Commercial Van Solutions

Van Racking Ideas That Actually Work

Posted on October 8, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

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

This is a no brainer if you’re a carpenter and need to transport large pieces of plywood. Creating a false floor definitely adds a of storage to your mobile workshop.

Ensure access at the rear and side door by using panels out of ply. If you just use supporting legs on the sides with supporting beams across, you can easily slide in large sheets of 8×4 ply from the rear. Create a removable hatch at the bulkhead to have access to smaller materials from the side door.

Pros: a lot of flexible storage space for large materials.

Cons: the height you take out at the bottom can limit your standing height in the van. If you need to work inside the van, make sure you have a high roof (H2 or H3) to ensure you can stand up straigt. Or use tip number … to simply work outside.

2. Use old pipes for storing kits and glues

Use those short, useless pieces of pipe instead of throwing them away! If you have any old pieces of 3″ PVC pipe lying around, simply cut them into 4-5″ pieces (10-15cm) and attach them… really anywhere you’d like. Attach a simple stainless steel bracket at the bottom facing inwards, functioning as a support for your glues. Use them to store really anything that’s round. The easiest hack for tidying up your shelves.

3. Build a cabinet in the side door for crates and toolboxes

Building a van-high cabinet in the side door allows for easy access to your most-used tools and materials. Plan out the cabinet to fit your ‘definitely-need’ tools. A cabinet with 2 columns of wide, high shelves from the flooring up for about 3/4 should do the trick. Make sure these shelves are made-to-measure for your specific toolboxes and crates.

Above it, create a shelf for storing small materials such as cannisters, tape, hearing protection, etc. Provide this shelf with an edge to prevent anything from falling of.

Finish the cabinet by placing a column of solid plywood next to the two columns, and use this space to hang your screwdrivers and pliers from. This way, all your need-to-have tools are within reach, and you lose about 15″ in your load area. It get’s better in the next tip.

Having this cabinet is great and all, but there’s always room for improvement. So here’s a tip: make the shelves heavy duty drawers. This allows you to pull out the toolbox, open it, get the tools, and slide it back in effortlessly. This way you won’t even have to get the toolbox out. Efficiency is king.

Pros: most-used tools at hand at all times.

Cons: the cabinet is bulky, you lose some space in the load area, and it’s only accessible from the outside, which sucks when it’s raining. But there’s a solution, read on.

4. Place your side door cabinet on a swivel foot

If you want to be able to access this cabinet from the inside as well, simply place the entire cabinet on a swivel plateau. This way, if you’re ie. working inside of your van and need your favorite tools at hand, you simply rotate the entire cabinet. The front becomes the back, and your entire toolbox cabinet is now facing the inside.

This requires some serious measuring, since the cabinet can only rotate towards the bulkhead. Just don’t forget to place a lock which secures the system in place while driving.

Pros: flexibility in deciding where you need your tools.

Cons: you need to keep the bulkhead area clear, so you can’t build an inside cabinet there.

5. Create a side door drawer under the false floor

Drawers can be just the thing if you need to store a lot of small bits and pieces. Mostly people put these drawers at the rear. This really does two things:

The drawers are very long, and long drawers are the worst
You lose access to possibly the best storage space of the entire van.

By putting in a drawer at the side door you can keep the drawers (very) short (like 12″), and still have complete access to the big under-floor storage.

In the end, I would highly recommend you to consult professionals if you are looking to install shelves in your cargo van. It is very important to get the cargo van shelving right.

