What is a work van called?
A work van is typically called a cargo van or commercial van. In Britain and parts of Europe, the same vehicle is often described as a panel van.
Beyond naming, a work van is defined by its purpose: to transport tools, equipment, and cargo for a business. The term covers several body styles—from standalone cargo vans to crew vans and chassis cabs—and the exact label you’ll hear depends on region and industry.
Regional naming differences
Before the following list, here is a quick glossary of terms used in different markets to refer to business-use vans.
Glossary of terms by region
- North America: cargo van, commercial van
- United Kingdom and Ireland: panel van
- Europe and many other markets: van (often qualified as “cargo” or “panel” to distinguish configuration)
These terms describe how the vehicle is used and configured rather than a single, universal model name.
Common configurations that define a work van
Before the following list, note the typical body styles and setups that fleets and tradespeople look for in a work van.
Vehicle configurations
- Cargo van: a sealed cargo area behind the front seats, optimized for secure storage and tools
- Crew van (also called combi van in some markets): adds rear seating for crew members while maintaining cargo space
- Chassis cab: an empty frame designed for custom builds, such as boxing bodies or specialized service equipment
These configurations reflect how businesses use the vehicle and what payload and access they require.
Popular models commonly used as work vans
Before the following list, here are some of the widely adopted cargo-van platforms that serve as the backbone for trades, couriers, and fleets. Availability varies by region and year.
Global and regional options
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Ram ProMaster (the North American version built on Fiat Ducato engineering)
- Renault Master
- Opel Movano (shared platform with Renault Master)
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Fiat Ducato
When choosing a work van, fleet managers consider payload capacity, reliability, parts availability, and dealer support in their region.
Summary
Across markets, a “work van” is a vehicle used for business logistics and service work, most often labeled a cargo van or commercial van. Regional terminology matters: panel van is common in the UK, while “cargo van” is more typical in North America. Body configurations—cargo, crew, and chassis cab—define how the van is used, and several major models underpin fleets worldwide. Understanding these terms helps buyers compare options, plan operations, and maintain equipment efficiently.
