Refrigerated Van

What is Refrigerated Transportation and How is it Changing the World Around Us?

Posted on January 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated trucks used to store bodies during coronavirus can go back to hauling food, FDA says | The Independent | The Independent — What is Refrigerated Transportation and How is it Changing the World Around Us?

What is Refrigerated Transportation?

Refrigerated transportation (or reefer freight) is a method for shipping freight that requires special, temperature controlled vehicles. The vehicle transporting the products being shipped has a built-in refrigeration system that keeps products at a desired temperature throughout the transportation process.

The first rudimentary version of refrigerated truck was born in the 1800s, when cargo transporters would place ice and salt below temperature-sensitive goods in train cars. This process was horribly inefficient and inevitably led to major losses in the value of goods and profitability.

In the 1900s, more efficient modes of refrigerated transportation were developed, and improvements in technology have given us cold chain logistics, which has become a massive industry and continues to grow. ‍

The Benefits of Refrigerated Transportation

For many product types, refrigerated transportation is not an option, it is an absolute necessity. The benefits of refrigerated transportation are centered around safety, compliance and basic supply and demand. ‍

Shippers of perishable products rely on refrigerated delivery service

The most obvious benefit of refrigerated transportation is that it keeps products from deteriorating and losing their value during the transportation process. This is not only true for food, such as produce, meat and dairy, but also for other sensitive items such as medical products and pharmaceuticals. ‍

A rising demand for fresh perishable goods

Refrigerated transportation allows products in need of temperature-controlled transportation to be moved from point A to point B more quickly and efficiently than alternative modes of transportation. Because of this, items in high-demand, such as fresh meat and seafood, rely on refrigerated transportation. ‍

Refrigerated freight applies to a wide range of product types

When people think of the types of products that necessitate refrigerated freight, the mind goes straight to perishable foods. In truth, refrigerated or temperature-controlled transportation is necessary for many other types of products, ranging from precious art to valuable chemicals and personal care products. ‍

Compliance and regulation in the world of shipping

Recent regulations have made it absolutely imperative for shippers to seek out and implement refrigerated transportation. We will explore this further in the following section. ‍

What is the State of the Refrigerated Freight Industry?

The refrigerated transportation industry is booming. In fact, the refrigerated transportation market in the US is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.44 percent from 2014 to 2019. The market is projected to reach 3.25 billion tons by 2022. There are a variety of reasons for this growth: ‍

Regulation makes refrigerated delivery service a must

The first is increased scrutiny by the FDA for safe food handling throughout the supply chain from manufacturer to the end user. One of the obvious pieces of the supply chain is temperature controlled vehicles for safe transportation of the product as to maintain freshness and prevent foodborne illness.

In fact, in 2015, the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) ruled that transporters of refrigerated freight be required to implement procedures for complying with provisions for temperature control, as well as the way this information would be relayed to both shippers and the end user.

The Act also included stricter requirements for training drivers on temperature management and reporting for each shipment. Companies which have successfully adapted to these regulations are the most qualified long term partners for shippers seeking to move refrigerated freight.

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How does a refrigerated truck work?

Posted on January 7, 2021January 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1569/6153/products/morgan-refrigerated-cold-star-20.jpg?v=1585586815 — How does a refrigerated truck work?

Refrigerated trucks: how do they work?

Have you ever seen a refrigerated truck on the road and wondered exactly how it manages to keep everything cold while still being mobile? The answer is so deceptively simple that it might just surprise you. The first thing you need to understand is the fundamental principle behind modern refrigeration equipment. We’re going to get into some physics here, but don’t worry, you don’t need to be Stephen Hawking to understand it.

Most people think that refrigeration equipment works by creating cold. The thing is, cold can’t be created. Cold is just the absence of heat energy. So in order to promote cold conditions, you need to remove the heat energy in the atmosphere. So in order to build a refrigeration system, you need to create a self-contained atmosphere, and then remove as much heat as possible from it.