Types of Shelves Best For Cargo Vans

Posted on October 8, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Let’s discuss different types of shelves which are best for your cargo van –

i) Steel racks

ii) Aluminium shelves

iii) Wood racking

Let’s discuss them one by one –

i) Steel racks

One of the best shelving options that you can consider installing in your cargo vans. These are very durable but at the same time, they are very heavy. These types of shelves are much more flexible than aluminum ones and even wooden ones.

ii) Aluminium shelves

Another good shelving option for your cargo van is an aluminum one. These are one of the professional choices of many interior designers since it provides the liberty for one to adjust. Most of the adjustable shelves are made using aluminum.

iii) Wooden Racks

The third option for cargo shelving is the wooden one. These are best if you are looking for a customized shelving solution. In comparison to aluminum and steel racks, wooden racks are less in weight.

cargo van shelving ideas, Space Saving Cargo Van

4 Space Saving Cargo Van Shelving Ideas To Consider

Posted on October 8, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

With the increasing need for storage, the need for cargo vans is increasing day by day. It is believed that the sale and need for cargo vans have increased eight times in recent years. One of the main reasons behind this is because the cargo vans are versatile and useful. Cargo vans are widely used all across the globe but still many people find the need for more storage.

They are used for everything from construction work to painting and sometimes even fashion. Sometimes for some people, right upfitting equipment shall be equipped to increase the storage of cargo vans. They are sometimes even used for camping as a side hobby which sometimes requires more space than usual.

If you were surfing the internet for the increased space in cargo vans then luckily you have landed on the right page. This article will guide you through 4 space-saving cargo van shelving ideas to consider.

Adjustable Van Shelving

Adjustable shelving is one of the most effective ways when increasing storage is concerned. The reason why this van shelving is most popular amongst storage ideas is because of their adaptivity. The sizes of the shelves can be easily changed according to your cargo vans size. Due to the size being changed easily, your space looks more versatile which in the end results in more storage space. For this reason, many people show interest in this type because it can even be used in narrow spacing.

Locking Drawers

There are many pieces of equipment in the cargo vans that you need to keep more secure. For these types of equipment, locking drawers are the best type of van shelving. Locking drawers are best when it comes to keeping the things and equipment safe and secure. If you carry some valuable or items that you want others to stay away from then locking drawers are surely the choice you should opt for.

Ladder Racks

If your cargo vans are getting too much crowded then installing a ladder rack is the perfect approach. It will help in freeing up the space of the surrounding which will allow you to accommodate more people while not giving a look of too much crowded. Ladder racks van shelving also allows you to store big bulky items that will free up your space. If your cargo van carries a ladder for some reason then there is not a single reason that why you should not opt for ladder racks.

Custom Van Shelving

If you are not satisfied with any of the above-mentioned van shelving then you can have your custom shelving. Commercial van shelving is the best solution when you are confused and don’t know which type to opt for. There is not one but countless combinations that you can put together according to your needs and desire.

It all depends upon how you combine them according to your creativity. The custom shelving proves to be beneficial in increasing the storage of cargo and make space look much bigger and better.

Refrigerated Trucking

Top 3 Benefits of Refrigerated Trucking

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated trucking companies can transport either temperature-sensitive or dry freight, and sometimes some of each on various occasions. The ability to haul both types of goods makes refrigerated trucking companies more versatile with their freight. The route and kind of trailer and truck are selected based on the quantity and type of cargo to be carried.

For instance, some freight may require separation from other cargo based on temperature differentiation or may need internal insulation. Also, the time of the year and route may necessitate additional steps to ensure the safety of sensitive cargo.

Refrigerated Trucking Delivery Advantages

You want your perishable items, frozen foods, and produce transported in state-of-the-art refrigerated equipment by professional, experienced drivers. Companies that utilize cutting-edge industry technology provide highly reliable in-transit delivery performance, superior customer service, and on-time pickups to ensure your refrigerated products are delivered with the same care you took to produce them. The top three benefits of refrigerated trucking include:

1. Safely transport fresh products. There is always a demand for fresh products and the refrigerated trucks and trailers to safely transport them.

2. Haul dry or refrigerated goods. Refrigerated trucks efficiently haul both dry and refrigerated products.

3. Protects freight. Freight is protected from theft, spoilage, damage, and weather conditions when hauled in refrigerated trucks and trailers.

