In 2025, HDB completed 19,600 flats across 28 housing projects. In 2026, another 19,600 BTO units are being launched — with 35,300 new flats projected to enter the market between 2026 and 2027 alone.
Every one of those families needs a moving company.
Add the steady flow of HDB resale transactions, private condominium upgrades, and office relocations across Singapore's growing business districts, and what you have is one of the most consistently active service markets on the island. Moving companies here are not chasing seasonal demand spikes. They are serving a structural, year-round need driven by how Singapore's housing market actually works.
If you are starting a moving company, scaling an existing one, or simply making sure the vehicle you're operating is right for the jobs you're winning — this guide is for you. No generic advice. No vague recommendations. We walk through exactly which vehicle matches which job type, what the real costs look like, and what you need to know legally before you put a lorry on the road.
What Singapore Moving Jobs Actually Demand
Before you look at a single vehicle specification, get clear on the jobs you are winning or plan to win. Every move in Singapore maps to a specific volume requirement — and volume determines your vehicle.
A 10ft lorry (10 × 5 × 5 feet, max 1,000 kg) is the industry standard for 1-bedroom home moves across most professional platforms in Singapore. A 14ft lorry (14 × 7 × 7.5 feet, up to 3 tonnes) handles 2–3 bedroom and office moves. Understanding your typical job mix before committing to a vehicle is the most commercially important decision in this entire guide.
Van or Lorry? The Core Decision
Many new moving company owners default to a van because the entry price is lower and a Class 3 driving licence covers it. That reasoning is not wrong — but it is incomplete.
The 10ft lorry wins for most Singapore moving companies starting out — it covers the island's most common residential move type, requires only a Class 3 licence, and fits everywhere a van fits. The van wins when your business is doing high-frequency single-room or single-item moves where manoeuvrability outweighs volume. The 14ft lorry wins when you are consistently winning 4-room HDB and condominium jobs and want to complete them in one trip instead of two.
Most successful moving companies end up with a hybrid fleet: one 10ft lorry as the workhorse, supplemented by a large van or second lorry as the business grows.
Option 1: Commercial Vans for Moving Operations
Toyota Hiace — The Van That Handles More Than You'd Expect
From S$70,000+ on the road | Payload: 1,080 kg | Cargo: up to 9.8 m³ | Class 3 Licence
The Toyota Hiace is the only van in Singapore's market where an experienced mover can legitimately handle a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a single trip. The high-roof configuration provides up to 9.8 m³ of enclosed cargo space — enough for a queen mattress upright, a full-size refrigerator, a washing machine, a wardrobe, and twenty-plus packing boxes, all loaded together.
For a moving company, the Hiace's operational advantages go beyond volume:
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Side sliding door — In HDB loading bays where rear-door access is restricted, you load from the side without blocking traffic. You will use this on almost every job.
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1,080 kg payload — Standard residential moves rarely exceed 800–900 kg. You are never straining under load.
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~1,980 mm overall height — Clears all standard HDB multi-storey carpark height barriers and basement loading bay clearances without issue.
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CVES-eligible — Qualifies under Singapore's Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme, reducing effective purchase cost for eligible businesses.
The Hiace is best suited for moving companies doing studio apartment, 1-bedroom, and single-item deliveries as their primary job type. It is also a natural second vehicle for operations already running a 10ft lorry — handling the smaller bookings without sending a full lorry out half-empty.
→ Browse current Toyota Hiace availability: ablink.sg/products/toyota-hiace
→ See all large vans: Big Vans Collection
→ Full spec guide: Toyota Hiace Singapore 2025–2026 Buyer's Guide
Nissan NV200 — Compact, Fast, Low Entry Cost
From S$26,800 body price | Payload: ~750 kg | Cargo: 4.2 m³ | Class 3 Licence
The Nissan NV200 is not your primary moving vehicle for anything larger than a studio apartment. But as a support vehicle running alongside a lorry, or as a starting point for movers focused on single-room and co-living apartment jobs, it earns its place.
