Commercial Van Solutions

Brexit. What does it mean for Van Business Owners?

Posted on June 2, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

The exit of Britain from the EU is a matter that has raised all kinds of debates across the globe. After the referendum vote on 23rd June for Brexit, it is expected that various industries would start to feel the impacts.

Van business owners have several concerns when it comes to investing in vehicles while the UK is about to leave the EU in the next two years. There are different scenarios to consider regarding the impact that Brexit will have on the transport business and what options are available. It is not evidently clear, though, and most of these are educated analyses.

Van Prices

As the UK prepares their exit, negotiations need to be made with the EU trading bloc. Goods exportation and importation are some of the frameworks that will have to be considered. One of the advantages that the EU offers is a tariff-free internal market. It is also the largest export market. Britain leaving will have an effect on car manufacturers that have their business in the region.

When manufacturers have to pay tariffs, it will eat into their profits. Such manufacturers may consider setting up plants in areas outside the UK. This impact does not only apply to UK manufacturers but also foreign companies with production centres in the UK such as Mercedes and Volkswagen. At the moment, no manufacturer would think of putting in more money for performance improvements or higher quality products for plants based in the UK.

Although it is not clear, taxes imposed by the EU may be up to 10%. If this happens, it means that prospective buyers will feel the blowback with European vehicles coming with heavier price tags. A business owner will have to spend more money to invest in a fleet of Mercedes Sprinters or VW transporters.

Van Business

The other aspect that van business owners have to look at concerning Brexit is the impact on trade. Vans are commercial transport vehicles and the relations of the UK, and the EU will have an effect on how well such companies will be able to conduct their operations. An exit from the single market means that Britain will be responsible for its own trade deals.

There is fear that this will bring challenges in the movement of products across different regions. Proponents of Brexit are of the opinion that Britain will have more trade opportunities when it starts operating on its own.

It will have the freedom to choose the countries to do trade with. However, there are still fears that the red tape will get worse, consequently influencing the commercial transport business negatively.

The EEA Style Agreement

It is hard to be certain of how the van business will fair after Brexit until everything is sorted out. The new UK-EU relationship is one of the factors that will have an impact. There are five models the UK can adopt as a way forward after leaving the EU.

One of that is the Norwegian-style agreement. With this option, Britain could rejoin the EFTA (European Free Trade Association), which would involve membership into the European Economic Area. What it means is that the UK would still have access to trading partners in Europe.

It also means that the UK would have to adhere to standards and regulations of the EU. The UK would, however, not be able to set restrictions on immigrations. Economic experts term the EEA style agreement as the least messy one for exiting the EU. It would also result in less brunt for prospective van buyers and the commercial transport business

The commercial van business relies on various aspects of the economy to function as it does. It is a tad early to comprehend fully the effects that Brexit will have on the van business sector. The finalised agreement between the UK and the EU will dictate what happens next.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, News & Updates

8 Famous Vans From History And TV

Posted on May 23, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

GRUAU VANS are present everywhere: real life, movies, history; they are so common we don’t even notice them anymore so here is a quick overview of 8 vans that have marked history.

Rover Sunbeam Ambulance (WWI)

Even though this vehicle takes us back to some of the darkest hours of our history, it brought great relief to those who saw it as it was a sign of rescue. Imagine yourself in a cold winter in the North of France hidden in the back of a trench wounded and seeing that magnificent vehicle having this red cross on a white background, I am certain that you would have cried of joy.

Yes, ambulances were the first vans to be massively used and still are, they may not have the looks of nowadays but they definitely had an impact on the development of this type of vehicle.

Credit: 1914centenary.com

Volkswagen Type 2 (1950-1979)

The Volkswagen Type 2 has been the van of a generation and the symbol of the “hippie generation”. Unique by its design and very simple by its conception, it was originally built around the “beetle” 1100 Volkswagen air-cooled flat-four-cylinder ‘Wasserboxer’ engine located in the back of the vehicle. Not very powerful but almost indefatigable the engine was said to be repaired just with a piece of tape, a hammer, some sealant and pliers.