Arriving with a truckload of spoiled, thawed, or melted goods can result in lost opportunities, wasted costs, and nuisance for the supplier. The proper logistics and refrigerated trucking provider can guarantee the safe arrival of your products and save you money and time.

Transportation Knowledge and Experience

Although shipping takes many forms, a steady and consistent state of refrigeration is required. Each type of refrigerated product requires unique settings and specifics for loading, conveyance, unloading, and storage before and after transport. It also requires specific knowledge and experience handling cargo while on the road in transit.

refrigerated vans

Top 5 Benefits of Using Refrigerated Vans

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated vans are trucks equipped with cooling bodies to transport goods over long distances. It is very useful for the transportation of temperature sensitive goods to supermarkets or foods to festivals or even medical materials to hospitals. For a transportation firm, having refrigerated vans are a must to expand their business and generate more revenue.

Here are 5 benefits of using refrigerated vans:

Versatile: Refrigerated vans are not restricted to only one industry. The van can be utilized in many businesses from fish, dairy, meat industry to pharmaceutical and chemicals industry. This helps transportation firm in having worked throughout the year and so the business never goes through a dormant phase.

Protection: The refrigerated vans are capable of transporting perishable items over long distances. If one owns a refrigerated van then he doesn’t have to worry about the safety of perishable goods like flowers and vegetables while transporting it over long distances. Using refrigerated trucks also protects the freight from theft, spoilage, damage and harsh weather conditions.

Temperature can be regulated: In refrigerated vans, you can control the temperature according to the needs of the specific items. While products like meat and fish need to be kept frozen, flowers need to be kept only at a cool temperature to stop them from drying and wilting. The ability to regulate the temperature provides flexibility in carrying goods from one place to another.

Variety of sizes: Refrigerated vans are available in a variety of sizes. Hence if you only require the van to transport a certain product from time to time, then you can choose the size according to the needs of your items for transportation. Thus the investment is totally cost effective.

Long distance travel: The greatest benefit of having a refrigerated van is its ability to transport almost any product over long distances. It can easily transport goods from one state to another or even one country to another due to the refrigeration facilities. If the roads are smooth and properly maintained then there’s none better than refrigerated vans for long distance transports.

Refrigerated Truck Bodies

The Advantages of Buying a New or Used Refrigerated Truck Body

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Most transportation companies and independent truck drivers know the basic benefits of using a refrigerated truck body. Reefers are used to transport perishable goods to and from destinations. It seems simple enough, yet there are many additional advantages of using a refrigerated truck body.

Here are some things you should consider when shopping for a refrigerated truck body.

The Advantages of Buying a New or Used Refrigerated Truck Body

As previously mentioned, most people think of perishable goods such as food products when they are considering the benefits of a reefer body. Yet, refrigerated truck bodies can provide additional advantages beyond the shipment of food.

Refrigeration doesn’t just protect food from spoilage. Many kinds of products shipped locally, regionally, and nationally require refrigeration to make it successfully to their destination. Items such as certain chemicals and engineered materials can be ruined if not kept in a consistently cool and dry environment. Personal care products, such as cosmetics, also require refrigeration when being transported. Finally, many new pharmaceutical drugs now being used require protection from heat and humidity while being shipped.

Due to the fact that there is always a high demand for the transportation of perishable goods like vegetables and meats, a refrigerated truck body is a good investment for a large transportation company or a small independent contractor. Reefer bodies tend to maintain better resale value over time in comparison to dry freight truck bodies. If a refrigerated truck body is well maintained and serviced during its lifetime, it can be used towards the purchase of a newer refrigerated body when needed.

Freight rates for refrigerated goods tend to be more profitable as well. Due to the nature of perishable goods, transportation of such products is, on average, 20% more profitable than standard dry van loads. However, make sure to check competing freight rates in your region.

refrigerated vans

The Benefits of Refrigerated Vans & Your Business

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

The popularity of transport vehicles with temperature-controlled features is growing every year. While the larger refrigerated trucks have been used by businesses for decades, many companies do not have a need for that volume or size vehicle.

