Category: cargo van

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Best Van Shelving Ideas

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Working van shelve

1. CREATE A FALSE BED

Creating a false bed in your van provides you with a lot of flexible storage space for carrying large materials. Using the panels made of ply will ensure access at the rear and side doors. Installing the false floor bed in sections provide you with a number of removable panels for easy access to other tools. Adding plenty of support is necessary. It gives you better security than storing all this stuff up on the roof.

2. HANGING IS THE KEY

The best trick to implement work van shelving ideas is to create More and more space by just hanging small items as they not only help to give a tidy look to your van but also give you their easy access.

You can clad the window panes on your rear doors and use them to hang all your screwdrivers, saws, pliers, tapes, glues, etc. The more you hang, the fewer shelves you’ll need. A well-organized workstation can improve your efficiency as well as productivity.

3. CREATE A SIDE DOOR DRAWER UNDER THE FALSE FLOOR

Most people create rear door drawers that are usually longer, but this is not an effective option as you may lose access to your small tools in the unnecessary long drawer. It is highly recommended to create a side door drawer that will help you store your small tools efficiently and provide you with more accessibility options. Loose tools and equipment lead to risks and hazards. Storing each and everything properly and securely will improve your safety on the road as well as on the job.

4. CREATE A SLIDE-OUT WORKBENCH

You must create a slide-out workbench to work outside your van as well. This workbench should have foldable legs to ease the in-out movement. Fitting a slide-out workbench at the rear of your van will allow you to increase your working space. You must make sure that the legs are adjustable.

5. CREATE A FALSE ROOF

Creating a false roof to store your heavy equipment is exactly the same way as the creation of a false floor. You can divide it up to get your space utilized. You can place the beams across the length to organize all your pipes, beams, tools, each having its own compartment. A downside of this point you must keep in mind is that gravity is working against you in this case.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Work Van Organization Ideas for Your Next Upfit

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
Working van used as home van

Cargo van shelving ideas play a vital role in your business. It serves as a locker, storage cabinet, workbench, and office when your employees are on the go or at the job site. When workers can easily find tools, supplies, and equipment, the job gets done quickly and efficiently. What’s less obvious is that work vans also serve as a calling card for your business.

A poorly organized, unreasonably messy work van speaks volumes about your business, even if this is the wrong message. Now, think about the opposite. Imagine a van that is perfectly organized from floor to rooftop. Even though it can be a bit worn and dirty at times, your work van is a model of efficiency and ingenuity.

TIPS FOR A WELL-ORGANIZED VAN

Upfitting a van is an exercise in how knowledgeable you are about your trade and what is needed on the go. If you have upfitted a van before or purchased one that was used, you’re probably intimately aware of its virtues and shortcomings. Chances are, there were a handful of frustrations that made the workdays longer and made you actively long for the day when you could replace the old work van with something new. Use these frustrations as inspiration for designing the perfect work van.

Place large and bulky items near the doors – Nothing is more time consuming than needing a bulky piece of equipment and having to pick through the van just to get to it. By positioning important things near the door, they are easy to remove at the job site and stow away when the job is done.

Make everything accessible – Make sure tools and materials are easy to get to with no latches, straps, or barriers blocking the items you need. Everything needed for a certain task should be accessible in a single quick motion, which cuts down on fumbling and increases efficiency.

Label everything – A place for everything and everything in its place. Labeling makes it easier to put things in the correct location. Also, a labeled space with nothing in it means something is missing, making a visual inventory so much easier. Even the most disorganized crew member should be able to effortlessly navigate the cabin and put things back where they belong.

Make space for multiple tools – Frequently used tools can fail, so when designing space for electric screwdrivers, for example, allow for two or three of them instead of one.

Don’t forget lighting – Lighting matters, even during the day. A well-lit cargo area means better visibility and a safer work environment.

Build task-oriented toolboxes – Depending on what your van is used for, a great way to organize it is by task. Each task gets a separate tool kit filled with everything necessary to complete that specific task.