Credit: pixshark.com

The Mystery Machine, Chevrolet G-10 (1^st Generation, 1964-1966)

You know it from the cartoon Scooby Doo, it has marked your childhood or your children’s. This van was probably their first exposure to American vans and particularly the Chevrolet G10, emblematic model from the ‘Sixties’.

Credit: angelfire.com

The A-Team Van, GMC G-20 (1964-1996)

The famous American TV show ‘A-Team’ made this van extremely famous, icon of the pop culture. Everyone will surely remember B.A. Barracus and his famous quotes such as: “You pancaked my van! I’m gonna kill you, fool!” while speaking to “Howling Man” Murdoch or his fear of planes and helicopters, so, for sure you remember the Barracus’ black and red stripes van.

Doc Brown’s Van, GMC Value Van

One of the most famous vans ever used in many movies such as “Back to the Future” and “Cast Away” this van is very common to most of the US public services (postal services, SWAT …)

Doc Brown’s used it to transport the plutonium to power the Delorean time converter and the DeLorean itself.

The Mutt Cuts Van, 1984 Ford Ecoline

Made famous by the movie “Dumb and Dumber”, the Mutt Cuts van has become an icon for all the fans of Jim Carey’s movies. Closer to the giant dog than to the van behind it, this van is probably the main character of the movie even before the movie superstars.

Ecto-1, 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor

Famous for its use in the Ghostbusters movie this vehicle originally used as an ambulance. Known as “Ectomobile” or “Ecto-1” this limo-style ambulance conversion left its footprint (or more exactly tyreprint) in our children memories.

Only Fool and Horses van, 1964 Reliant Regal

A symbol for many of us of British car manufacturing and the main character of the mythical BBC television sitcom show nowadays broadcasted on UKTV and Gold.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, News & Updates

Does Your Van Need Upgrading?

Posted on May 23, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Have you been thinking about changing your commercial van recently? Here are some reasons that should encourage you to think about it seriously.

You are keener to go for a drive than your van

If you are finding your trusty old van which has never let you down, is sometimes not so keen to start, maybe ask yourself why. It is not unknown for vans to exceed the 200,000 miles mark; however this will not be without its costs. Already far exceeding the expected mileage for a car, if your van is touching the 150,000 mark then it is to be expected that parts are going to need replacing. Starting problems such as sensor errors, worn timing belts and starter motor issues can start to cost a lot of money. Not only does a newer van mean you are less likely to need these replacement parts; but a newer van is also cheaper in running costs and insurance.

The mechanic either sighs or rubs his hands together on your approach

Are you finding your van needs to go to the garage more often? The British Public are well known for attaching significance to possessions such as their van, and pay the money to keep them running as long as possible. Add up the costs of the repair bills over the last few months, along with road tax and insurance costs and you will probably find a newer van is a sounder investment.

You now know your breakdown provider on a first name basis

The same as we do, the older a van gets, the more she starts to show her age. Vans are probably one of the most reliable vehicles around, they are designed to cover the thousands of miles that come with being a commercial vehicle. However has your old faithful started to become a little sluggish to start or the warning lights keep coming on? If you are finding you are regularly calling your breakdown provider, and knowing ‘Dave’ the mechanic is on his way, then now is probably the time to thinking about swapping your van. If you don’t want to go for a brand new van, there is a good selection of used vans in Swindon, through Austen Trading.

You actually need more space

It may be just a case of you are finding that you just do not have enough space for your work equipment. Smaller vans are great, and a lot cheaper in running costs than a larger van. If you are however, finding the space in your van is more like a jigsaw puzzle, it is time for a change. Overloading a smaller van not only is difficult to find what you need, but also has safety implications. If you exceed the payload on your van you could also risk a large fine.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, Van Ladder Racks

11 checks to do before buying a van

Posted on May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Buying a new gruau van might seem like a good idea to some people, but the truth is, a used van can still be reliable and save you a lot of money.

If you are thinking about buying a used van, here are tips to help you find a second van that is right for you.