Fortunately, the refrigerated vans serve the same purpose on a much smaller scale. Refrigerated vans are perfect for smaller businesses or temporary use when transporting anything from produce and perishable foods to pharmaceuticals and flowers. If you find your need for a refrigerated mode of transportation is becoming more common, then having immediate access to a refrigerated van for your business may be just what you are looking for.

The refrigerated vans fulfill the need of safely hauling sensitive goods and give you full control of your transportation needs regarding timing, schedule flexibility, temperature control and care of the goods. You will ultimately have full control of the delivery.

More Than Food Transportation

While refrigerated vans have always been used by caterers for food transport these temperature-controlled vans offer versatility for a variety of other businesses and products that require specific climates to prevent contamination or spoilage, ranging from pharmaceutical supplies and nutritional supplements to food, perfumes and cosmetics.

Protect Your Goods Yourself

When you have your own refrigerated van, it allows you to take control of the delivery and care of your products rather than hiring freight companies. This puts you in charge of knowing how products are handled, ensuring the protection from spoilage of produce, contamination of products or wilting of flowers, etc., whatever your business may be.

Flexibility of Time

In lieu of hiring a company for goods transport, a refrigerated van of your own allows you the flexibility of time to work with your schedule or that of your staff. Not only is this an advantage for you, but it enables you to provide better customer service to clients by accommodating their schedule.

Consistent Temperature is the Law

Due to FDA regulations on so many consumer products, safe transportation and consistent temperature is a must for staying in compliance. The refrigerated van gives the driver full control of the thermostat and it also has an overnight standby mode for maintaining climate control over long distances.

Versatility for Delivery Services

The refrigerated van offers versatility for multiple industries. With the ability to manually control the temperature in these vehicles, your business can deliver a variety of products and still meet FDA regulations.

refrigerated vans

Top Advantages of Using Refrigerated Vans

Posted on October 4, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Here are 5 benefits of using refrigerated vans:

Refrigerated vans need proper handling and specific knowledge about the operational techniques of this type of vans. Hiring a transportation agency that is well-equipped and experienced enough to deal with refrigerated vans and guarantee the safe transportation of your goods.

Cargo Management Solutions

Posted on October 4, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

As a craftsman whose job takes you all over town, your cargo van or truck is not only an engine with four tires. It is your mobile workshop. Whether you are a general contractor, a plumber, or an HVAC contractor, your work truck plays an important role in your business.

You need it to transport the equipment you need to get your job done. And that’s why you need to maximize your space with an array of cargo management solutions. You will save time every day, knowing where every piece of equipment and tool is.

With optimal use of available space, you can save time and money. An organized work van creates a good impression, and customers will be confident in your ability to work efficiently. While every business has unique storage needs, take advantage of the following innovative work van cargo management ideas to help you make the most of the space in your van.

1. Work Van Drawers

Spending time searching for lost or misplaced tools can dramatically affect your productivity and put you on your client’s list of least reliable contractors. Investing in work van drawers is a smart investment. From freestanding drawers to wall-mounted drawers, there are many drawer systems you can incorporate into your vehicle unfitting based on your unique workflow. These drawers positively affect your loading and storage operations.

2. Shelves

Many contractors and technicians require storage solutions that deliver maximum versatility. Shelves form the core component of work truck cargo management. With a customized vehicle organization system consisting of shelves and modules, you can keep your working tools right where you need them. You no longer have to waste time searching for tools and consumables. This results in less frustration and eliminates unnecessary stress.

3. Ladder Racks

When it comes to custom work vehicle cargo management, you need ladder racks to make your day-to-day life simpler and safer. From interior ladder racks to pick-up racks, grip-lock design, drop-down ladders, and more, there are different collections of work van ladders that will fit your unique needs. Your ladder holders can be secured to the roof of your vehicle while enabling efficient and safe ladder stowage.

