Moving a three-room apartment or delivering bulky equipment to a construction site quickly raises the same question: what truck to rent, and at what price? The 20m3 with a tail lift is the most requested format for this type of operation because it combines a generous loading volume with a lift platform that avoids carrying heavy loads by hand.
Now, you need to find the right rental company at the right price, without any unpleasant surprises when returning the vehicle.
Payload and GVW: the trap before even comparing prices
Before looking at prices, a technical point deserves full attention. A 20m3 truck approved under 3.5 tons remains accessible with a standard B license. However, the available volume says nothing about the weight you can actually load.
The figure to check is called the payload. It corresponds to the GVW (gross vehicle weight) minus the empty weight of the vehicle, the tail lift, and any interior fittings. On a 20m3 equipped with a tail lift, the lift itself weighs several hundred kilos. As a result, the actual payload is often much lower than one might imagine when seeing the van’s volume.
When looking for a 20m3 truck rental with tail lift Leclerc price or at a competitor, you need to compare this figure on the contract, not just the daily price. An overload detected during a roadside inspection can lead to a fine and the immobilization of the vehicle, turning a move into a logistical nightmare.
Are you mainly transporting light and bulky furniture (sofa, mattress, boxes)? The 20m3 will rarely be overloaded. Are you moving concrete slabs, heavy tools, or a large quantity of appliances? Check the payload down to the gram on the contract before signing.
20m3 rental price with tail lift: what affects the bill
At Leclerc as well as at other chains (Carrefour, Super U, specialized agencies), the displayed price is just a starting point. Several variables inflate or reduce the final amount, and comparing them requires a bit of method.
The mileage package
Most rentals include a limited number of kilometers. Beyond that, each additional kilometer is charged. On a long-distance trip (moving between two cities, for example), this item can represent a significant part of the total budget. Some agencies offer an unlimited mileage package for an additional flat fee: to be calculated according to your route.
The deductible in case of damage
The standard deductible on a utility vehicle of this size ranges between amounts that remain high for an individual. Options for buying down the deductible exist, but they increase the daily rate. Comparing deductibles is as useful as comparing base prices.
Additional fees not to forget
- Fuel: the vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level. A 20m3 diesel consumes significantly more than a sedan, especially when loaded.
- Returning to a different agency (one-way): this option is sometimes charged a significant additional fee, and may not be available in large retail networks.
- Late return: exceeding the scheduled time slot is often charged by the hour.
- Cleaning: returning a dirty vehicle can incur additional fees.
The lowest daily rate is not always the cheapest overall. Add up all the items to get a comparable real cost from one rental company to another.
Low emission zones: a selection criterion that no one mentions
Are you planning to load or deliver in downtown Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or in one of the municipalities affected by a LEZ? The question of the vehicle provided then becomes crucial.
A utility vehicle equipped with an old diesel engine may be prohibited from accessing these zones, depending on its Crit’Air sticker. Not all large retail rental companies offer recent vehicles at every agency. Ask for the Crit’Air sticker of the vehicle before booking, especially if your route passes through a LEZ.
Specialized utility rental agencies generally renew their fleets more often, giving access to better-rated vehicles. This is a concrete advantage that the daily rate alone does not reflect.
Leclerc, Carrefour, specialized agency: how to decide
Large retail chains rely on competitive base rates and a dense territorial network. There are over 500 rental points in the Leclerc network, making it easy to book near your home. The process is done online, and the pickup is quick.
However, the availability of the 20m3 with a tail lift is not guaranteed at all agencies. This format is less common than 12 or 14m3 vans. Book several days in advance, especially at the end of the month, which is peak moving time.
Specialized agencies (Europcar, Hertz, ADA, and others) often offer more flexibility: one-way returns between cities, roadside assistance included, more precise vehicle choices. Their base rate is generally higher, but the included services sometimes offset the difference.
Why does this choice matter so much? Because a move or heavy transport is not just about the displayed price. The loading comfort provided by the tail lift, the certainty of being able to drive in a LEZ, the actual payload, and the return conditions weigh as much as the initial amount.
The most cost-effective reflex remains to request a detailed quote from two or three rental companies, specifying the expected distance and estimated weight of the load. A comparison of three complete quotes takes ten minutes and can save several dozen euros on a single day of rental.