Do a thorough research

The best place to start looking for a used van is online. Try to compare prices of similar models and find the model that is ideal for you at a price that is friendly too. Doing some research online will also help you to determine the approximate amount of money that you need to buy a good van. In addition, you will also learn about the different models of vans available.

Buy from a reputable dealer

It’s always in your best interest to make sure that you are buying from a reputable van dealer. Austen trading has been in this business for almost two decades now. This means that you can trust them with your money. If you choose to buy from a private dealer, it’s very important that you do some checks to make sure that the person you are dealing with is legit.

What kind of work was the van doing?

The truth is it is not easy to determine the kind of work that the van was doing previously, especially if you are buying from a broker. In this light, it is very important to consider buying vans that were being used by companies. It’s easy to find out the kind of work that a business van was doing. Again, if you prefer a private dealer, make sure that you know what the van was used for before buying.

Test drive before buying

The best way to ensure that the van you are buying has all the features that you are looking for is to test drive it. This is also the best way to determine its reliability.

Mechanical checks

When test driving the van, you should also perform some mechanical checks. The following are some of the most important things to consider when carrying out mechanical checks.

Brakes – The best way to check the brakes is to try an emergency stop.
Mileage – Make sure that you check the mileage of the van before buying. Also, ensure that the interior of the van is in good shape.
Tyres – Make sure that the tyres of the vans are not worn out. The tyres must also be road legal.
Engine – It’s also important to have a quick look at the engine. Only buy the van if the engine is in good shape and has been used wisely.
Gears – While you are out for a test drive, it’s in your best interest to check how efficiently the gears change.
Lights – All the lights should be in good shape otherwise do not buy.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, Refrigerated Van

How To Fix Your Van’s Overheating Engine

Posted on May 18, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Your exterminator van‘s engine features a cooling system to prevent it from overheating during normal operation, but a surprisingly large number of items can cause this process to go awry. An overheating engine can suffer permanent internal damage such as a cracked engine block or cylinder head, so it’s important to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Below are some of the main items you will want to review:

Blown Head Gasket

A blown head gasket is one of the most common failures that result in overheating. The head gasket forms a tight seal that allows for the combustion process inside the cylinder head and engine block. Regular heating and cooling of the engine can cause the gasket to fail over time. Along with being a quite common cause of overheating, a blown head gasket is fortunately easy to detect as well. If your engine is running very rough when you start your van, a gasket fail is likely the cause.

Bad Thermostat

If your thermostat becomes stuck, it will constantly think the engine is cold, and coolant will not be able to flow to the radiator. A sure sign of a bad thermostat is that your engine will usually overheat within 15 minutes, and you will hear a loud banging sound from hot and cold coolant attempting to mix in the radiator.

Cooling Fan

Your van’s cooling fan will be located behind the radiator. The cooling fan moves air through the radiator and helps remove heat from the engine at low speeds. You can attempt to spin the wheel by hand and ensure that it can rotate freely. If the fan is hard to turn or you hear rough noises, the fan will need to be replaced.

Plugged Radiator

Your radiator can fail via three different potential problems. The most obvious issue is external blockages from dirt and debris from the road, which prevents air from freely flowing through. Your radiator can also become blocked internally, which will require removing the radiator cap and inspecting internally with a flashlight for blockages. The final issue you may experience with your radiator is a coolant leak.

Bad Pump

The coolant pump helps circulate coolant through the engine and radiator. A pump can either develop a leak due to a bad seal (which can cause squealing or grinding noises), or the pump impeller can come loose and stop pumping. Your pump will need to be replaced either way.

Low Coolant

Liquid coolant is required at an appropriate pressure and amount to keep your van’s cooling system in working condition. You can check your coolant by allowing the engine to cool off, and removing the radiator cap. You should notice a small amount of pressure released, this is normal. You can gauge your coolant to see if you are running low, which may indicate that your engine has a coolant leak.

Conclusion

This information will hopefully help assist you in diagnosing the overheating problem in your van. Remember to always consult your own vehicle’s manual for specifics, and contact a professional if you are unsure how to safely complete any repairs yourself.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, Van Ladder Racks

How to Get The Best Possible Trade-in Price for Your Van

Posted on May 15, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Trading in your old van for a new one can help you to save considerable amounts of money off one of the biggest purchases for your business.