Here’s how the cooling system works:

In a refrigerated truck, insulating a compartment and then sealing it creates a self-contained atmosphere. The insulation is made from high-density polymer foam, which is quite similar to polystyrene, although it’s constructed from a higher density and more durable polymer than you’d find in typical polystyrene insulation.

The insulation, combined with a seal around the door, creates an atmosphere that is fairly heat-tight. Then all you have to do is remove any heat that remains inside, and any heat that comes in when the door is opened. This is accomplished using a refrigeration system with a reasonably simple mode of operation. It has three different mechanisms all working together: a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator.

The condenser consists of a metal piece of pipe work that is twisted into a convoluted shape. This pipe work is filled with an incredibly high tech type of liquid, known as coolant fluid. This type of fluid has been around for a long time, but the latest kind has been developed in a laboratory to be exceptionally efficient at absorbing heat. This fluid is circulated around the pipe work, sucking up all the heat that it’s inside the freezer van chamber. As the coolant fluid sucks up the heat and becomes hot, it turns into a gas.

Once the fluid has transferred into a gaseous state, it is taken into the condenser. This is a mechanism that tightly compresses the gas down, placing it under extreme pressure and forcing all of the molecules together. In this condition, the gas is in a similar state to gas that you’d find in a household aerosol.

Once the gas has been condensed and is being held at high pressure, it’s placed into the evaporator. This machine then takes air from the exterior atmosphere and pushes it through the high-pressure coolant gas. This process cools down the coolant fluid, simultaneously converting it back into a gas and expelling the heat energy out into the atmosphere. The gas is then reintroduced into the condenser for the process to begin again. As this process is continually repeated, the atmosphere inside the refrigerated truck becomes gradually colder and colder.

As you can see, the principle behind the operation of a refrigerated truck is fairly simple. Of course this is a simplified explanation, and there are a few different subtleties beyond the scope of this FAQ, such as the temperature regulation mechanism and the intricacies of the condenser and evaporator systems, but it should have removed some of the mystery behind refrigerated trucks and their operation.

Refrigerated Van

What is Refrigerated Truck? 2020 Review

Posted on December 8, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

https://www.tranzfreeze.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Isuzu_body.jpg — Top 10 Refrigerated Van Companies – 2020 Review

As far as temperature-sensitivity is concerned, not all items are the same.

Refrigerated trucks is a real treasure to humanity as this service allows transporting goods and food that require temperature control. Without this type of trucking service, it is next to impossible to get products from the other side of the country. Given how essential these services are, there’s no shortage of opportunities for those looking to start their trucking career.

The United States houses a number of refrigerated trucking companies that are doing their best to transport products in different temperature zones. In this guide, we’ll be discussing the top refrigerated trucking companies that promise to deliver items in good condition to your pharmacy and local store. All of these are great places to work too. Have a look!

Refrigerated trucking, as the name suggests, is a cargo shipment method in a temperature-controlled manner. This method is specially employed for the transportation of foods and products that must be delivered at a specific temperature.

A trailer hauling food and other temperature-sensitive products are ideally designed to achieve the low-temperature level. It has a built-in refrigeration system to provide the right cooling so that the products remain in their pre-shipped state when they reach their destination.

The protection of materials and products, regardless of weather conditions, is the biggest asset of refrigerated trucking. This method is quite helpful in the safe hauling and transportation of fresh products across the country. It also specializes in transporting plants, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products that can’t be delivered by dry van.

Does Driving a Refrigerated Van Require Different Certifications?

Refrigerated trucking requires a lot of skills to avoid any potential damage. The driver must have a CDL license earned from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This agency is responsible for regulating trucking in all 50 states of the US. Once you get the CDL, you can add various endorsements and move around the country freely.

Do You Get Paid More to Drive a Refrigerated Van?

Driving a refrigerated truck is a bit different from driving a regular truck. You need to be more careful and responsible while conducting temperature-controlled transportation. This is why the average salary of a refrigerated truck driver is a bit higher than that of a regular trailer driver. A professional refrigerated truck driver can make from $50k to $80k a year.

Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Van body types explained

Posted on November 16, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

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Looking to get a van but confused about the different shapes? We’ve got you covered.

