With many different types of trade and business comes many different transport requirements – but now experts have given advice on choosing the right van for the job.
Van lease giant Leasevan.co.uk outlined the factors that tradesmen should consider when selecting a vehicle, and the options that are available.
One of the first things to think about is the size of van required, and the size and weight of the loads it will be expected to carry.
Tradesmen also need to think about how the van will be loaded, the length of journeys and the types of roads to be travelled, and the number of passengers to be carried day to day.
As an example, a driver whose work calls for short, urban journeys will have different requirements to one who frequently drives long distances on uncertain roads.
Panel vans are a popular choice, as they come in a range of sizes and are good for carrying various loads.
They are often the vehicle of choice for skilled tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians.
Small vans are compact and functional, and suitable for urban driving where there are not many bulky items to load.
Another good option for tradesmen who do not have much to carry is a pickup truck, so favoured because of their similarity to ordinary cars. They are ideal for businesses that deliver occasional goods.
Businesses with a lot of bulky items, such as removal firms, should consider a long wheel base van, which are known for their load carrying capacities. Lutons are especially spacious.
Chassis vans are so named because they are effectively a van chassis, with or without a cab, and easily convertible for various requirements.
They are therefore a good choice for tradesmen whose work requires modifications such as tippers.
For tradesmen who have to carry numerous passengers, a Transit crew cab van may be the best option.
Flat bedded and with opening sides, dropside trucks are aptly named and favoured in the building and gardening trades.
Other types of van include 4x4s (mostly for a niche market driving in difficult terrain or unfavourable conditions) and the very compact microvan.