Things will get dirty, and that’s OK – A work van is meant to get dirty. A typical workday will see mud tracked in, dust and dirt settled in corners, and cheeseburger wrappers balled up and thrown on the floor. A great design can alleviate the mess with strategically placed trash cans, flooring that is easy to clean, and a modular design that makes deep cleaning a snap.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Tips for Keeping an Organized & Efficient Work Van

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
custom van comfort

1.Define key spaces

Every work van has two very distinct spaces: the drivers section up front and the back of your van. The back section often becomes the core focus, but it is a good idea to clearly define what is kept in both. The back is where you keep all your tools, equipment and supplies.

But what about the front section? Too often, this area gets cluttered. Make it a rule to only keep a few necessary items and administrative documents up front, for example: a flat rate pricing guide, invoices, service forms, manuals, and laptop/tablet. Keep it clean and free of trash as well.

2.Work up, from big to small

When building an efficient storage system in your work van, the first thing to think about is the size of your items. Store bigger items on the floor or in lower compartments of the van, leaving room for smaller items towards the top. Keeping large equipment at a low level will help you maximize space. Plus, your back will thank you when lifting heavy items.

3.Location, location, location

In addition to organizing items vertically by size, you’ll want to think about custom van shelving where specific items are placed. Keep frequently used items near the doors so they can be easily accessible. For example, install a hook or shelf near the door for items you’ll use all day on the job, like tool belts. You can store items you use less often near the back of the van.

4.Use the doors

Speaking of frequently-used items, there’s no reason why you can’t use the interior side of your van door to store some of these supplies. Maximize storage space with magnetized stripping for hanging metal tools like hammers and pliers or hang plastic or fabric closet organizers with pockets to store small, lightweight equipment.

5.Consider comfort and safety

Keeping a happy, healthy team is critical for your business. A few, small considerations for comfort and safety can make a big impact. For example, the hard surface of your van’s floor can be hard on the knees when reaching in to get equipment. Consider installing padded floor mats around the door to make it more comfortable for leaning in to grab items throughout the day.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, Van Ladder Racks

Work Van Organization

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
Wheel chair vans

Van can be used as a wheelchair van, storage cabinet, workbench, and office when your employees are on the go or at the job site. When workers can easily find tools, supplies, and equipment, the job gets done quickly and efficiently. What’s less obvious is that work vans also serve as a calling card for your business.

The First Step: Find the Right Van

The ideal work for is one that has the right amount of space and durability. You can choose van that can be customized as Working van, Wheelchair vans to take handicapped patients similar one van can be customized to sell eatables items inside van.

Tips For a Well-Organized Van

Upfitting a van is an exercise in how knowledgeable you are about your trade and what is needed on the go. If you have upfitted a van before or purchased one that was used, you’re probably intimately aware of its virtues and shortcomings.

Place large and bulky items near the doors – Nothing is more time consuming than needing a bulky piece of equipment and having to pick through the van just to get to it. By positioning important things near the door, they are easy to remove at the job site and stow away when the job is done.

Make everything accessible – Make sure tools and materials are easy to get to with no latches, straps, or barriers blocking the items you need. Everything needed for a certain task should be accessible in a single quick motion, which cuts down on fumbling and increases efficiency.

Label everything – A place for everything and everything in its place. Labeling makes it easier to put things in the correct location. Also, a labeled space with nothing in it means something is missing, making a visual inventory so much easier. Even the most disorganized crew member should be able to effortlessly navigate the cabin and put things back where they belong.

Make space for multiple tools – Frequently used tools can fail, so when designing space for electric screwdrivers, for example, allow for two or three of them instead of one.

Don’t forget lighting – Lighting matters, even during the day. A well-lit cargo area means better visibility and a safer work environment.

Build task-oriented toolboxes – Depending on what your van is used for, a great way to organize it is by task. Each task gets a separate tool kit filled with everything necessary to complete that specific task.