There’s a wealth of van types on the market to suit most needs. Each body style has specific benefits, depending on what you want it for.

And different van types will have varying repair costs and performance. This could have an impact on your van insurance costs.

But how do you know which is right for you? Here we’ll break down the most popular van types and what they’re good for.

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Do I need a special licence to drive these vans?

Your car driving licence lets you drive vans of up to 3,500kg in weight. Anything above that and you’ll need an upgraded licence.

Pickup truck

Pickup trucks have an iconic shape due to their open rear cargo bed. They’re useful for hauling materials without the worry of height restrictions.

Pickup trucks can also come as a 4×4 if you need a little extra power.

Luton and box vans

Both Luton and box vans have closed, raised cargo areas. They’re the biggest kind of van you can drive on a standard driver’s licence.

Given their size, these vans are useful for large haulage and removals.

The difference between a Luton and a box van is that box vans have a separate cargo area from the cabin. Luton vans have it all integrated.

Some box vans have a plastic curtain on the sides to allow forklift trucks to pick up goods. These are sometimes called curtain-side vans.

A typical Luton van has these dimensions: 7 metres long, 2 metres wide and 3 metres high.

Panel van

Panel vans are one of the most popular types of van around – they’re likely what you think of when you think ‘van’.

Panel vans tend to not have windows in the sides or rear, which can be useful for security.

If you’re after an all-rounder for business and pleasure, a panel van could be for you.

Tipper truck and flatbed vans

Like pickup trucks, flatbed vans have an open cargo space at the back. The main difference is that flatbed vans:

Are longer than pickup trucks
Have lower sides.
Have a separate cabin area.

You can fit a flatbed van with a hydraulic arm to tip the cargo area – these are ‘tipper trucks’.

Flatbed vans and tipper trucks are good for hauling tall items, or if you’re in the building trade.

Some flatbed vans can have their sides dropped for better access. As the name suggests, these are sometimes called drop-side vans.

You can get flatbed vans under 3,500kg, but most tend to be heavier than this. You may need an upgraded licence to drive them.

Refrigerated vans are used to keep goods and medications below a certain temperature.

If you’re in the food business, these would be an obvious contender for transporting food.

Refrigerated vans are often converted from standard vans.

Mobile catering and ice cream vans

Both are used for selling food to customers. Some ice cream vans only have a freezer – some also have a machine to serve soft ice cream.

Like refrigerated vans, these are often conversions of standard vans.

Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Refrigerated vans and fresh food – it’s not simple any more

Posted on November 16, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

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The grocery business has become more and more reliant on the sale of fresh produce over recent years. Around 40% of grocery sector income is made up of baked goods, fruit and veg, dairy products, meat and fish. The supply chain has to be right, as the handling and transport of these goods can lead to a great deal of wastage.

Refrigerated vans are a key part of the logistics process with many benefits, but it takes more than simply purchasing a van to get the process running smoothly. The products are easily damaged, perishable and quality control processes can be very costly.

As more and more consumers seek a healthier lifestyle and want to eat fresher food the task becomes more complex. An expanding range of fresh food must be transported, requiring distinct environments in terms of temperature and humidity, and different handling strategies.

The most successful food retailers indeed take a strategic approach to their refrigerated van fleet and to every step in the transportation process. They focus on offering a value proposition, rather than just trying to do everything as cheaply as possible. They merchandise well, ensuring that customers appreciate the quality of what they have to offer. Their sourcing and supply chain processes focus on the best producers, who are aligned with their goal to get the food produce to market as fresh as possible. They consider the procedures in the shop, to make sure that the last link in the chain is as strong as every one before it. They also take a pragmatic approach to waste and quality management, considering the two as an integrated dynamic that are intrinsically linked to the quality they offer.

Refrigerated transport and handling processes

At every stage of the process there are people and there is transport. When these two come together there is the possibility for mishandling or mismanagement. The people and transport are often the most important aspect of the supply chain; sometimes costing more than it actually cost to produce the food. Choosing a van and temperature controlled environment is down to the type of produce, the distance of transport, the value of the product, and any handling difficulties.

