What Can You Fit In A 9’ Cargo Van?

Businesses of all sizes have been utilizing the perks of owning a cargo van for decades. Everyone from catering businesses to florists and moving companies have been getting the job done using cargo vans to transport their resources. 

Reportedly, owner-operators of cargo vans in the United States earn an average annual pay of over $65,000. It’s no wonder that starting a delivery business has become so popular in recent years. While there are several categories of transportation vehicles currently on the market, let’s focus on 9-foot cargo vans.

This guide will highlight the increased usage and interesting features of cargo vans while covering the most pressing question at hand- what exactly can you fit inside? 

Cargo Van: An Overview

For the sake of brevity, a cargo van can be categorized as a type of vehicle used for transporting people or goods. The word “van” is derived from the word “caravan,” translated as a vehicle equipped for living in. The earliest records of a “van” reference as a covered vehicle for transporting goods were noted in 1829, although vans with similar meanings have been recorded as far back as the 17th century. 

In modern terms, a full-size van is a boxy vehicle with a platform and powertrain. In a cargo van configuration, the space behind the two front seats is empty. The engine is commonly placed under the passenger cabin in these vehicles as well. 

In 1971, Dodge introduced a van with enough space for up to 15 passengers. Vans are perfect for transporting heavy cargo because they come equipped with cargo barriers behind the front seats. These barriers help to prevent and substantially reduce the risk of injury caused by unsecured cargo.

9-Foot Cargo Van Specifications

Though every 9-foot cargo van has its own unique characteristics, a strong physical link connects them all. Nearly all 9-foot cargo vans have relatively similar specs, with baseline averages falling in very similar ranges:

• Most 9-foot cargo vans have up to 20 cubic feet of cargo space in the back.
• They have an average maximum load of 3,880 lbs.
• The average inside dimensions are 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’8″ (L/W/H)
• Most 9-foot cargo vans are equipped with a V-6 engine and have an average fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon.
• They have a seating capacity of two adults.

How Much Space Is There In A 9-foot Cargo Van? 

In the most basic terms, a 9-foot cargo van should be spacious enough to fit a queen-size mattress and a box spring with relative ease. It is designed and built for intermodal transport, which means it can be used across different modes for improved functionality. You don’t need to unload or reload the cargo to switch from ship to rail to truck. Cargo vans are excellent solutions for many transportation needs. Any moving task that requires substantial cargo capacity without the hassle and limitations of a truck or larger vehicle is best suited for cargo vans.

Let’s take a look at some standard dimensions, outside of the obvious measurement mentioned in this van's namesake:

• The average low-top overall height is 82.0” (vans with sport roof can run a bit taller, up to 94.0”).
• The average body width is 79.4”.
• The maximum load of a 9 ft. cargo van is 3,880 lbs.

Keep in mind that the average interior cabin length is 83”, and the average interior height is 52”. 

9’ Cargo Vans Can Hold:

• Queen-sized beds 
• Small to medium-sized tables 
• Small couches 
• Small to medium-sized wardrobes 
• Some sectional sofas

Summary

Utilizing a cargo van is an excellent option for your move that far too many people overlook. For any of us who have a bit smaller moves to deal with, a cargo van can be the perfect solution to many of these tasks. Whether it be moving a small apartment or a load of cargo from the local hardware store, we hope we have highlighted some common dimensions and practical capacities for 9-foot cargo vans.

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