Electric Reefers: What are They and What are Their Benefits?
Many businesses require commercial vans and trailers to transport products while keeping them frozen or refrigerated. Increasingly, refrigerated vehicles are making the change to electric reefers for their cooling needs.
If you would like to know more about what electric reefers are and what their benefits are, keep reading.
What Are Reefers
Reefer is a slang term for refrigeration. Reefer refers to a specialized truck or container that utilizes temperature-controlled equipment. These reefers can be set at a wide range of temperatures to ensure products remain within their intended storage temperature during shipping.
What is an Electric Reefer
Reefers are typically powered by gas or diesel connected to the engine. However, electric trailers and vehicle refrigeration units are becoming more common. An electric reefer will use an independent battery charged separately or used in a hybrid system that cuts down significantly on fossil fuels.
Reduce Reliance on Fuel
Fuel costs have been skyrocketing for years. With traditional reefers, your cooling equipment will need to use fuel even when the vehicle is resting. These fuel costs can eat into a significant amount of your budget when you have transportation needs.
Electric reefers and hybrid systems significantly reduce your fuel consumption. They also have the added benefit of requiring few stops to refuel and lower wear and tear from stopping and starting.
Help Eliminate Worry About Keeping Engine Off
With electric reefers, the battery provides the energy to cool products. Drivers don’t have to panic about keeping their vehicle turned on to refrigerate their product safely. These instances can occur when loading and unloading, vehicle breakdowns, driver breaks, and more.
Reduce Emissions
Our impact on the environment has become a fundamental issue recently. Electrical reefers reduce the use of diesel and gasoline, whose emissions can be harmful to the environment. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, electric reefers are a perfect step in the right direction.
Since the use of cargo vans is rising over the years because of their versatility and utility, more and more van shelving ideas are being invented by professionals. Today, these cargo vans have become a mainstay for almost everything starting from painting, construction, fashion, and the food industry.
As the demand is rising, more and more space-saving van shelving ideas are being invented. So, if that is what you are looking for, you will probably love these van shelving ideas that we are going to share in this article.
All these ideas we are going to share with you today are designed to provide a perfect van shelving solution for you. Depending on your requirements, you can decide on which van shelving idea is best for you.
List of the best van shelving ideas for you
Adjustable shelving
Paintbrush racks
Locking drawers
Ladder storage racks
Customized shelving
These are some of the best shelving ideas that can help you get the most out of your cargo van. Keep reading to know more about each of these van shelving ideas listed above.
Adjustable shelving – If you are looking for a shelving solution to get the most out of your cargo van, the adjustable shelving idea is the best for you. With these adjustable shelves, you can actually change the size of shelves depending on your requirement. This encourages the versatility of cargo vans.
Paintbrush racks – This is the most popular choice of van shelvings if you are in the industry where you need paintbrushes on the regular basis. These paintbrush racks will allow you to keep your paintbrushes organized.
Locking drawers – This is one of the finest ideas that are designed for the stuff that you need to keep more secure. Locking drawers can be installed in a cargo van easily improving the storage solutions.
Ladder storage racks – Counted among the smartest storage solutions for the cargo vans, these ladder storage racks are perfect space-saving ideas available today. These ladder storage racks are best for heavy bulky items you have. So, if what you are seeking is an efficient space-saving storage idea for your cargo van, the ladder storage rack is for you.
Customized shelving – There are many professional companies like SkyTeck that provide custom van shelving solutions for your cargo van. You can now get the shelving solution depending on your specific needs with these professional solutions.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is that when it comes to van shelving solutions, there are a lot of options available in the market to choose from. By getting the right van shelvings, you can improve your van’s productivity and can also make your life a bit easier.
Remember, when it comes to van shelving, most people often lose the battle by not using the available space wisely and appropriately.
Whether you’ve just begun looking for a wheelchair van or you’ve been in the market for one for quite some time, it’s important to know the ins and outs of these vehicles, along with the resources available to you as a buyer.
This list of resources to help you find the best wheelchair van for your situation, along with budget tips, aid resources, and much more. Find out more by contacting an insurance agent in your area who can help you find affordable car insurance.