In any retail supply chain dealing with fresh produce it is vital that some key principles are built into the refrigerated transportation process.

Transport times should be reduced as much as possible
The fresh food must be kept safe and protected from physical damage and temperature changes
The good must not become dehydrated
Airflow, humidity and temperature must be carefully controlled and continuously monitored

The quality of refrigerated vans these days, with flexible storage, closely controlled atmospheres, and a range of sizes to meet different logistical requirements means retailers are more able to transport fresh goods than ever before. We have come a long way from the ice being transported from Lake Wenham in the US to be used in London retail outlets. Refrigerated vans are now versatile enough to tackle the plethora of needs any retail could have.

Every step is crucial

The chain to get fresh produce from the field to the consumer involves many small journeys. The truth is that the shorter the journey the less important it is normally deemed by those making it. The reality is that every short journey counts, and the entire chain must be aligned in the same vision; to get the food to market as fresh as possible. Journeys at source are hard to control (hence the need to choose sources carefully). Challenges in the chain can increase wastage, reduce end consumer satisfaction with products, and even lead to poor handling practices and injury amongst workers. Modern equipment can work hand in hand with transport vans to increase the speed and safety of transportation over these short repetitive journeys. Investment in the supply chain certainly pays dividends.

Some steps that can help in the supply chain include.

Choosing packaging that fits the process, and is easily loaded
Providing training on food freshness and loading to all staff in the chain
Using ramped loading bays
Using conveyors, fork lifts and trolleys for the shorter journeys to the vans
Using small refrigerated vans for small journeys

Loading onto refrigerated vans should not be a haphazard process. Staff need to be able minimise the motion of the food produce whilst maximising use of the available space. They need to leave ventilation gaps and spread the weight as evenly as possible. With loads of mixed produce they should be mindful of the load order; last in first out. It is also important to have well trained van drivers too. The great things is that vans these days come with side loading and rear loading doors. The storage containers within can be bespoke built to ensure they are appropriate for the produce.

Refrigerated vans are not necessarily a must at every step of the way. Enclosed vans can be used for shorter journeys; especially if they are cooled. Open vans offer natural ventilation. However, in the majority of cases refrigerated vans provide the optimal environment for ensure the safe passage of perishable food produce from the field to the consumer.

Refrigerated Van

The Benefits of Refrigerated Vans

Posted on November 9, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

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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.

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.

versatility-cover-reefer-vans-suppose-u-drive

Refrigerated Van Versus Truck

Both refrigerated (reefer) vans and trucks are great for maintaining temperatures for products that require it. Whether you are transporting a long distance or moving sensitive goods from one location to another across town, the reefer vehicles will get the job done.

However, not all companies need or even want a large truck, which makes the refrigerated van ideal. The van is easy to take on the road and get from point A to point B. It is also much easier to maneuver and it does not require special licensing, as do the larger trucks.

Below are a few more advantages of using the refrigerated van instead of the reefer truck.

The smaller size of the van provides easier access to the goods being transported unlike the large capacity of the truck.
The vans floors are smooth in the refrigerated vans make moving products in and out easy.
Better fuel efficiency

Perhaps you already have refrigerated trucks and need to add additional vehicles but on a smaller scale, in which case, a refrigerated van may be exactly what you are looking for. Another advantage in acquiring a refrigerated van is using it as a “fill in” vehicle to avoid downtime or to accommodate for unexpected overflow on a haul.

Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

The benefits refrigerated vans can have for your business

Posted on October 12, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated van buyer's guide: the main key factors to consider | CoolKit Limited

The use of temperature-controlled vehicles is increasing in popularity year on year. Many businesses now rely heavily on refrigerated van for the transportation of food, flowers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and many other goods. The nature of the vehicles allows drivers full control over how their goods are handled, and ensures that their produce is delivered safely, securely and in perfect condition.

For small businesses, investing in this type of vehicle long-term isn’t always a viable option due to budget restraints, and in some cases it’s not always possible to know if the up-front investment will be worth it or not. This is why more and more companies are heading towards short or long-term leasing, to take the stress and hassle out of the process themselves.

