Definition of the word moving van

The term "moving van" originated in the United States during the late 1800s, when moving became a profitable industry due to growing urbanization and increasing numbers of people relocating. Prior to this time, movers would frequently use horse-drawn wagons or carts to transport household goods during a move. The term "van" itself comes from the Middle English word "wanne," meaning a covered wagon or cart. In the context of moving, "van" was used to describe a closed vehicle, providing protection for furniture and fragile items during transport. The first moving companies to use van trucks instead of horses and carts were Pacer National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines. In the 1920s and 1930s, these companies introduced small box trucks that could be used for local moves, making the process faster and more efficient for both the movers and the customers. As the use of van trucks became more widespread, the term "moving van" came to be generally accepted and defined as a specialized truck, specifically designed for the transportation of household goods during a move. Today, moving vans come in a variety of sizes and capacities, from small trucks for local moves to large semi-trucks for long-distance relocations.