Here are just a few statistics surrounding the wheelchair van industry:
54 million people in the United States are disabled.
5% of children 5 to 17 years of age have disabilities.
10% of adults aged 18 to 64 years of age have disabilities.
38% of those 65 years and older have disabilities.
Since these numbers add up to reflect a large portion of the nation, many businesses do their best to accommodate. This includes installing ramps, having mobility scooters available and even providing free help to/from your car. However, this help ends at the vehicle. This is where wheelchair vans and wheelchair ramps for cargo vans and minivans come in.
Wheelchair vans originate in regular factories, on the assembly line next to regular vans. Once fully assembled, they make their way to a wheelchair van conversion facility.
Many shops around the nation convert regular vans into wheelchair vans or install wheelchair ramps on vans. Once the conversions are complete, the shops ship them back to the dealer or directly to the customer.
Step 1: Get an Idea of What You Want
According to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, it’s important to have a good grasp of what equipment your wheelchair van needs. Not every disability is the same, and there are different equipment options available for different disabilities.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation and a Prescription
The NMEDA will then assign you a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. This individual will come to your home (there are more than 600 dealers nationwide with these specialists on staff) and will go on a drive with you, evaluating your skills, needs, vision, coordination and strength.
Step 3: Decide on a Budget/Get Aid Resources
With your prescription, you can begin the search for a wheelchair van or a ramp. There are many wheelchair van dealers throughout the nation, and each one has the ability to get you the van you need.
You can either purchase the van from a regular dealer and then have it converted into a wheelchair van, have it outfitted with a wheelchair ramp, or purchase the wheelchair van from a wheelchair van dealer.
However you choose to purchase your van, make sure to talk with the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Affairs division closest to you to make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.
There are many special aid resources available for those looking to get a wheelchair van. Special Kids Fund works with local charities to help both kids and adults get wheelchair vans. Nice Guys San Diego is another charity that helps individuals get wheelchair ramps for vans or wheelchair vans.
If you are a disabled vet, the government has special programs to help you get a wheelchair van. Many states have grant programs available or low interest financing for individuals attempting to purchase a wheelchair van.
Step 4: Maintain Your Wheelchair Van
Wheelchair ramps installed on wheelchair vans need proper maintenance. CarsDirect estimates that maintenance on a wheelchair van or ramp is almost $3,500 per year. There are programs for veterans to help with maintenance costs. Many charities and organizations that provide funding to the disabled require maintenance on the vehicle in order to continue the financing.
Because wheelchair vans and other adaptive vehicles have expensive after-market add-ons, there’s also the issue of vehicle insurance to think about. You may qualify for certain discounts based on the affiliations you have, and you may be buying these on behalf of a commercial enterprise and be able to write off part of the insurance.
Either way, being able to secure a low rate for your van is probably at the top of your priority list. Independent agents make comparison shopping for auto insurance easy. Independent agents are affiliated with more than one insurer, unlike captive agents, and can produce several quotes for you to compare before you buy.
Why the Mercedes Sprinter is One of the Most Versatile Work Vans
As a plumber, electrician, HVAC contractor, or a more extensive service company, you need a van to haul your equipment, materials, and even a few employees. It’s vital to determine the best vehicle that will work with your requirements and will also provide enough cargo space with lifetime value.
Mercedes-Benz is offering the 2018 Sprinter van lineup that can fit into a variety of vocations. In general, vans provide different industries with versatile components to transport anything you need. The Mercedes-Benz commercial vans are full-size and available in the following five models.
Cab chassis van
Cargo van
Crew van
Passenger van
Worker cargo van
Different Features of Mercedes-Benz Vans — The Sprinter
As a versatile full-size van, the Sprinter has two powertrain options you can choose: a 161-horsepower, 2.1-liter, four-cylinder, a turbo-diesel van with rear-wheel drive that’s seven-speed automatic, or a 188-horsepower, 3-liter, turbo-diesel, V-6 five-speed automatic that has front- or rear-wheel drive.
With the ability to haul people and cargo, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter allows you to choose between two wheelbases that are 144 or 170 inches. Depending on what your profession requires, you have the freedom to select the best option.