At 4,400 mm overall length with a 5.2 m minimum turning radius, it moves through tight HDB service roads and carpark ramps where larger vehicles require real caution. The dual sliding doors — driver and passenger side — give your crew two-sided access for fast loading on tight schedules. The 4.2 m³ cargo hold (1,900 mm L × 1,500 mm W × 1,365 mm H) handles a properly packed studio apartment comfortably.
→ Compare compact van options:
Option 2: The 10ft Box Lorry — Built for Singapore's Moving Industry
If you had to identify the single vehicle most purpose-matched to Singapore's residential moving market, it is the 10ft box lorry. Here is the case in full.
Four Reasons the 10ft Box Lorry Dominates
1. Volume matches Singapore's most common move type.
Approximately 8–9 m³ of enclosed cargo space with interior dimensions of roughly 3.0 m × 1.5 m × 1.8 m. Well-matched to a 1-bedroom HDB flat — Singapore's single most common residential move type. One trip. No back-and-forth.
2. It fits everywhere it needs to go.
Most Singapore condominiums restrict vehicle height at basement entries — the typical limit is 3.0–3.2 metres. A standard 10ft box lorry stands at 3.0–3.2 m. Your vehicle accesses the same loading bays your clients use daily, without special arrangements with building management.
3. Enclosed box body protects what clients pay you to protect.
A box body lorry keeps furniture, electronics, and personal belongings fully enclosed from pickup to delivery. Rain, dust, and road debris are eliminated. For residential movers handling clients' valuables, this is the professional standard clients expect — not a premium option.
4. Class 3 licence is all you need.
Most 10ft box lorry configurations — where Maximum Laden Weight stays under 3,500 kg — require only a standard Class 3 driving licence. Your entire hiring pool of licenced drivers can legally operate the vehicle. No Class 4 restrictions, no smaller candidate pool, no premium salary requirements for a specialised licence.
For a full breakdown of licence categories and their legal implications, read the Class 3 vs Class 4 License Singapore Guide.
Toyota Dyna — The Moving Company Benchmark
Body price S$51,800 | Payload: 1,920 kg | Diesel 2.8L Turbo | Class 3 (box body config)
The Toyota Dyna (Y-Plate) is the benchmark 10ft lorry for Singapore's moving industry. A 1,920 kg maximum payload gives meaningful headroom — a fully loaded 3-bedroom HDB move rarely exceeds 1,400 kg. The 2.8L turbocharged diesel delivers consistent torque in the stop-start conditions of Singapore's HDB estates. Fuel consumption at around 9–11 km/L in urban conditions keeps daily operating costs predictable.
Box body configuration is non-negotiable for professional moving work. A box body adds approximately S$8,000–S$15,000 to the base vehicle price but delivers fully enclosed cargo space with a lockable rear shutter door. For any company handling clients' furniture and personal belongings, this is the baseline standard of professionalism — not an upgrade.
Consider specifying a tail lift. A hydraulic rear tail lift raises cargo from ground level to lorry bed height. For heavy items — refrigerators, washing machines, full wardrobes — it reduces physical strain on your crew, speeds up loading and unloading measurably, and reduces workplace injury risk across hundreds of jobs a year. It is one of the most commercially valuable options you can specify on your first lorry.
→ Browse 10ft lorry options:
Option 3: The 14ft Lorry — For Bigger Moves and Scaling Operations
When to Scale Up
There is a clear inflection point in every growing moving company: you start winning 3-room HDB, 4-room HDB, and condominium jobs as your reputation builds. These jobs require 12–22 m³ of cargo space. Running them in a 10ft lorry means two trips — higher labour cost, longer job duration, lower effective rate per hour.
A 14ft box lorry provides approximately 15–19 m³, with interior dimensions of roughly 4.3 m long × 2.1 m wide × 2.3 m high. A well-loaded 14ft lorry can complete an entire 4-room HDB move in a single trip with an experienced crew. The improvement in job economics is direct and measurable.
The Non-Negotiable: Class 4 Licence
Any lorry with an MLW (Maximum Laden Weight) exceeding 3,500 kg is classified as a Heavy Goods Vehicle under LTA regulations. Operating an HGV requires a Class 4 driving licence — no exceptions. Before purchasing a 14ft lorry, confirm:
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Does your driver hold a valid Class 4 licence?
