What are commercial vehicles?

Commercial vehicles are vehicles primarily designed for transporting goods or supporting work-related activities. They are used by companies, tradespeople, couriers, and professionals who need practical and versatile solutions for moving loads, tools, and products.

They differ from private vehicles because they are specifically approved for professional use and classified into different categories based on weight, payload capacity, and intended purpose.

Types of commercial vehicles

Different types of vehicles fall under the commercial vehicle category, depending on operational needs:

Vans: ideal for urban deliveries and small transportation businesses.
Pick-up trucks: combining load capacity and versatility, also suitable for rough terrain.
Flatbed vehicles: used in construction and logistics to move materials.
Isothermal and refrigerated vehicles: essential for transporting food and pharmaceuticals.
Light and heavy trucks: used for bulky loads and long-distance transportation.

In practice, every professional sector can find a type of commercial vehicle designed for its specific requirements.

Commercial vehicle classes: N1, N2, and N3

The European classification of commercial vehicles is based on maximum permissible mass (gross vehicle weight rating — GVWR):

N1: commercial vehicles with a mass up to 3.5 tonnes. These are the most common and include vans, pick-up trucks, and light trucks. They can be driven with a Category B licence.
N2: commercial vehicles with a mass over 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes. Used for more demanding transport tasks, they require a Category C licence.
N3: commercial vehicles with a mass exceeding 12 tonnes. These include heavy trucks for long hauls and large-volume transport.

This classification is essential for circulation regulations, toll costs, and driving licence requirements.

Difference between commercial vehicle and truck

The term commercial vehicle is generic and includes various types of vehicles intended for professional use.

A truck (autocarro), however, is a specific category of commercial vehicle approved for transporting goods. In particular:

A truck is always a commercial vehicle.
Not all commercial vehicles are trucks (e.g., light transport vans or pick-ups may fall under different classifications).

This distinction also plays a key role in insurance and taxation.

Commercial vehicle transport

Commercial vehicle transport is a service required by logistics companies, dealerships, and rental businesses. It involves transferring vans, trucks, and special-purpose vehicles from one location to another — for example, between yards, ports, or operational sites.

To ensure efficiency and safety, specialized transport companies use:

Car carriers for multiple-vehicle transfers
Rail or sea freight for long-distance routes
Dedicated pre-delivery inspection and yard storage services

Are you looking for a partner to handle transportation for your corporate fleet? Contact us to find out how we can support you.