Perhaps choosing a van isn’t as easy as it first looks. The price and efficiency of the van are considerations, but what about the types of jobs each van is required to undertake, or its load limits, its fuel consumption when loaded, or even the options it offers for things like wheelbase or top speeds. This article will help you determine which van is the best for your needs.
Consult your Drivers
Making your own decision is important, and you know the needs of your company best, but you should also consult your drivers to understand their thoughts. They will help you choose vans that are suitable for the jobs your drivers have to do. They know the inconveniences of the job, the things that take too long, and they know the annoyances. Your drivers may be able to help you as to which van is best to make the driving process more effective, efficient, or at least a little less frustrating for them.
What Options Are On Offer?
There are smaller vans, transit vans with a small or medium wheelbase and transit vans with a long wheelbase and a high top. You may also pick from tipper trucks and Luton vans. The big question is, what is the van going to be doing while you have it?
The first consideration is that you do not want to split your loads if you do not have to. If you can get a van that does loads in a single trip, then that is a very important consideration. When people think of a van, they often think of its job, but many vans spend more time unloaded than they do loaded. With that in mind, perhaps a more fuel-efficient or more agile van will save more money and time than a larger and robust van.
Engine Options
You make significant savings if your engine is fuel-efficient. On the other hand, larger vans can carry more, and if this results in fewer trips, then that will save you more money than an energy-efficient engine. However, if your truck is running around with a big engine and only a half load, then waste will erode away at your profit margins.
Job Type
Thinking about engine options and load sizes is all well and good, but some vans are required for a certain purpose, and that purpose may determine which van you choose. Will your van need to go on rough terrain? Will it need to carry delicate loads, uneven loads, or liquid loads? Is your van going to spend lots of time on highways and motorways, or will it be nipping between busy streets or country roads? Will the job require a smaller van to fit under certain bridges or buildings, or perhaps be a longer van to accommodate odd-sized loads?
Euro 6 and ULEZ Compliance
There are clean air zone (CAZ) policies you need to abide by if you are travelling around certain cities. In some cases, the size of your vehicle restricts where you may go. In other cases, you may not be allowed to keep your engine running in stations, at refuelling services, or even in certain parking structures. There may also be emissions tests and standards for certain areas where your van may have to venture.
The Load you Intend to Carry
If you only carry one type of load, then this process is very easy. However, if you have to carry varied types of loads with different sizes, containment protocols, temperatures, and so forth, then all of those factors need consideration when you are choosing a van. The last thing you want to do is have to hire additional vans because you misjudged the logistics of the types of load you intend to carry.
Luton Vans that Have a Tail Lift
The box van or Luton van is very good when it comes to transporting bulky or heavy goods. In some cases, picking one with a tail lift may make loading and unloading a lot easier.
Side Loading Doors
In most cases, opening a van from the back is easier and quicker but sometimes you have to deliver on busy streets where you have to park next to other vehicles. In these cases, it is easier, more efficient, more convenient and often safer to unload from side doors.
Drop Side or Tipper
If you need to transport large items, such as garden materials or building materials, then a tipper or drop side may help you get the job done more quickly. It may also make things safer, a little more efficient, and may make the whole process a little less work for your drivers and delivery people.
Load Specifics
You need to consider the load length and the load width and think about how it will fit in your van and how it will be safely delivered. Your load volume is also an important consideration, especially since you want to avoid making two trips when one would suffice. You also need to consider your legal maximum payload amount, but they include the load itself, and the passengers and fuel too.
Choose Newbury Vehicle Hire
The experts here at Newbury Vehicle Hire can help you find the most efficient, cost-effective and suitable vehicle for your needs, and for the time periods that suit you.
Whatever the job, our team at Newbury Vehicle Hire can supply vans to meet whatever needs and requirements you have. You don’t have to compromise when choosing from a comprehensive vehicle range. Whether you have a specific vehicle in mind or are looking for advice, our consultants are here to help you.
Get in touch with us today!