Things will get dirty, and that’s OK – A work van is meant to get dirty. A typical workday will see mud tracked in, dust and dirt settled in corners, and cheeseburger wrappers balled up and thrown on the floor. A great design can alleviate the mess with strategically placed trash cans, flooring that is easy to clean, and a modular design that makes deep cleaning a snap.

Industry-Specific Tips

HVAC work van organization – While HVAC vans need to be able to carry the hand tools and parts necessary to make repairs at the job site, they also need to have adequate space to carry full replacement units. Work crews will also need ways to move heavy equipment, which means dollies and even hydraulic lifts.

Plumbing work van organization – Plumbing trucks have the same requirements as HVAC vans, meaning they need to be able to contain all the tools and safety equipment necessary for any plumbing job. An added consideration is that plumbing vans get dirty and crews will need a way to clean and sanitize equipment if they have multiple stops to make during the day.

Electrical work van organization – Electricians need storage for all the small components and spools of wire they need to bring to the job site. Add to this safety equipment, ladders, and conduit and it’s easy to see that an electrical service van is one that needs a wide range of storage options.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, wheelchair van

SMALL CARGO VAN

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
Van shielving allows your to quickly access your tools and equipment while on a job site.

Van shelving allows your to quickly access your tools and equipment while on a job site. Vanlife Customs builds one of a kind camper vans to fit a variety of lifestyles. Whether a mountain biker, climber, hiker, digital nomad, full-time traveler, or weekend warrior can be used as sprinter van.

Cargo van shelving systems keep tools, equipment, and materials organized inside the vehicle and prevent work materials from moving and shifting while the vehicle is in motion.

 Storage systems can be contained in one part of the van or can line both walls from floor to ceiling, the entire length of the cargo area. The arrangement depends upon the demands of the business and personal taste of the individual.

The right used van helps keep business on track. Used light duty sprinter vans from Ryder are practical, affordable and reliable. Used sprinter vans like used panel vans, cargo vans and high-roof cargo vans are easy to load and easy to drive.

SMALL CARGO VAN SPACE OPTMIZATION

Spanning across the rear of the cargo area allows for easy access and adds a work surface for assembly or other jobsite needs.

SEALED PARTITION

Installing a sealed partition can protect drivers from toxic fumes or flammable substances. Van partitions separate cargo areas from seating areas in vans. They keep cargo and equipment secured in the cargo area to avoid interfering with the driver, work crew or other passengers. 

COMPACT VAN

Small and versatile, the compact van is an ever-growing piece of fleets. Although it boasts natural fuel efficiency and fits well in most urban environments, it can create challenges for storage and access.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Van Racking Ideas

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
Van recking ideas is good to implement

It can be done in a couple of days. I recommend just taking a week of after getting your new van (if you can afford to do so, of course). In this week, draw the plans and rack it out. This week is time well spent, since you’ll win a bit of time with every job you do.

1. Create a false floor with access at the rear and side doors

If your van is high enough, consider putting in a false floor. It’s the perfect out-of-sight storage place for long materials such as pipes. And there are endless possibilities to arrange this space. You can for example store your fragile or long tools in here, such as your levels. I suggest placing a ladder rack for the van under the flooring so that it can provide you easily accessible storage for your ladder.

2. Use wide pipes to divide up the under-floor storage

There’s a very easy way to divide up the false floor compartment. Use full-length PVC pipes with a wide diameter(I suggest at least 100-150mm) to compartmentalize the under-floor storage. Use simple pipe brackets to keep them in place. Or you can also fix them by simply stacking them in two levels, holding each other into place.

3. Create long drawers at the rear end

Place a couple of long drawers at the rear end for storing long tools, such as levels, straight edges, etc. 

