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It’s a difficult decision to make when you are choosing a van for any kind of business, but even more so if you’re a courier or delivery driver.
Having the right van can therefore be the difference between your day passing in relative comfort or becoming something of a nightmare, so we’ll explore what you need to look for and check out some of the key features that should be considered.
There can be any number of reasons why a certain van is suited to a certain job, and that’s certainly true when you are considering what is the best option for a courier or delivery driver.
It might sound like an obvious one, but capacity should be near the top of the list when you are looking for a delivery van. Parcels will come in all shapes and sizes but don’t just think about the physical space as you’ll also need to consider the payload, with some larger vans not able to carry as much weight as a smaller vehicle despite them appearing to be bigger.
Once you have your van loaded for a day of deliveries, you’ll have the small matter of then unloading it as you complete your drop-offs, so good accessibility is vital to allow you to work quickly and efficiently. Side doors, and even direct access from the front of the van to the rear, can make a big difference.
When you are going to be on the road all day, the last thing you want to do is find yourself stopping for fuel every five minutes. A fuel-efficient van will not only save you money but will also save you time by keeping you on the road. Smaller vans tend to be more efficient, but then you lose vital load space.
As a courier or delivery driver, you could find yourself facing everything from tight and narrow city streets to twisty single-track lanes in the middle of the countryside. There’s also the small matter of parking up whilst you make deliveries, so having a van that is easy to manoeuvre is hugely important.
There is no such thing as the ‘best’ option for someone working as a courier or delivery driver because of the varied nature of the job. Basically, what works for one person may not work for another.
If you are going to be carrying out small deliveries in a city environment then the Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo or Renault Kangoo may be your ideal vehicle, but heading further afield may mean you need to consider something like the Ford Transit or Nissan Primastar.
Right at the top end of the scale, there are also plenty of options when it comes to larger vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Citroen Relay – whilst you might even want to consider a Luton van if you are going to be dealing in particularly big loads.
As a delivery driver, you may simply want to keep the load area of your van as it is, but there are several ways in which you can make it work harder for your business and help to improve your efficiency. Even better, we can sort these solutions so they are ready to go from the moment you collect your new vehicle!
Installing shelving or three-tier racking into your van is a great way to keep the rear of your van tidy and also allows you to sort packages with ease – perhaps by size or route. It makes life much easier than everything being piled on the floor...
Add an extra level of security to your vehicle to ensure that no-one gets their hands on your precious cargo when you’re busy making deliveries with the addition of hook locks to your vehicle.
Add in a dashcam that will help to keep you safe on the roads.
Several cities around the UK have already moved to introduce emission regulations so you want to ensure that any van you purchase for your courier or delivery business is compliant with any such rules where you will be operating.
One way to get around emissions-based charging is with an electric van, with an ever-increasing number now available on the market that provide you with all the space will need but in a more sustainable way that has a lower environmental footprint. You may even save some money by avoiding emissions tolls and charges.
Leasing a van can be a smart option for a courier or delivery driver, particularly if you are starting out and may need to increase the size of your vehicle as your business grows.
Alternatively, we have a range of flexible and affordable finance options to suit single traders and larger businesses alike and – of course - can also help if you are looking to purchase your new van outright.