimensions, which can make loading and unloading goods on city streets difficult, and higher retail price and maintenance costs.

When choosing a van for cargo transportation, you should consider various factors such as load capacity, size, engine power, and driver comfort. To simplify your choice, we have prepared a guide where we have collected popular van models and their main characteristics to help you make the right decision.

At Indy Auto Man, you can shop for used cargo and cube vans in one car lot. Compare your favorite models in Indianapolis and decide which type will best suit the needs of your business. We also offer professional conversion services and qualified maintenance for all brands and models. With our extended working hours, you can be sure you’ll find a perfect time for an appointment in your busy schedule.