For small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), having the right van is paramount. However, with a growing number of models on the market, finding the right van for your business can be quite a struggle. We’ve therefore compiled a list of X factors to consider when choosing a van for your business.
Van Use
The main purpose of a van is to carry goods. When choosing a van, you need to consider the type of cargo you want to transport. Will you be transporting fragile goods or building materials? How many passengers will the vehicle carry per trip? What kind of security do you need? What type of access will you need for loading and offloading the cargo?
Establishing your needs and the vehicle’s purpose is crucial in identifying the best van for your business.
Journey Distance and Terrain
Some questions you need to ask yourself regarding journey distance and terrain are; where will the load be carried? Will the van be covering long distances? How often will the van be at full capacity and how often will you be using it?
Short trips in busy and congested areas will require something that’s easy to drive, maneuverable and with easy access to the cargo area. In contrast, long journeys in out-of-town locations such as retail parks and industrial estates will require a van with great carrying capacity and fuel efficiency.
Van Loads
Determining the ideal payload for your van is essential in finding the right van. Different types of cargo have different weights and sizes, therefore, will require different load spaces. So make sure to work out the payload to see if a car-based van or something bigger will suit you.
If you purchase a van that is too small for your loads, it will double up trips and increase gas bills. Safety will also be a concern for the driver, passengers and the cargo if the van is overloaded or not loaded correctly.
Insuring Your Work Van
When purchasing a work van, you need to think about insuring it. Commercial auto insurance protects your van against damage and collision and covers any harm to the driver and passengers. Comprehensive coverage will protect you financially if your vehicle is not only damaged but also vandalized or stolen. However, the coverage might be quite expensive. For cheaper van insurance, consider using a comparison too to find the best-priced policies on the market.
Converting the Van to Suit Your Needs
Business owners who are planning to use their van for a variety of purposes need to look for a vehicle that can be converted to suit their needs. For example, if you are planning to use the van to transport cargo, passengers and for family outings, you may want to purchase a minivan or a regular size van. In most models, the seats can be cleared out to create room for cargo.
Van Types and Uses
There is a wide variety of vans on the market nowadays. These include car-derived vans, platform cabs, chassis vans, panel vans, Luton vans, 4×4 vans, minivans, box vans, crew vans, tipper, and temperature-controlled or refrigerated vans. Whether you are a building company, delivery company, in the electrical business or cleaning business, you are sure to find the perfect workhorse for your business.