Seating up to 12 people, the Sprinter has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,550 to 11,030 pounds with a high-roof option. The high roof is ideal if you’re hauling around cargo and equipment that does not fit in regular vans, as it increases the space you have for loading materials.
The Sprinter cargo van features high-tech safety gear, such as lane departure warning, crosswind stabilization, and collision prevention, along with excellent steering. The vehicle also has a great fit and finish, along with being able to obtain stability at speed.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Sprinter
If you are thinking about buying the Sprinter as your daily work van, consider the following aspects to receive the best value.
Versatile Interior: The Sprinter provides solutions for any business that needs to equip its van with tool compartments and boxes or passengers and plumbing equipment.
Reliability: The vehicle offers incredible diesel engine power, advanced safety features and ample space for your gear and workers.
Engine Power: You can choose between the 161-horsepower, 2.1-liter, four-cylinder and the 188-horsepower, 3-liter, V-6 diesel engine conditional to your requirements.
Safety Features: Mercedes-Benz includes airbags throughout the van, along with crosswind assistance, lane and blind-spot monitoring, and a forward-collision system in the Sprinter.
Maintenance Costs: Your warranty covers repairs — but once the warranty is up, maintenance costs will become more expensive.
If you keep your Sprinter well-maintained, you will have a better chance of receiving a higher resale value. With plenty of cargo and storage space, you can also upfit your van with equipment from Advantage Outfitters.
Step vans can be utilized for many industries, including ISP contractors, linen/uniform delivery companies, and food truck manufacturers. The difference mechanically is subtle, and exterior graphics vary from brand to brand.
However, the interior build-out within a step van is a huge difference. The needs of a food truck manufacturer are different than the ISP contractor guidelines for a delivery truck. This article will outline some Tips for Custom van shelving in Step, regardless of the industry.
Refurbishing step vans with custom shelving over twelve years ago and continues to have the largest selection of new and used step vans across the country. Let’s begin with the first tip!
Identify the Goals of the Step Van
Will the step van be used by an ISP contractor? or a food truck manufacturer? linen company? delivery company? caterer? Identify the goals and business objectives of the step van. Once the goals are determined, you can better understand the shelving needs and interior build-out needed to achieve the said goals.
Ask Yourself Questions About the Business Needs
Here are a few questions to consider:
What items will you have onboard the step van? packages, boxes, clothing, food, etc…
What is the shelf life of the items onboard? If the step van is being modified into a food truck, the shelf life will be much shorter than if the step van is carrying Amazon packages.
What additional features are required for your step van? Backup camera, jump seat, custom paint, custom graphics, etc.
Identify a Step Van Dealer that Can Modify In-House
Only a select few have the processes in place to modify used step vans to be ISP-ready. Let’s take a look at how Trucks does this, and why continues to offer the largest selection. Let’s look at the modification process.
The process begins with the truck. Trucks buy fleets of used step vans from verified off-lease programs. The use of the trucks in their previous lifetime ranges from linen and medical delivery trucks to beverage trucks. With our vast knowledge and extensive experience in the used ISP truck industry, Trucks knows what to look for when purchasing step van fleets.
Every unit goes through the same inspection process when Trucks modifies used ISP Trucks. The process is standard and as follows:
Once delivered, all used step vans will be checked in by one of our trained and licensed production team members.
All step vans have a road drive test performed.
The units are plugged into the computer for diagnosis and endure a 100-point mechanical system with our in-house mechanic.
Based on the issues that arise, the step vans are not only repaired mechanically to DOT standards but also above and beyond to meet ISP standards.
It’s important to understand the stringency of ISP guidelines for used Independent Contractor trucks. Modifies our trucks to the ISP standards, ensuring the Independent Contractors are ready to hit the road without any issues once they purchase the truck. Every truck leaves the manufacturing floor looking brand new.
