What is the payload of a Transit Custom?

The Ford Transit Custom has a payload capacity of approximately 1,000-1,200kg depending on the model, engine, and spec. The base model typically offers around 1,100kg. Remember that payload is the maximum weight you can carry including passengers, tools, and racking — not just materials. Check your V5C document for the exact figure for your specific vehicle.

How do I find my van's exact payload?

Your van's payload is the difference between its Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and its kerb weight. The GVW is shown on the VIN plate (usually on the door frame) and the V5C registration document. Kerb weight is the weight of the van empty with a full tank of fuel. Subtract kerb weight from GVW to get your maximum payload.

What happens if I overload my van?

Overloading a van is illegal in the UK and can result in a fixed penalty of up to £300, or prosecution for more serious overloads. It also invalidates your insurance, damages your vehicle (suspension, tyres, brakes), and significantly increases stopping distances. Trading Standards and DVSA regularly conduct roadside checks on commercial vehicles.

How many sheets of plasterboard can a medium van carry?

A standard 12.5mm plasterboard sheet (2400×1200mm) weighs approximately 27kg. With a medium van payload of around 1,100kg, you could theoretically carry about 40 sheets by weight. However, you also need to consider the van's internal dimensions and whether the sheets will physically fit. A Transit Custom can typically carry about 20-25 sheets laid flat.

Should I account for my own weight and tools?

Yes. Your payload figure must cover everything: the driver (and any passengers), tools, racking, and the materials you are carrying. A typical tradesperson with a full tool kit, racking, and a passenger might already be using 200-300kg of their payload before loading any materials. Use the custom payload field to enter a reduced figure that accounts for this.

TradeCalcs

Van Payload Calculator — How Much Can I Carry?

Calculate how much material your van can carry and how many trips you need. Covers common UK van types and building materials.

Van Type

Transit Custom, Vivaro, Trafic

Custom Payload (optional)

Override the default payload if you know your exact figure

Material

Quantity

How many items do you need to transport?

How We Calculate This

This calculator works out the total weight of your materials and compares it to your van's payload capacity. If the total exceeds the payload, it calculates how many trips you will need and the maximum number of items per trip.

The formula

Total weight = Weight per unit × Quantity
Items per trip = FLOOR(Payload ÷ Weight per unit)
Trips needed = CEIL(Quantity ÷ Items per trip)

Typical UK van payloads

Small van (Berlingo/Caddy): 625-800kg
Medium van (Transit Custom/Vivaro): 1,000-1,200kg
Large van (Transit/Sprinter LWB): 1,200-1,500kg
Luton van: 1,500-1,800kg
Tipper: 1,000-1,200kg

Common material weights

Cement / plaster / sand bag: 25kg
Plasterboard 12.5mm (2400×1200): ~27kg per sheet
Plasterboard 9.5mm (2400×1200): ~22kg per sheet
Standard brick: ~2.5kg each
Concrete block 100mm: ~10kg each
Tile adhesive bag: 20kg

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.