By deciding to sell your van to a dealership, you need to accept that you won’t get as much money as if you sold it privately. The main reason for this is because the dealership has to sell that vehicle on themselves and have their own margins to consider.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t get a fair price for your van. Moreover, selling to a dealership takes away the stress and time consuming process of selling privately.

There are a number of things that you can do to ensure you get the best trade-in price possible for your van.

KEEP A FULL SERVICE HISTORY

The manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule will outline when you should have your van serviced. Usually, this will be every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Keeping a full service history shows the dealership that the van has been well looked after and shouldn’t need any mechanical work before they sell it on.

It’s also a strong selling point for them to tell potential customers. A missing service history can reduce a vehicle’s value by as much as 10%. That reduction will be passed onto you rather than being swallowed by the dealership.

Similarly, having more than three months remaining on the MOT adds more value. Ideally, you want to have more than six months left for a stronger trade-in position.

GENERAL CONDITION OF THE VAN

Turning up to the dealership with a van covered in mud and bird poo, with rubbish lining the base of the windscreen and a dirty load area doesn’t give a good impression.

You should look after the van from the moment your drive it off the forecourt to keep its resale value as high as possible for when you eventually come to sell it.

Throughout ownership the van is likely to receive scratches, dents and other minor flaws no matter how carefully you drive it. When they happen, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.

The least you can do is have it professionally cleaned inside and out to give it the maximum kerb appeal when you drive into the dealership.

REMOVE CUSTOMISATIONS

Even though it’s important to sign write your van with your company information and branding, it’s something that is completely personal to you and your business, and would make it almost impossible for a dealership to sell without removing it themselves – the costs for which will be taken out of the price of the van given to you.

If you have your company name plastered over the side of the vehicle, or if you have had it kitted out with leopard print seats and a tiger print exterior, the trade-in price will be severely affected.

Buyers tend to prefer vehicles that offer them a ‘blank canvas’ that they can make their own. Replace jazzy interiors with a more neutral design and remove any loud patterns or personalised logos on the side of the van.

Similarly, if you’ve made any technical modifications, like a special amplifier for extra loud revs, it’s best to take it off before having the van appraised.

You can always offer modifications like this as optional extras that you can add on for more cash – or you could save them for the next van you buy for yourself.

KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR VAN IS WORTH

Although this doesn’t directly impact the trade-in value you’ll be offered, knowing how much your van is worth gives you a stronger position in the negotiation with the dealer.

Using online valuation tools and marketplaces (e.g. AutoTrader), you can get a sense for how much you will be offered to trade-in and how much it is likely to be sold for. Remember that trade-in prices will be less than private or retail sale prices.

Once you have a ballpark figure of what similar cars are worth, do an honest assessment of your own vehicle taking into consideration its age, mileage and condition.

Formulating the minimum amount that you will accept as a trade-in price will ensure that you’re getting a value that works for you.

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON AND LOCATION

Vehicle buying and selling has a range of complexities that most of us don’t consider. For example, Dealer 1 might offer you a lower price for your van because they already have something similar in stock. Dealer 2 on the other hand has just sold a similar model after only one week on their forecourt making it highly desirable. As a result, Dealer 2 is likely to offer you more money than Dealer 1.

In certain areas, you might find that your van is more desirable, so you’re able to command a higher trade-in value. Similarly, there are certain months (i.e January) where buyers are more willing to splash their cash on a new van compared to others (December, for example).

Get to know the market in your area so you can approach the right dealerships at the perfect time of the year to get the highest trade-in value for your home delivery van.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, Refrigerated Van

What is a refrigerated van?

Posted on May 15, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

A refrigerated van is exactly how it sounds, it’s a van that contains the same properties as a refrigerator. These kinds of vans are used to transport items that need to stay at a certain temperature – a good example of this is foods that need to stay cold to keep them fresh.

How do Refrigeration Vans work?