Each truck that is brought into the facility will receive the following:
Gets the current paint blasted off and repainted
Installed shelving
Brand new full-color backup camera
Fire extinguisher
Safety triangles
Jump seat
Sliding locking bulkhead
Install your decals (optional)
ADVANTAGES:
Full factory warranty – bumper to bumper
Reduced downtime (brand new vehicle, so essentially nothing should go wrong)
No previous vehicle maintenance history
Brand new – essentially zero miles
The finance term is longer
Potentially lower finance rates on new step vans
DISADVANTAGES:
Cost (but with the higher price tag comes owner peace of mind that the truck is covered under warranty, and should have few issues, to begin with)
The potential lead time of receiving a new step van
If an issue arises, a disadvantage could be dealing with OEM and the certified service department’s lead time
If your maintenance hubs for warranty work are not within your immediate area, you may have to travel to reach one.
A Quick Guide to Buying vs. Renting Refrigerated Trucks
When your business involves regularly transporting perishable goods, you need a reliable solution for your refrigerated transport needs. Consequently, how you choose to move your produce or frozen poultry will significantly impact your business.
You mainly have two options for this: you can either buy your insulated trucks or rent them from a logistics company in Monroe, NC. Both have their unique characteristics and their own sets of pros and cons. Considering this, you must understand their differences to make the right choice for your operations.
To guide you, here are three of the many factors that you must consider as you decide:
1. Storage Capacity
Today, refrigerated vans come in various sizes. If you only need to transport small loads, you’ll find refrigerated vans to be enough for your needs. However, if you will be moving large volumes of food items, you’ll want to consider reefer trucks and trailers.
Purchasing vans can be relatively easier to handle than purchasing trucks and trailers. However, both are big transactions, so you need to make sure that you are financially ready.
On the other hand, partnering with logistics companies may be a simpler and more affordable way to have your food items moved. On top of that, you have the liberty of changing the vehicle you will use to suit your needs—all you have to do is coordinate with your carrier.
2. Temperature
Regardless of whether you are buying or renting reefer trucks, this is one thing that you must pay attention to.
It helps to keep in mind that not all refrigeration is equal. You need to identify the type of perishable good you are moving and then find the transport unit that can accommodate its temperature requirement.
When buying insulated trucks, make sure to coordinate with your dealer and specify what you will be using them for. In doing so, they will assist you in finding the right vehicle.
The same goes when renting from a logistics company. Let them know your requirements, and they will be more than glad to help you find the appropriate truck from their fleet.
3. Client Requirements
Another factor worth looking into is the volume of client orders that you need to accommodate.
If you have a relatively stable influx of orders and client requirements, purchasing your own refrigerated truck may be a good solution.
On the other hand, if you constantly deal with sporadic and unpredictable deliveries, renting insulated trucks may be the smarter option. This route gives you the flexibility you need to accommodate every client’s requirement.
Whether you need to deliver a small volume this week and thrice its amount the next, you’ll be able to scale up and down easily.
4. Your Schedule
Ultimately, it’s a practical move to go with the option that suits your time constraints.
You may find that buying your own reefer truck can be time-consuming. On top of that, you may not be able to drive the vehicle right after purchasing it.
On the other hand, partnering with refrigerated truck rentals can be more advantageous if you’re working on a tight timeline. Some professional carriers can even accommodate your freight 24/7. This allows you to move your products whenever you need them.
Conclusion
Finding the right refrigerated transport solutions can greatly impact your business. It is for this reason that you must decide carefully between buying an insulated truck or partnering with logistics carriers.
On that note, make sure to study your firm’s current operations and business requirements. Doing so will enable you to find the solution that will truly accommodate your needs and empower you to deliver excellent service to your stakeholders.
Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Refrigerated Vehicle
It is sometimes vital for you to have high-quality, dependable refrigerated vans for your business. When you invest in adding a refrigerated truck or van into your delivery fleet, you will want to know that you are choosing the right vehicle for the job. It can help to learn the varied factors that go into buying a vehicle. Read on to learn the things you need to know before buying a refrigerated vehicle.
What Type of Vehicles Can You Choose?
The type and size of your business can dictate whether you go with a refrigerated van or truck. Depending on what your delivery and product needs are, you may want to consider one of the following types of refrigerated vehicles:
Chiller Conversion Van
Insulation vans with a refrigerated part are known as chiller conversion vans. The chiller conversion part efficiently keeps warm air out while drawing in frigid air to support cooler conditions. These frigid conditions enable businesses to deliver many perishable goods that do not require storage at below-zero temperatures.