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If not, has licence upgrade time and cost been factored into your plan?
If most of your current jobs are 2-bedroom HDB and below, the 10ft lorry's Class 3 accessibility may still be the smarter fleet decision. Read the Class 3 vs Class 4 License Singapore Guide before deciding.
For LTA's official licence category definitions and upgrade pathways, refer to onemotoring.lta.gov.sg.
Isuzu N-Series and Mitsubishi Canter
The Isuzu N-Series 14ft Lorry and the Mitsubishi Canter are ABLINK's core 14ft options. Built around proven diesel engines with GVW variants up to 5 tonnes, both deliver class-appropriate fuel efficiency, ergonomic cabins, ABS braking, and reinforced chassis. For moving companies, the box body with optional tail lift is the correct configuration.
There is a real-world cost difference of approximately S$8,000 in total ownership cost between the two models over the vehicle lifecycle — meaningful for any business watching margins. Read the full breakdown in the Isuzu vs Canter: Which 14ft Lorry Saves You S$8,000? comparison before deciding.
For condominium and HDB access: professional movers should always confirm vehicle height clearance with building management before dispatch. Most 14ft lorries used in Singapore stand at 3.0–3.2 metres overall, within the clearance found in the majority of developments.
→ Browse 14ft lorry options:
Option 4: EV Vans for the Modern Mover
Electric commercial vehicles are no longer a futuristic consideration for Singapore movers — they are a financially viable option right now, particularly for companies operating consistent daily routes within the island's compact geography.
The Running Cost Case Is Real
A petrol van spending S$400–500 per month on fuel drops to approximately S$80–130 per month in overnight charging costs on the same routes. Fewer moving parts also reduce servicing costs — no engine oil changes, simpler drivetrain, fewer brake replacements through regenerative braking. Over three years of regular operation, the total savings are substantial.
Singapore's CVES and HVZES incentive schemes are specifically designed to offset the EV price premium. Stacking eligible grants can bring the effective purchase cost significantly closer to a comparable petrol van. Contact the ABLINK team to calculate the exact grant position for any specific vehicle before deciding.
BYD eT3 — Higher Payload Than Most Expect
From S$49,800 before grants | Payload: 800 kg | Range: 280 km | Cargo: 3.8 m³
The BYD eT3 carries an 800 kg payload that exceeds the Nissan NV200 — a fact that surprises most buyers who assume EV vans are lighter-duty. Its 280 km range on a full charge comfortably covers a full day of Singapore moving operations. The island's compact geography means even a dense multi-stop schedule rarely exceeds 150–180 km in a day.
Golden Dragon EV Van and Maxus e Deliver 5
For moving companies needing larger EV cargo capacity:
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The Golden Dragon EV Van at S$36,800 before grants offers competitive pricing on an enclosed electric van with full-day Singapore range.
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The Maxus e Deliver 5 provides 6.3 m³ of cargo space — the largest of any van in this comparison — with a 300 km range and DC fast charging to 80% in approximately 45 minutes. A lunch-break top-up fully restores afternoon range.
→ Browse EV options:
Singapore Legal Requirements Before You Operate
These are not optional. Every point below must be met before your vehicle operates commercially.
1. ACRA Company Registration
Commercial vehicles in Singapore must be registered under a company, not an individual. Your business entity must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority before any commercial vehicle can be transferred into the company name.
→ Verify your registration status at acra.gov.sg
2. Driving Licence Categories
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Class 3 — Light Goods Vehicles with MLW up to 3,500 kg. Covers all commercial vans (Hiace, NV200, Townace) and most 10ft box lorry configurations.
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Class 4 — Heavy Goods Vehicles with MLW between 3,501 kg and 16,000 kg. Covers all 14ft lorries and above.
2025–2026 LTA update: Class 3 and 3A licence holders are now permitted to drive certain heavier electric light goods vehicles up to 3,000 kg, following an LTA regulatory update announced in December 2025. This expands EV van access under a standard Class 3 licence.