They work in the same way that household refrigerators do, they use an insulated airtight compartment to absorb heat and dissolve that heat outside the compartment to ensure the inside contents stay cool.

Every refrigerated van has a condenser, much like your refrigerator at home, and this is designed to condense hot gas into liquid while the rest of the heat is dissolved into the atmosphere. The liquid is cooled and then travels to the evaporator.

The evaporator is inside the space where items are kept and is similar to the condenser in appearance. The liquid enters the evaporator through a valve and then is evaporated at a low temperature as all heat is absorbed. Fans circulate air inside the space where the goods are, in order to keep the temperature regulated and cool.

The gas produced from this returns to the compressor. The compressor is the centre of the system; it takes the low pressure gas from the evaporator and compresses into hot, high pressure gas. This gas is then pushed out of the condenser for the process to start all over again.

Insulation

Unlike household refrigerators, a refrigerated van travels outside for long periods of time in varying degrees of weather. The hot sun paired with the heat the vehicle generates to run can mean disaster for items that need to stay cool!

Therefore, the most essential part of a refrigerated van is its insulation. High-density polymer foam is the most commonly used form of insulation for refrigerated vans, as it contains loads of little air bubbles that prevent heat from entering the space where items are kept. The insulation should be thick and high quality – the better the insulation, the more heat you can prevent from getting inside the compartment.

What type of refrigerated van is for me?

You must first consider what you or your business will need a refrigerated van for, as this will give you an insight into the type that would be best and what temperatures you need to be able to transfer your items in. You should also consider how long your items will need to be in the van for before making your decision.

There are four main types of refrigerated van, these are ‘conversion’ vans which means they are regular vans which have been converted into refrigerated vans using various materials.

Insulation-only van

This type of van contains a thick layer of insulation in the loading bay, usually made out of styrofoam or polystyrene. Since there is no refrigeration, this type of van is not ideal for transporting perishable goods such as food items. This van would be a good choice for businesses like florists who want to keep a consistent temperature inside the van but don’t need to worry about chilling their items.

Chiller conversion van

This type of van is similar to the insulation-only van as it has a thick layer of insulation inside, however, it differs because a chiller conversion van containers a chiller too. Usually, this type of van can chill items to as low as 0 degrees and as high as 8 degrees, which is ideal for many food products. A chiller conversion van is a versatile option for any business that wants to ensure their items will stay at the same, optimum temperature throughout a long journey.

Semi-freezer conversion van

A semi-freezer conversion van has a much thicker layer of insulation than the previous types of vans and has its own freezer unit. With a semi-freezer conversion van, temperatures as low as -15 degrees are achievable, which makes this the perfect type of van for businesses who want to transport frozen goods.

The kind of van has some extra features too – the ‘reverse cycle defrost’ means that your goods can be automatically defrosted by reversing the actions of the condenser and evaporator. This only takes seconds! The ‘hot gas defrost’ uses the hot gas produced in the system to quickly defrost your items as well – these are handy features if your goods require fast defrosting.

Full-freezer conversion van

The final van is similar to the semi-freezer conversion van in the way that it has a thick layer of insulation of about the same size (approximately 75mm). It also has the same defrosting capabilities, meaning your products can be quickly and easily defrosted via the ‘reverse cycle defrost’ and the ‘hot gas defrost’.

The main difference with the full-freezer conversion van is that it has reinforced rear and side doors, and the freezer can keep goods much cooler – temperatures can get as low as -20 degrees! If you’re looking to let the inside temperature get as low as -25 degrees then you’ll need to look at a van with much more insulation (about 100mm) and an exterior with a specific kind of heavy door to ensure the inside temperature doesn’t fluctuate.

How can I purchase one?

You can purchase a refrigerated van in the same way you can purchase a regular van – usually through a reputable dealership or private seller.

Consider what you’ll be needing the van for – are your transporting items that need to simply be kept at a consistent temperature? Then an insulation-only van may be the easiest choice for you. Maybe the goods you are transporting are meat and dairy products that need to be chilled, in which case a chilled conversion van is probably the right way to go.

