Journey Cost Calculator

Hiring a van is only one part of planning a job — knowing roughly what the fuel cost will be helps you budget properly, it will also help you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel as you left us with. Our Journey Cost Calculator gives you a quick estimate based on real-world MPG figures from the vans we hire, including small vans, medium vans, large panel vans, Lutons, and fridge vans.

Whether you’re moving home, collecting stock, or running a business delivery route, this tool helps you work out your likely fuel spend before you set off. It’s designed for simple, everyday use and is ideal for both personal and commercial hires.

How the calculation works

The calculator uses:

• The distance of your journey

• The expected MPG of your chosen van

• The current average UK diesel price

This gives you a realistic estimate of fuel cost so you can plan ahead. Actual MPG will depend on load weight, driving style, road conditions and whether the van is a fridge van running its refrigeration unit.

Typical MPG for our vans

To keep things transparent, these are common real-world figures (not the optimistic factory numbers). They will vary depending on load, type of road, speed, driving style etc.

• Small van (Kangoo class): 35 MPG

• Medium van (Trafic class): 30 MPG

• Large van (Master class): 25 MPG

• Luton van: 18 MPG

• Fridge vans: 23 MPG (depending on fridge usage)

Why this tool is useful

• Helps you budget accurately

• Ideal for planning longer journeys

• Useful for businesses calculating delivery costs

• Avoids surprises at the fuel pump

• Offers guidance when comparing different van sizes

About Hire One

Hire One is an independent van hire company based in Whitstable, serving Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Canterbury and the surrounding areas. We provide well-maintained vans, competitive pricing, and straightforward hire terms. All our vehicles are regularly serviced and prepared properly before each hire, giving you reliability and peace of mind.

If you need help choosing the right van size or want advice regarding fuel economy on a specific job, get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the Journey Cost Calculator?

The calculator gives a solid estimate based on typical MPG figures for each type of van we hire. Real results depend on how you drive, the weight of your load, the type of roads you use, and whether your journey includes stop–start traffic. Fridge vans may use more fuel when the refrigeration unit is running.

Where can I check current diesel prices?

Fuel prices vary across the UK and change weekly. You can find regularly updated average UK diesel prices on:

• RAC Fuel Watch: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/

• AA Fuel Price Reports: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-costs/fuel-prices

These provide national averages so you can judge whether your local pump price is higher or lower.

Does the calculator include the cost of the refrigeration unit?

Yes — the MPG ranges include realistic figures for fridge vans. When the fridge unit is running continuously (for frozen or chilled goods), fuel usage will be higher than a standard van.

Can I reduce fuel costs when hiring a van?

Yes. Simple habits make a noticeable difference:

• Keep your speed steady

• Avoid long periods of idling

• Remove unnecessary weight

• Plan routes using main roads where possible

These steps help improve MPG and keep your overall journey cost down.