→ Full licence requirements at onemotoring.lta.gov.sg
3. COE Category C
All commercial vans and lorries require a Certificate of Entitlement under Category C (Goods Vehicles and Buses). The COE premium fluctuates with each LTA bidding exercise held twice monthly. Confirm the current Category C premium with your ABLINK consultant at the time of purchase — it is included in the on-road price quotation.
4. Commercial Motor Insurance
Your moving company vehicle must be insured as a commercial vehicle used for hire. Using a standard personal vehicle insurance policy while operating commercially can invalidate your cover entirely — including in the event of an accident during a paid job.
ABLINK assists buyers through the commercial insurance process.
→ Motor Insurance Page
5. Speed Limiters (Mandatory from 1 January 2026)
From 1 January 2026, all newly imported lorries with an MLW between 3,501 kg and 12,000 kg must be fitted with LTA-approved speed limiters as a condition of registration. All ABLINK lorries in this category comply with this requirement at point of sale.
→ LTA speed limiter requirements at lta.gov.sg
New vs. Used: The Right Call for a Moving Company
Used commercial lorries make financial sense in specific situations — adding a second vehicle before revenue fully supports a new purchase, or testing demand for a specific job type before committing.
The risk with used is unknown service history, undisclosed wear on high-mileage vehicles, and limited warranty protection. For a moving company where vehicle downtime directly equals lost jobs and damaged client relationships, an unexpected breakdown mid-move is a reputation risk, not just a cost.
Buying through a reputable dealer significantly reduces this risk. If your primary moving vehicle is your only vehicle, a new lorry with full warranty and known condition provides more predictable operating costs from day one.
→ Browse options:
When to Buy Your Second Vehicle
Most moving companies operate profitably with a single 10ft lorry in the first phase of growth. You know it is time to add a second vehicle when:
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You are turning down bookings because your lorry is already committed on a date
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More than 30% of your jobs require two lorry trips due to volume
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Weekend demand consistently exceeds your single-vehicle capacity
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You want to separate job types — run the lorry for full-home moves and a van for single-item and small apartment jobs simultaneously
The most common fleet configuration for a growing Singapore mover is: one 10ft box lorry as the primary + one Toyota Hiace as the secondary. This combination covers virtually every residential job size on the island without duplication.
Use the Choosing the Right Vehicle guide when planning your second purchase, or speak directly with the ABLINK sales team.
Buy vs. Lease: The Honest Framework
Leasing makes sense when:
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You are less than 12 months into operations and want to preserve working capital
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Your booking volume is still building and you want to keep monthly fixed costs manageable
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You want to test a specific vehicle type before committing to ownership
Buying makes sense when:
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Your booking revenue is consistent and routes are established
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You want to eliminate the monthly vehicle cost and build a business asset
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You plan to operate the vehicle for 5+ years
A lease for a 10ft lorry typically runs S$1,500–1,800 per month. At that rate, the break-even against a purchase falls within 3–4 years of consistent operation. Beyond that horizon, ownership is clearly more economical.
→ Explore leasing options:
Key Takeaways
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For most new moving companies in Singapore, the 10ft box lorry is the right first vehicle — it covers the most common residential move type, requires only a Class 3 licence, and fits into every HDB estate and condominium on the island.
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The Toyota Hiace is the right van for movers focused on compact apartments, single-item deliveries, and tight-access zones — or as a secondary vehicle alongside a lorry.
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The 14ft lorry is the right choice for 4–5 room HDB and condo jobs — one trip instead of two, which directly improves your effective hourly rate.
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Class 4 licence is mandatory for 14ft lorries — confirm before purchasing.
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EV vans are commercially viable right now for consistent daily Singapore routes. The BYD eT3 and Maxus e Deliver 5 both cover full-day schedules on a single charge.
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Singapore's 2026 BTO completion wave — over 35,000 new flats across 2026–2027 — means demand for professional moving services is structurally supported for years ahead.
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Leasing is the lower-risk entry point for new operations; buying outright makes more sense once revenue is stable and routes are established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Class 4 licence to drive a 10ft lorry in Singapore?