Semi-Freezer Van
Semi-freezer vans have extensive insulation and refrigeration capabilities. Semi-freezer vans can transport frozen products that need to keep below zero degrees Fahrenheit. They are also capable of quickly defrosting products when required.
Full-Freezer Van
Full freezer vans have more robust, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls in addition to the features of a semi-freezer van. Heat-resistant doors reduce the amount of heat that enters the cabin because of the conductivity from the sun’s rays on metal.
Refrigerated Truck
Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are box trucks or semi-trucks with refrigerated trailers. These trucks keep products at the right temperature for long distances. They can also carry higher payloads than a typical van.
Factors To Consider
Several distinct factors will help you to figure out the right refrigerated vehicle for you and your business. It’s best practice to take some time before buying a vehicle and jot down what your business needs are and use those in conjunction with some of the following considerations:
Budget
You will want to have a price you’re willing to pay in mind before you shop. Research some of the typical costs for these types of vehicles to get an idea of what you’ll have to spend. You may see an unbelievably affordable refrigerated truck on the market.
However, keep in mind that low prices don’t necessarily mean it’s reliable when you push it into your delivery fleet. Stick with reputable sellers with a range of pricing options that you can trust, even if your budget is on the lower end of the scale.
Temperature Requirements
You will need to assess the temperature requirements for the products you need to transport. Many items will deteriorate if left above a specific temperature. For example, suppose you are a pharmacy that needs to deliver medication. In that case, it is imperative that you have the right vehicle that will chill them.
Once you’ve found the temperature range you need to keep your products safe and protected, you can find refrigerated vehicles that can keep to that same range.
Payload Size
How much product do you expect to ship daily, weekly, and monthly? For smaller businesses such as a pharmacy or floral shop, you’ll most likely only need the services of a refrigerated van. For larger businesses like grocery stores, you should consider a refrigerated truck with an extensive payload capacity to transport your products safely and efficiently.
Larger-sized trucks are more likely to handle multiple temperature needs, so you can simultaneously deliver distinct types of products without worrying about any of them degrading over time.
Distance
You should consider how far you’ll typically go when moving goods around. If you are primarily moving products in your city, you will want to stick to a refrigerated van. Vans are more maneuverable around tight turns and easier to load and unload in any parking spot.
However, if you plan on doing more long-distance deliveries, a refrigerated truck is better able to handle longer drives. It will reliably keep products cool over a prolonged period.
Condition and Age
If you plan on buying a new refrigerated vehicle, you won’t have to worry as much about what condition it is in when you drive it off the lot. However, you might want to investigate a used vehicle to fit your budget. In that case, you should pay special attention to the age and state of each vehicle you’re considering.
Older trucks are not as efficient as newer ones, but they can still serve many of the same functions if they are well maintained. While you don’t need to find a brand new one, recent models will often have more advanced cooling features than their older counterparts, which may better suit your needs.
Fuel Efficiency
This factor may tie into the condition and age of the truck. Many refrigerated vehicles use gasoline to power the engine and the refrigerated components that cool the inside of the cabin.
These power needs can result in the vehicle using up more fuel than a typical truck of its size. Newer ones will typically employ more fuel-efficient technologies if you are concerned about the price of fuel.
One variable among many in supply chain logistics is the necessity to keep some goods cool. Companies equip train cars, cargo ships, and trucks and vans to keep the cold in and the heat out when transporting goods over long distances.
However, there are a few specific van types that vary according to shipment needs. Here is a guide to the different types of refrigerated vans.
Insulation Van
The definition of a refrigerated van is a vehicle that not only keeps goods cool by keeping heat out and the cold in, but also actively maintains the cold through refrigeration. Insulation vans don’t fit this latter qualification—they don’t have a refrigeration system—but they are adept at keeping goods cool for as long as possible.
As a result, these vehicles are best for transporting cool long-lived or non-perishable products. Their 50-millimeter Styrofoam or polystyrene insulation prevents an easy thermal bridge from forming and introducing heat by cutting off all potential heat and air entryways when employees seal the cargo.
Chiller Conversion Van
Chiller conversion vans are essentially insulation vans with a refrigeration component attached. This means that it keeps heat out effectively while bringing in more cool air to keep temperatures low.