4. Partitions

Partitions are one of the most important safety products for your van. It is responsible for keeping you safe from heavy and hazardous cargo at the back. For something quite important to your safety, you should not settle for anything less than the best. You need a partitioned vehicle organization system that will help boost your productivity and fit your individual needs.

5. Truck Boxes

Your work truck is more than just a means of transportation. It serves as an office, a warehouse, and even a break room. With options like lockable truck boxes, you can securely store your work tools and consumables. They help to keep your job sites safe and organized and promote efficient workflow.

6. Electronic Accessories

Whether you are a general contractor or a home security system installer, your daily activities involve the use of electronics and electronic accessories. To ensure your components are within reach when you need them and securely tucked away when you don’t, you need electronic accessories designed with you in mind. From automated inventory tools to mobile-connected devices and sensors, there are different options that can contribute to a safer and more productive workflow.

Conclusion

Cargo management solutions help you to exploit the areas of your van that may not be obvious, thereby helping you create a safer, ergonomic, and more productive mobile work environment.

Commercial Van

Tips for Buying a Commercial Van

Posted on October 4, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Buying a commercial van for your business can be an arduous task with so many options to choose from. Just how does one pick the most appropriate vehicle to suit their particular business needs, and where to begin that search?

Research online to find the best van make and model that suits your business needs.

Buying a commercial van has become a much more straightforward task with the majority of commercial auto dealers now providing a significant amount of information online.

Online commercial van information covers everything from vehicle overviews as well software that enables the prospective buyer to create a bespoke vehicle with all the ‘bells and whistles’, all without having to leave the comfort of their armchair.

Choose a dealer that can deliver your van directly to you

Now the research is complete, it’s off to the local van dealership for a test drive. Many commercial van dealers are prepared to deliver a new vehicle straight to your front door!
You can benefit from huge savings by looking a little further afield and since the car sales competition is so high you’ll find many special offers and discounts outside your immediate area that may not be available locally.

Car & van dealership websites allow for fast, efficient research saving the buyer time and enabling one to narrow down the model desired.

Commercial vehicle sales competition is high, search further afield for special offers and discounts.

Dealerships will deliver a new commercial van right to your door.

Buying a commercial van for a VAT-registered business and you’ll be eligible to claim back the VAT.

All vehicles with an unloaded weight of three tonnes or with a payload of one tonne or more are classed as commercial vehicles.

What to look for when buying a commercial van

It’s advisable to make a note of everything you plan to use the van for, allowing you to come up with a list of attributes your new van will require. The following types of vans for your business should be considered before making a purchasing:

If you own a removals company that you may want a van with large back doors and easy access from the rear
If your business deals with delivering goods to street-front shops, you may prefer a van with sliding side-doors that will enable the delivery person to unload contents from the vehicle more safely.
If your occupation or business provides services such as building work, plumbing etc, or other types of trade work then you may want to consider a city van.

Fuel economy should be at the top of your list

Money Wasted is Profit Down the Drain
As a business owner, look for a vehicle with good fuel economy, consider a diesel van as opposed to petrol, or a smaller vehicle model that requires less fuel. Do your calculations carefully before deciding what size vehicle is appropriate for your specific business needs.

Don’t forget your commercial vehicle add-ons and options

Commercial vehicle owners should think about options for their business vehicle before they sign the dotted line. Enhancements for business purposes such as:

Bluetooth hands-free kit be useful for taking bookings on the road?

If you’ll be driving in rural areas, should you have front fog lights fitted?

If your business involves handling messy or dirty goods, would a rubber floor be preferable to a carpeted floor?

Specialist anti-theft alarms and trackers should be fitted, especially if you intend on carrying tools in your van

There are many alternatives to think about so don’t forget something important that may save time and money down the road!

A commercial van could be an excellent investment for your business. Decide what your company requires from the van they are about to invest in; carry out a detailed research and visit a new van sales showroom in your area to take a test drive before you commit to buying!