Another thing you’ll need to think about is whether it’s worth buying the van or leasing it instead. If you’re not 100 per cent sure that a refrigerated van is what you need for your business then it makes sense to hire or lease one first. That way, you can give it a test run and see how it works with your goods. If it turns out it’s not right for you, then that will be a lot of money and hassle saved!

Leasing a refrigerated van

If you decide that leasing will be the best option for you, then it’s time to do your research! There are a wide range of reputable companies that offer refrigerated van leasing, whether you need the van for the short term or long term, and can suit whatever requirements you have.

Leasing a van for a long term period could work out to be the most efficient thing for your business; you can often hire the latest models of vans and so you can be sure that they’ll be working well and are in top condition. However, leasing or hiring a refrigerated van means that the van is not your own and does put you under restrictions and time frames that you must keep to.

Getting a refrigerated van on contract hire

Another option you have is to get your refrigerated van on contract hire. Contract hire is a different form of leasing in which you drive the van over a fixed period of time – usually over a few years. You are given a predetermined annual mileage allowance for the driving period and a monthly rental fee. Like regular leasing, the van is not your own and will be returned to the company after the contract period is over. The amount that needs to be paid per month will depend on the size of the van, the length of the contract and the amount of mileage that was agreed between you and the company.

With contract hire, a maintenance package can also be purchased to cover the cost of any maintenance that the van might require. Getting a refrigerated van on contract hire is great for businesses that want a brand new van in the latest model, but don’t want the hassle that comes with getting rid of the van after the contract period has ended.

However, you’ll need to be sure you can calculate the estimated mileage for the refrigerated van before you decide to go for contract hire, and you must be sure on the term agreed because ending the contract early can be very expensive!

Buying a used refrigerated van

With all their capabilities, it’s no surprise that refrigerated vans aren’t cheap! If you’re looking to buy one new you could be spending more than £20,000 – and that can end up being very costly if you need a whole range for your business.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips

Is an electric van right for you?

Posted on May 8, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard all the talk of electric vehicles – and how they could come to play a vital role in the UK’s vehicle market. But if you’re looking to buy or lease a van, should you consider making the change? As with any big purchase, there are lots of things to consider.

First, the good points. Electric vans are – first and foremost – far better for the environment than their fossil fuel-guzzling counterparts. But that’s not all. They’re also incredibly cheap to run, and more and more charging points are popping up across the country, making it easier to top up your vehicle on the go. Moreover, there are also financial incentives in place that can help make the initial purchase more affordable. And with an emissions-free van, you’ll be able to breeze through the planned Ultra-Low Emissions Zones with ease. What’s more, they’re also virtually silent – providing a more pleasant experience for both drivers and residents when your vehicle is passing through a quiet neighborhood.

But what’s the catch? Of course, the big concern is when and how you will keep your vehicle charged. And with home charging stations taking hours to fully charge an electric van, there are obviously some obstacles in the way of long-distance travel. While there are some petrol stations that also offer electric charging points, you’ll need to meticulously plan your journey to take these into account. On top of that, electric vans are expensive – even when taking advantage of the various financing options. And if you decide to sell on, it’s worth bearing in mind that there is currently not much of a market for second hand electric vehicles.

So, as you can see, there are both pros and cons to purchasing an electric vehicle. If on the other hand you are looking for sprinter work van then commercial van solutions is your ultimate destination.

Commercial Van

Speed Limits in LCVs

Posted on May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Of course, we all know how important it is to keep an eye on our speed if we want to drive safely and minimise the chance of accidents. But if you’re used to driving a car – and now you’re leasing a light commercial vans – it’s vital to remember that different rules apply. So before you set out, make sure that you’re familiar with the right approach.

If you’re only carrying a light load, and your vehicle doesn’t weigh any more than two tons, you don’t need to worry about different restrictions – the same speed limits apply as if you’re driving a car. But for vehicles weighing between two and 7.5 tons, you can only drive up to 50 mph on single carriageways. And on dual carriageways, a limit of 60 mph applies.