Other racking ideas for plumbers

  • Hang your pipe bender, saw, pump, set of steps, lights, and safety equipment from the side of your cabinet, facing the rear doors for easy access.
  • Use the bulkhead space for tubes: it offers plenty of storage for items you won’t need as often.
  • Hang some wipes, your hacksaw, and fire extinguisher at the back of the van for easy access.
  • Keep your hoovers and water suction cleaner near the side door. Even better: build a rack for them.
Posted in cargo van

BRING YOUR VAN TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THESE MINIVAN ORGANIZATION TIPS

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Why Do I Deny Myself the Minivan?
BRING YOUR VAN TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THESE MINIVAN ORGANIZATION TIPS

You fought it for so long, but here you are- you own a minivan. It might not be the coolest-looking vehicle but by golly, these things are pretty great. Sliding doors, DVD players in the back, tons of room for your kids, their stuff, and your stuff. But did you know that you can make your van even better? 

These minivan organization tips come from pro-moms that know what they’re doing and how to make your new ride work for you.

1. Grab Some Custom Floor Mats

Your minivan probably came with a few carpeted floor mats but any pro-mom will tell you that those suckers get dirty fast. Between dirty shoes, spilled drinks, and food crumbs, your new car will quickly start looking like a frat house on wheels. 

Custom carpeted mats like these ones offer a soft and plush carpet look and feel that is easier to clean than the thin, hard mats that your van probably came with. The mats fit your car perfectly, too. You order by the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle so they are made to fit just right, they cover every part of your floor board, and they stay in place.

These premier Ultimate Floor Mats have been around since 1978 and thanks to their multi-layer backing, you get moisture resistance and stiffness so that the mats stay the same shape in which you got them.

You can even order them with your new ride’s logo or customize it with your own name. They come in a variety of colors (over 50) to match your car’s interior and your personal style. And just to be on the extra safe side, there is a five-year warranty.

2. Over-the-Seat Hooks Keep Stuff Off the Floor

Another great minivan organization tip is to get over-the-seat hooks. These help keep things like coats and backpacks off the floor so you don’t have things thrown all over the place. 

It also helps keep everything in place during road trips as well as the school drop off and pick up. You can also keep a bag full of extra clothes, undies, diapers and wipes hanging back there for any emergencies.

3. Move the Seats to Fit Your Needs

One of the greatest things about minivans is your ability to remove seats to suit your needs. One mom suggests removing the right or left second row seat, leaving an open space for kids to access the backseat. 

This makes school drop off and pick up a breeze and prevents anyone from stepping all over your seats (or looking like they are trying to climb out of the womb) to get in and out of the back row.

It also allows easy access to buckles for car seats for parents and an open spot in the back for things like sports bags and even pets who might be along for the ride.

4. Keep it Clean

A clean van means a happy driver. Messes in your new van are going to happen because, well, kids. But you can keep it clean even on the go if you keep some extra cleaning supplies in a trunk organizer in the back. Here are some good things to get you started:

  • hand wipes
  • leather wipes for seats
  • disinfecting wipes
  • a battery-operated handheld vacuum
  • carpet cleaner or spot remover to ensure your new mats stay clean
  • paper towels
  • grocery bags to throw all the gross stuff away

5. Keep it Organized

As a mom driving a minivan you are going to have quite a bit of “stuff” to manage during the regular day-to day-trips. Keep things like wipes, garage bags (for those unexpected, “Mom, I feel like I’m going to be sick moments” and any potty accidents), as well as hand sanitizer, extra napkins, and ChapStick handy and in an easy-to-access location. Knowing where to find these items during a crisis moment is half the battle.

Another minivan organization tip is to keep a mini trashcan in the front seat. This way all those wrappers and lollipop sticks can go right in the trashcan and not on your nice new floor mats.

6. Toys and Trays

A great way to keep the kids tame and to keep your cargo van clean is to put a fabric bin of toys, coloring books, and books between the seats or on the floor. If you are going on a long trip, you might want to invest in some seat trays for activities and for eating.