If you’re not sure how refrigerated vans can benefit your business, we’re here to give you the rundown on the key elements of the vehicles themselves, and also why renting could just be the perfect investment for your company.

Here’s our top 10 advantages of refrigerated vans…

1. Not just for food transportation

Contrary to popular belief, refrigerated vans aren’t exclusive to the food industry. Of course, due to the nature of the catering industry, fridge & freezer vans have always been and will continue to be required for food transportation, but the versatility of refrigerated vehicles opens them up to be of service to a whole host of other industries too.

The transportation of pharmaceutical goods, in particular, relies heavily on temperature-controlled vehicles. Due to the high value of many drugs and medicine, it’s vital that they are stored at the correct temperatures to prevent them spoiling, getting contaminated or damaged in excessive heat or freezing temperatures.

They are also an essential tool in the florist industry, as they help to ensure that flowers stay fresh throughout transportation for maximum shelf life. Unsurprisingly, many cosmetics & perfumes are also required to be transported in temperature-controlled vehicles, to prevent certain products such as lipsticks from melting, and perfumes from spoiling.

The same rules apply to products in other industries from chemicals and engineered materials, to tobacco products and even fine art & antiques, to protect their delicate finishes in extreme temperatures.

2. You control the temperature

Being able to manually control the temperature of the van is a necessity, especially when transporting perishable foods and food that needs to be stored at different temperatures. With this being said, it’s imperative that you are already aware of the exact temperature which needs to be achieved before hiring a vehicle, as they will have different minimum freezing temperatures. The temperature can be easily adjusted by the driver to ensure that ideal temperatures are always achieved when carrying different goods.

3. Dual compartments

Following on from our previous point, refrigerated vans with dual compartments for adjustable temperatures are also available. This is the perfect solution for produce that requires different storage temperatures, as they can be set accordingly to each individual compartment.

This feature works especially well for catering companies who need to deliver both refrigerated and frozen goods, without the need to transport separately.

4. Overnight standby

All of our refrigerated vans are fitted with electrical standby, ensuring a seamless transition from on-road use to the vehicle reaching the stationery position. This means that you can be relaxed knowing that all goods will be kept cool overnight or whilst unloading, even when the engine is turned off and the vehicle isn’t in use – so you no longer need to worry about fresh produce perishing overnight.

5. Expand your business

Refrigerated van hire is a step in the right direction if you’re looking to grow your company. Having a transport & delivery solution means that you are no longer confined to the premise of your shop, and can look to reach a wider audience whilst still retaining the quality of your produce during transportation.

This is especially beneficial for small businesses such as florists or deli shops looking to branch into the catering industry. It’s not always possible for customers to travel to your location, and nowadays a door-to-door service is more expected than ever, making it a great way to attract new consumers and increase sales.

Not only that, but it gives you the ability to go one step further – attending conferences, shows and events to showcase your products and build your brand. This is a great way of getting your name out there, spreading the word and earning a small profit from attendees at such events.

6. Encourages local business growth

Expanding on our previous point, more and more people are making a bid to support local businesses, and this is the ideal way to encourage such spending habits. In a recent YouGov study, it was found that 79% of adults in Britain think it’s important to buy locally sourced products. If this sector of the market applies to you, then being able to provide refrigerated transportation to keep produce fresh, only makes it easier to access consumers and encourage them to source local products as opposed to mass-produced items in supermarkets.

This is a good way to build a loyal customer base, which you can rely on to favour the produce that they love (your products) over common branded items, when you’ve initially put the procedures in place to make it easier for them to access, via refrigerated transportation.

7. Cost effective

There’s no long-term commitment involved in vehicle renting. You can hire it for as long as you want, when you want. This is the perfect solution for businesses which perhaps don’t have the budget to invest in a van, or aren’t too sure if it’s something they require full term, so are looking to try it out for a while.