This allows companies to transport many perishable products to do not require below-zero storage temperatures. Some examples of companies that use chiller conversion vans include florists and those shipping non-frozen foods or beverages.
Semi-Freezer Van
Meanwhile, semi-freezer vans have more advanced insulation, about 75-millimeters thick, than chiller and insulation vans while boasting a higher refrigeration capacity than chiller vans.
These vans can transport frozen foods and other items that must stay below freezing. It also has quick-defrost measures that eliminate the need for a defrost heater.
Full-Freezer Van
Among all the different types of refrigerated vans, full-freezer vans, true to their name, allow for the most significant freezing. They share many of the same features as the semi-freezer vans, but with at least one added dimension: thicker, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls.
This lessens how much the inside of the cargo area heats up due to conduction from the sun’s rays on the metal exterior.
Ladder racks seem like an easy on-the-go accessory for many work vans and trucks. But are they right for your business and vehicle? Let’s take a look at the benefits of a ladder rack for your commercial vans.
Increase of Cargo Space
Ladder racks are an easy way to extend the cargo space on your commercial vehicle. Storing a large ladder or step stool inside your work van or truck bed can mean losing a few feet of space. This could mean losing other materials for your jobs or removing occasional tools when you may need them. But with a ladder rack, your commercial vehicle can store those tools and be ready for anything.
Makes the Job Easier
When you use a ladder rack to help you transport and load your ladder, you don’t waste time struggling with your equipment. You and your workers will arrive at the job site to unload your equipment and will be done in no time.
Storing Securely
A ladder is an essential piece of equipment for you and your business. But this doesn’t make them less expensive. Most ladders are heavy, cumbersome, and expensive to purchase but with a ladder rack, you can ensure your ladder is always safe during transportation. With a ladder rack your ladder won’t slip or get loose on them move.
If you want to own a business and doing the needed planning for it, then you must add the van racking system to your plan. You are going to own hundreds of products, and you will need a proper arrangement for that. So, look at these advantages of the van shelving.
Boost Safety
One reason choose Tecnolam van racking has to do with road security. If there are products and goods in a van and they are not rightly placed, then this can become a hindrance for you and the van.
Occasionally, small items can fall on the floor. These barriers could, for example, end up underneath a driver’s feet. To avoid costly mishaps, it’s just common sense to properly store all products and materials in a defined shelf space.
The optimum environment inside the van
Many products are extremely susceptible to sanitation and other environmental factors. If you pile far too much fruit around, for example, the lack of sufficient air circulation accelerates the rate where there is a chance of fruits getting spoiled. When it comes to flowers as well as other food stuffs, the same effect occurs.
Once you have a proper racking system, you won’t have to fear the fruits getting spoiled before their time due to a shortage of sufficient air circulation. Dangerous germs and diseases flourish in the cramped environment inside the van.
For example, suppose you’re transporting fruit as well as vegetables in your vehicle. Mold, eczema, and some other forms of fungi will have more possibility to form, interfering with the quality of the fruit at all times. So, the racks can keep the things in place.
Excellent Planning and Organization
Sliding gear is basically not suitable for the van. Throughout the rear of the van, industrial equipment plus cutting objects should not be permitted to roll around. Racking is a quick fix for this problem.
Once you return, each of your belongings will be exactly where you put them. Even more, you’ll get a lot more room to store additional equipment.
Reliable.
Many professionals used to make their own van racks during old times. Plywood would be used to construct racks. It also served a useful purpose. It wouldn’t survive long or might need to be replaced quickly, but it was sometimes the only alternative. It’s a completely different situation now.
Van racking systems are accessible in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet your specific requirements. They’re also comprised of light yet incredibly robust steel. This gives the racking or storing a lot more strength and durability than plywood. You can have whatever arrangement of van racking you require with a selection of storage options.
Image as professional
Your company’s image is reflected in your van. Van racking organization will let you project a professional appearance after you realize the benefits of eye-catching van organizations.
Clients won’t be hanging in your van, but someone looking within will see a neat and well-organized vehicle. This can become beneficial to your company’s image.
Commercial Van Solutions 