Your minivan will be like your second home. You will spend so much time in it that it ends up being a restaurant, a closet, and a transporter. But with these minivan organization tips you, can make sure your van stays clean, organized, and more efficient for you and your family to use.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, sprinter work van

Choosing the Right Delivery Vehicle for Your Retail Business Fleet

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Canoo unveils its second all-electric vehicle, a multi-purpose delivery van
Choosing the Right Delivery Vehicle for Your Retail Business Fleet

With holiday sales expected to reach over one trillion dollars, and Cyber Monday projected to be the largest online shopping day in US history, a record number of retail delivery vehicles will be on the road this holiday season. To meet the higher demand, retail fleets must strive for optimum performance. 

Whether buying a new fleet or upgrading an existing fleet to meet the growing demand, fleet managers need to choose a delivery vehicle that’s affordable, reliable, and practical for the needs of the driver and business. Here we provide a quick guide to help fleet managers sort out which delivery vehicle type is the right option to meet their retail delivery needs. 

Box Truck (aka cube truck)

Box trucks have been the workhorses of the moving and retail delivery industry for generations. If your business delivers appliances or furniture, this is probably the right fit for your fleet. Box trucks are made by adding a larger cube-shaped cargo area to a chassis cab, making the cabin and cargo areas separate (some models include a smaller door leading from the cabin to the cargo area). 

Box trucks can usually carry a sizable load while still being able to maneuver crowded downtown areas or neighborhoods. The rear door is typically a roll-up door that provides easy access to the cargo. Box trucks can also be fitted with a stow-away ramp or a hydraulic lift making them ideal for delivering heavier retail items.   

The downsides: Rear visibility can be challenging, but this is easily overcome with experience and the right mirrors. Since it’s a sizable heavy-duty truck, maneuverability in small areas can be tough for even experienced drivers. Their larger capacity requires a larger, more powerful engine which translates to higher fuel consumption.  

Multi-Stop Truck (aka step van or walk-in truck)

If your fleet is regularly delivering larger parcels or a high volume of packages, a multi-stop truck can be a good match. These delivery vehicles are most notably recognizable as the bread-and-butter workhorse of FedEx and UPS. But they can also be a great option for small business fleets – food trucks, bakeries, and dairies to name a few. 

These taller style delivery vans allow the driver to stand up comfortably inside a cargo area that is spacious and easily convertible to suit business needs. The driver can also access the cargo area from the cab or from the rear of the vehicle. They are generally lower to the ground with steps leading to the driver seat and to the rear cargo area, thus the name step van.  

The downsides: There aren’t many downsides, but, like the box truck, multi-stop trucks can be tight in small areas and can have rear visibility issues. 

Cargo Van 

Smaller, but similar to the multi-stop truck, the cargo van is perfect for delivering small- to medium-sized parcels. Cargo vans usually have side doors and rear doors to access the cargo area. They can range in size from more compact sizes like the Ford Transit Connect to larger vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is closer in size to a multi-stop truck. Cargo vans are very versatile, and their more reasonable size makes for easier maneuvering in tight spaces.   

The downsides: They are less ergonomic than a multi-stop or box truck because loading and unloading can require bending or kneeling. Cargo vans typically do not come with a separation between the cab and cargo area, which can make hauling some retail goods without modifications to the cab impractical or even dangerous.  

Light-Duty Truck  

Like it sounds, the light-duty truck or pickup truck is used for more lightweight payloads – up to two tons. Light-duty trucks are perfect for smaller retail deliveries. Because of their size, they are much easier to maneuver and park. They can also be more fuel-efficient than any of the previous options.  

The downsides: Their capacity is limited compared to box trucks and multi-stop trucks. They come standard with an open bed, which makes hauling sensitive cargo impractical without the addition of cover.  

Conclusion

Once fleet managers identify the right option for their delivery fleet, the real work begins. Finding a delivery vehicle with a decent resale value, fuel economy, durability, and reliability will take further analysis.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips

4 Hidden Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance Policy

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
The Best Cargo Vans for Small Businesses in 2021 | Digital Trends
4 Hidden Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance Policy

There are many benefits of commercial auto insurance. All drivers to carry adequate and approved insurance coverage. This is even more important for businesses who depend on their vehicles to deliver products and services for profit. Without the right auto insurance coverage, you could find yourself suddenly put out of business by an accident.