In addition to this, refrigerated van hire is also an ideal solution to cover you when your trucks are out of service. No business wants to have to put their proceedings on hold and risk losing out on cash whilst their vans are in for repairs after an unexpected mechanical fault. If your business relies heavily on the use of temperature-controlled transportation, then rental companies are great for providing a back-up in this type of situation. It’s a quick process, and you can expect to be driving a van away on the same day.

8. The perfect size for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, and we know that businesses require different size vans and load spaces, which is why we offer a variety of different van sizes to cater for every bodies needs. Depending on how much produce you have to transport, we will have a van perfectly suited to carry the load.

9. Latest models available

All of our vehicles are the latest models, and we’re regularly adding new vans to our fleet. With this, you can be sure that you’re driving away a top quality vehicle in brilliant working condition, and trust that it will be reliable from job to job.

This takes the risk out of purchasing a refrigerated which may be a slightly older model depending on what your budget allows, and having the inconvenience of being without it and incurring repair costs if anything was to fault.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Top 5 Challenges of Refrigerated Trucking

Posted on October 1, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated trucking is a complicated process with many challenges. It’s essential to maintain proper temperatures in order to ensure the food stays fresh and follows regulations to keep consumers safe, but this isn’t always easy.

Drivers who transport refrigerated goods require a deep knowledge of how refrigerated trailers function in order to execute a successful delivery. In this blog, we explore the top five refrigerated trucking challenges that the industry faces today.

Loss of Temperature

This is the first and most obvious challenge. The main cause of loss of temperature is poor loading practices, or when a package sits out on the loading dock too long. However, it can also result from the reefer unit being set at the wrong temperature — although reefer units are meant to maintain the temperature level, not take away heat and reduce the temperature. It is estimated by industry analysts that 32% of refrigerated cargo loaded onto refrigerated vehicles is at the wrong temperature at the time of loading. Temperature abuses that exceed the food tolerance level can have a huge effect on the quality of the food, leading to rejected loads by the receiver. Overall, loss of temperature can have a negative effect on your bottom line and reputation.

Equipment Failure

Just like any other piece of equipment, a reefer unit can experience problems and stop working. Some of the most common malfunctions include fluid leaks, faulty belts and hoses, faulty calibration, damaged air chutes, condenser issues, sensor malfunctions, door seals damaged, and bulkhead blockage. If these problems aren’t dealt with quickly, they can affect the temperature inside the reefer unit and compromise the quality of your load. To prevent this, modern refrigeration units can have more than 200 alarm or fault codes. However, don’t rely just on this technology — the best way to avoid equipment failure is to conduct regular maintenance checks.

Driver Mistakes

Any driver operating a refrigerated truck should undergo training so they know how to set controls for their reefer unit. Without this training, drivers may make the mistake of setting the reefer unit to start-stop mode instead of continuous-run mode or vice versa. In addition, drivers who aren’t familiar with the reefer’s alarm codes won’t know how to respond and identify a problem when an alarm is triggered. Another common mistake is forgoing a visual inspection of the load, which can cause drivers to miss an issue that could have been easily avoided. While equipment failure is unavoidable at times, driver mistakes can be eradicated with adequate education or by simply watching instructional videos that are available online.

Compliance Issues

In April 2016, the FDA finalized the Food Safety Modernization Act rule on the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food to prevent food contamination during transportation. This came as a response to listeria and salmonella outbreaks stemming from the handling of food. There are concerns because the document fails to clearly define what “adequately cleaned and sanitized” means, leaving it up to the discretion of the driver. This ambiguity leaves room for error and increases the likelihood of food contamination. However, fleets can do their best to eliminate any questions they may have about what constitutes as compliant practices by taking part in food safety training and keeping a record of procedures.

Identifying Quality Carriers

Due to the challenges listed above, it’s difficult to find a carrier with the experience and knowledge required to transport refrigerated loads without issue. On top of this, we are in the midst of a massive truck driver shortage. According to NPR, “The American Trucking Associations figures companies need about 60,000 drivers, a number that could top 100,000 in just a few years.”

cargo van, Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, Multifunction Power Systems, Refrigerated Van

How Does Van Leasing Work?