Not necessarily. Most 10ft box lorry configurations — where the Maximum Laden Weight does not exceed 3,500 kg — require only a Class 3 licence. However, certain body configurations can push the MLW above that threshold. Always confirm the exact MLW and corresponding licence requirement with ABLINK before purchase.
Can a Toyota Hiace fit a queen-size mattress?
Yes. The Toyota Hiace in high-roof configuration provides approximately 2.05 m of interior height — sufficient to stand a standard queen mattress upright during transport. Combined with 9.8 m³ total cargo volume, the high-roof Hiace handles this alongside a full set of bedroom furniture.
What is the cargo volume of a 10ft lorry used for moving in Singapore?
A standard 10ft box lorry used for residential moving in Singapore provides approximately 8–9 m³ of enclosed cargo space. Interior dimensions are typically around 3.0 m long × 1.5 m wide × 1.8 m high, with a payload capacity of 1,000–1,500 kg depending on the vehicle and body configuration.
What licence do I need to drive a 14ft lorry?
A Class 4 driving licence is required for any lorry with a Maximum Laden Weight exceeding 3,500 kg — which covers all standard 14ft lorries. Operating a heavy goods vehicle without the correct licence is a legal offence under LTA regulations. Read the full Class 3 vs Class 4 guide for details.
Should I buy new or used for my first moving lorry?
If your primary moving vehicle is your only vehicle, a new lorry with full warranty and known service history provides more predictable costs and fewer downtime risks. Used makes more sense when adding a second vehicle to expand capacity before revenue fully supports a new purchase. Browse both options at New Vehicles and Used Vehicles.
How do I choose between the Isuzu N-Series and Mitsubishi Canter?
The real-world total cost of ownership difference between the two is approximately S$8,000 over the vehicle lifecycle. Read the Isuzu vs Canter full comparison for the complete breakdown before deciding.
What EV grants are available for a moving company van in Singapore?
The Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) and the Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme (HVZES) are the two primary programmes. Stacking eligible grants can generate rebates of up to S$70,000 depending on the vehicle category. Grant eligibility and amounts are updated periodically — contact ABLINK directly to confirm current figures for any specific vehicle. Read the EV grants stacking guide for the full framework.
Where can I see all commercial vehicles for moving companies at ABLINK?
Browse by category:
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Small Vans — Townace, NV200, Honda N-Van, Suzuki Spacia Base
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Big Vans — Toyota Hiace
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10ft Lorry — Toyota Dyna, Hino Dutro
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14ft Lorry — Isuzu N-Series, Mitsubishi Canter, SANY FR601
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EV Commercial — BYD eT3, Golden Dragon, Maxus e Deliver 5, Citroen e-Berlingo
Or use the Choosing the Right Vehicle guide to match your job type to the right vehicle.
Ready to Build Your Moving Fleet?
ABLINK carries new and used commercial vehicles purpose-suited to Singapore's moving industry — from compact vans for single-room jobs to 14ft lorries for full condominium moves. Every vehicle is sold with full documentation, LTA compliance at point of sale, and support through COE, financing, and motor insurance.
📍 421 Tagore Industrial Avenue, Tagore 8 Building, #02-13, Singapore 787805
📱 WhatsApp / Call: +65 8946 8228
✉️ sales@ablink.sg
🕐 Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
View All Vehicles | Contact ABLINK | Lease a Vehicle
Last updated: March 2026. All prices and specifications are subject to change. Confirm current pricing, COE premiums, and grant eligibility directly with ABLINK before purchase.
ABLINK PTE LTD
ABLINK PTE LTD is a commercial vehicle dealer established in 2023, specializing in providing high-quality, reliable, and affordable commercial vehicles for businesses in Singapore. We are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Address 421 Tagore Industrial Avenue, Tagore 8 Building, #02-13, Singapore 787805
- WhatsApp +65 8946 8228
- Email sales@ablink.sg
- Website www.ablink.sg
- Map View on Google Maps
- UEN 202346844C
- SSIC 47311 (Retail sale of motor vehicles)
- Status Active (Est. 2023)
- Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