However, asset protection isn’t the only reason why you need commercial auto insurance. Here are several additional benefits you’ll gain from your auto coverage.

You Become a Better Credit Risk

Banks and lending institutions consider a variety of factors during the loan application process. Besides your credit score and income, lenders look at other things that could affect your ability to repay. One of them is your insurance coverage. 

If you are financing your commercial van purchase, your lender will most likely require a certain level of insurance coverage. Getting a policy with greater coverage limits may be the move that makes a lender give your application a little extra consideration.

Your Equipment is Covered Too

While the details of each insurance contract vary, commercial auto insurance generally covers any equipment that’s carried in your work vehicle. So if you get in an accident and destroy your inventory, you may be able to add that to your insurance claim.

Your insurance also covers things like theft and vandalism, which is a big advantage for delivery-based businesses that work in high-incident areas.

You Might Qualify for Better Lease Terms

Businesses who lease their vehicles traditionally struggle with controlling costs. Cleaning and maintenance fees often add up to some impressive charges at the end of the agreement period. Training your drivers in proper driving techniques is an effective way to reduce the scraps and scratches that pump up your leasing payments.

However, even safe driving has its limits. Your commercial auto insurance policy can be customized to include special protections for leased vehicles that can convince sales lots to significantly lower your liabilities.

Get More Customers

In competitive markets, your business needs every possible advantage to draw positive attention. Customer service is a primary concern when buyers are looking for a place to shop. More than just a solution to their problem, consumers want to believe that the company they’re doing business with cares about their wellbeing.

Having adequate insurance coverage is an easy way to show your customers that you care. With your valid auto insurance policy, your customers know that their property and personal space will always be financially protected from any blunders or accidents.

Understand the Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance

Now that we’ve addressed some of the major benefits of commercial auto insurance, it’s important to note that being properly and fully covered doesn’t need to break that bank. While auto insurance is definitely no place to be overly frugal, there are some cost-saving measure of which you may not be aware.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, sprinter commercial van

Benefits of Cargo Van Bulkheads

Posted on by commercialvansolutions
Work Van Partitions & Bulkheads | Mike Albert Upfitting
Benefits of Cargo Van Bulkheads

Benefits of Bulkheads

There are numerous advantages to installing a cargo van bulkhead.  The most immediate advantages are the ability to compartmentalize your workspace and ensure the security of drivers, especially for commercial vans that are carrying heavy loads of machinery and equipment.  A high quality van bulkhead is designed to withstand and protect the driver and passenger from moving and shifting cargo, and more!

Durability – The 18 gauge formed steel used in our bulkheads ensure long lasting durability.  No matter what you are transporting, a full size van bulkhead can accommodate your needs.  Commercial vans serve many different purposes, and we offer a full line of van bulkheads to meet these needs.  From solid partition that provides the ultimate in security to the perforated, hinged door models that allow air-flow and easy access to the cargo hold, we have a huge variety of van bulkheads for you to choose from.

Organization – Bulkheads are an excellent way to organize the cargo area of your commercial vans. Several accessories can also be mounted directly onto the partition, which creates more storage space.

Climate Control – Bulkheads create a seal between the partition and the van sides, which makes heating or cooling the front of the vehicle much easier and more efficient.

Professional Image – Bulkheads create a professional, organized look and feel to your work van, which is important into today’s marketplace.

Save Money – Bulkheads can save you a lot of money down the road.  Don’t risk the safety of your drivers, passengers, and cargo by ignoring the need for a van bulkhead.  Not utilizing a bulkhead in your van can create potential risks, including risks to the health and safety of the passengers in the van.  The best way to protect your company, assets, and crew is with a full size van bulkhead that’s customized to serve the needs of your business.

Van Equipment

In addition to cargo van bulkheads and other types of partitions, there is a complete selection of additional van equipment, including customized ladder racks, shelving units, and additional storage space and lockers to further ensure the safe transportation of cargo.