Posted on August 8, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

If you’re looking for a brand new van to drive your business forward, but don’t want to pay out a lump sum upfront, leasing might just be for you

What Is Van Leasing?

Refrigerated van leasing is when you pay a monthly fee to drive a van. Think of it as renting, but typically for a longer period. You’ll pay a small initial rental at the beginning, a monthly fee for the term of your lease and hand your van back at the end. Simple!

Why Lease A Van?

The benefits of leasing a van are becoming clear as it gets more and more popular. These include:

An Affordable Fixed Monthly PaymentThis is one of the key benefits of leasing. It allows you to stay on top of your monthly budget and keep your outgoings low by spreading your payments over time.
Not Dealing With A Depreciated AssetLike almost all vehicles, vans depreciate in value over time. Leasing means you’re not left with a used van to sell. You simply give the van back at the end of your contact & you can upgrade to a brand new model – just like you would with a mobile phone.
Advanced Breakdown CoverLeasing with Vanarama also makes you eligible for benefits including Advanced Breakdown Cover, so throughout your lease you never need to worry about your business being off the road.
A Range Of Extra SavingsYou won’t need an MOT or road tax on a brand new van for the first 3 years. If you’re VAT registered you can also claim this back on a commercial vehicle.

How To Lease A Van: Step-By-Step Process

Choose Your Van The first step is to choose the van you want. We have a wide variety of the latest models to make your business, look the business
Choose Your Lease Package Next up you choose the type of lease you want, how long you’d like to lease for (typically 2,3 or 5 years) and how many miles you think you’ll drive in that time.
Provide Your Financial Details We’ll then need some details from you to secure credit from one of the finance companies we partner with. This is when they’ll do a credit check to ensure you’re able to afford the monthly payments. You’ll tell us how much you can afford as your initial payment and we’ll take holding deposit to secure your new van.
Van Delivery Once all the paperwork is sorted, your van will be delivered direct from the dealer, straight to your door!
Enjoy Your Van For the Length Of Your Lease Contract And that’s it, you’ll keep your business moving for the length of your lease.
Return Your Lease Van Finally, at the end of the lease, you simply hand the van back and, if you want to, you can upgrade to the latest model and start the process all over again!

What Are The Different Leasing Options?

There are 3 main lease options we offer at Vanarama. These include Van Business Contract Hire, which is our most popular form of leasing. The others are Van Business Finance Lease and Van Contract Purchase which come with an option to own the car at the end of your term.

What Is Van Business Finance Leasing?

Van Business Finance Leasing is when you pay a monthly fee to drive a new van but you have responsibility for the vehicle at the end of the lease. So alongside the initial rental, you will also pay a final payment.

This has pros and cons… if the value of the van is higher than expected at the end of your lease, you can sell the van, pay the final payment and make a profit. However, there is always a risk the van will have depreciated in value and you will be liable for a balloon payment higher than the value of your van. Beware, you also can’t personally own the van at the end of the lease and you will need to sell it on.

What Is Van Business Contract Hire?

Van Business Contract Hire is leasing in its purest form and is the most popular package we offer. You pay a monthly fee to drive your van and get to give it back at the end of your lease.

There are lots of advantages to Van Contract Hire including initial payments that tend to be the lowest amongst all the options, affordable monthly payments and no risk of being stuck with a depreciated asset at the end of your contract.

What Is Van Contract Purchase?

Van Contract Purchase is typically offered to those that really want to own their van at the end of their lease. Unlike the other two options, Contract Purchase allows you to personally own the van.

With this option you still have the advantage of fixed monthly payments but they do tend to be higher than the other two options. You will also have a final payment you’ll be liable for.

How Are My Fixed Monthly Payments Calculated?