The reason for this is simple – when you’re behind the wheel of a van, you’re driving a much more powerful vehicle. And if there’s an accident, you have the potential to do a lot more damage than the driver of a car. With those risks in mind, experts also recommend that you stick below 60 mph on motorways wherever possible – although the official limit is 70.

But if you’re driving long distances, how can you keep an eye on your speed? Although many people use their sat nav to keep themselves in check, this won’t take into account the fact that you’re driving a van. Instead, make sure you regularly check your speedometer, and keep your eyes peeled for any signs that might indicate a change in the limit. Moreover, remember that limits are a maximum – it’s rarely essential that you travel that fast. The most important thing is to arrive safely, so make sure that you leave plenty of time for any long journeys you’re making by van.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips

Taking your Van Abroad: A Need to Know

Posted on May 4, 2020May 8, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

We’re well into summer now – a time when most of us head abroad to make the most of the warmer weather. Taking your commercial van with you? Then it’s not just your suitcase that needs prepping. There’s a few more things you’ll need to sort out first, or you could be heading back home sooner than you thought! We’ve put together the ultimate guide so you’re covered for the road ahead.

International Driving Permit

Brexit has had an impact on us all – especially when it comes to traveling abroad. Until new agreements with EU countries are finalised, you’ll risk breaking the law if you don’t have all the correct documents. Aside from your passport, there’s other travel documents you’ll need so you can take your van abroad – and if you’re travelling outside of the EU, an International Driving Permit, (IDP) is one of them. Luckily, this can be obtained very easily – simply head down to your local Post Office to purchase one for just £5.50. It’s also worth noting that while you currently don’t need an IDP to travel within the Europe, that’ll all change in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. But don’t worry, you can keep checking back on the Post Office website using their handy ‘country checker’ tool.

Green Card

Simply having insurance isn’t enough – you’ll need proof of it too. And that’s where a Green Card comes in useful. It acts as your proof of insurance when you travel anywhere in Europe, along with a number of other countries outside the EU. These include: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Israel, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine. And the best part? It’s free! Just ask your insurer to provide you with one. Or in the event your insurer doesn’t extend your policy, you might still be able to add European cover, which will cover you for up to 30 days.

Insurance

You might be insured to drive in the UK… but are you insured to drive abroad? You can find out by speaking to your insurer, and it’s worth upgrading your policy too – just be sure to check if it’ll cost you extra. Oh, and don’t forget to read the fine print!

Overseas breakdown cover

Accidents happen – so you’ll need to arrange breakdown cover in case they do. It protects you in the event your van needs to be towed – after all, the extortionate costs that comes with returning your van from overseas just aren’t worth it! Even if you already have breakdown cover, you’ll need to check with your insurer if it’s valid to use abroad. And should you become involved in an accident, we recommend taking a dash cam – that way, you’ll have footage as proof of what happened, meaning your van insurance premium will likely be lower.

Vehicle check

There’ll be more than a few bumps in the road if your van breaks down – so prevent this from happening with a service check. We recommend getting your tyre pressures and thread looked at, as well as the water, oil and coolant level – in short, a full check! You might want to consider a beam converter kit too – blinding oncoming drivers while getting used to driving on the opposite side of the road is a recipe for disaster! And make sure your van has a clear GB sticker on your number plate. It’s easy to apply, and costs as little as £1 – just remember to remove it when you’re back home.

Driving on the right side of the road

If you were born and bred in Britain, you’ll be used to driving on the left hand side of the road. But many countries outside of the UK drive on the left hand side – and if you’ve never driven on the opposite side, you’ll need to make sure you feel confident enough behind the wheel. Wherever you’re going, we’d suggest driving on quieter roads until you feel more comfortable with the change.

Age restrictions

Travelling with an under 18 who’s thinking of taking the wheel? While the minimum age for driving in the UK is 17, regulations differ depending on which country you’re travelling to – so it’s something worth checking. You can find further details on the GOV website.

And don’t forget…

– Your car registration document (V5)

– Your travel insurance documents

– Your European Health Insurance Card (only valid if you’re travelling within Europe, of course!)

– Your authorisation letter (if it’s a company van)

– Your passport!