For every type of lease agreement, there are 4 variables that determine what your monthly payment will be:

The Cost Of The Vehicle The first is the cost of your new van. The lower the value of your van, the lower the initial rental and monthly payments will be. Remember, because of the significant volume of vehicles we lease, we’re eligible for discounts on all our vehicles which we pass straight onto you. So leasing with Vanarama means you’ll pay less!
Interest Rates When you lease your van, you’ll be doing a deal with one of the funders in our panel. The deals the funders offer will very much depend on the interest rates at the time. The good news is that even if interest rates increase between getting a quote and delivery of your van, your quote won’t increase. However, if interest rates go down, we’ll pass this saving onto you and you’ll see your monthly payments decrease.
Residual Value As well as your mileage and the length of your lease, what your van is estimated to be worth at the end of your term is another important factor when calculating your monthly payments. There are a range of variables affecting the estimated residual value including the lenders’ personal experience, how many of that model they have and the perceived risk of that vehicle.
Initial Rental At the beginning of your lease, you’ll pay an initial rental. This, alongside the length of the agreement, will affect how much your monthly payments will be. You can decide how much you want to pay up front based on how much you can afford. But remember, the more you pay upfront, the less you’ll pay in the following months.

Leasing FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Lease A Van?

This really depends on the type of van you’re after. At Vanarama we have some amazing deals, meaning you could lease a brand new Citroen Berlingo for as little as £139 per month*, a Fiat Fiorino from as little as £115 per month* and the popular Ford Transit from as little as £195 per month*. On average our customers spend around £250 per month on a van lease with us.

*Prices correct at time of publication 25/2/20 and are subject to change based on current offers.

Are All Leased Vans New?

At Vanarama we only lease brand new vans. Of course, you can lease a used one elsewhere, but why would you want to when it often works out cheaper (and certainly better) to lease new?

How Long Does Delivery Take?

Obviously this is dependent on the vehicle you choose, whether it’s in stock and if you’re having accessories fitted. If the van you choose is in stock and available, it can take as little as 2-3 weeks to be delivered.

What Is A Pre-Reg Van?

A pre-reg van is a brand new van that has already been registered (given a registration plate by the DVLA). Depending on how long a van has been registered for might mean we can offer you a much better deal.

Is Tax & Insurance Included In Your Van Contracts

VED Tax (sometimes known as road tax) is included as part of your monthly payments. Insurance is not included, but we have some excellent and competitive policies including Multi-Year Insurance which freezes the annual premium of your van insurance for the entire duration of your lease.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips, News & Updates, Refrigerated Van

Choosing a Refrigerated Van – Guide

Posted on July 11, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

A refrigerated truck can be vital to businesses that need to transport goods at a certain temperature.

For example many food products will need to be transported at a certain temperature in order to prevent them from going off or out of date. There are plenty of different styles and types of refrigerated van available; therefore choosing the right refrigerated van can be an important decision and a costly one if it is not made correctly.

In this blog entry we have put together some top tips and things that you should consider when choosing your refrigerated van.

It is important that you provide the seller or the company converting your vehicle with as much detail as possible so that they can help you work out which type of van will be most appropriate for your industry specific needs. You might want to consider…

What temperature do you require your goods to be chilled at?

This depends on what food you are transporting. For example, ice cream needs to be at -20 and frozen meat no warmer than -15. If you’re carrying bread or cold meat you would be using just chilled operation at around plus 2 or 3, similar to a home refrigerator temperature.

Do you require a chiller van or a freezer van?

Again this will require you to think about the type of products/ goods that you are going to be transporting in these vehicles. Some conversions will allow you to split the temperature in the van so that you can transport good that might require different storage temperatures. All RVR vans have dual compartments, allowing you to carry foods at different temperatures.

Will you need to defrost the goods in your van?

Most vans will defrost on a timed basis. Systems and kits can also be installed to help maintain a constant temperature within the van. All RVR vans have an automatic defrosting system.

Will you need to keep the van refrigerated overnight?

Some vans will allow you to attach a plug in electric stand that will allow you to keep the goods in your van refrigerated and cooled over night without the need for the van engine to be kept running. This can often be a cost effective solution for storing your food at the correct temperature required. All RVR vans have this facility.

How long are you going to need your van for?

Varying contracts can usually be taken out on hiring a refrigerated vehicle. This can range from day hire to weekend hire, monthly hire to seasonal hire or long term contract hire.

Remember a good refrigerated van business should be able to help you with all your refrigerated needs.