Refrigerated Van/Temperature Controlled Van
Pretty obvious this – a van in which the load area is temperature controlled. Intended for the transporting of perishable items, such as chilled food. Sometimes called chiller vans.
Flatbed
A cab or crew cab with a flat, unenclosed load bed. Can be equipped with a small crane for loading and unloading. Often used by building material suppliers.
Light Van
Sits between car-derived and panel vans, offering a greater load volume and capacity than a car-derived van. Suitable for carrying small to medium loads. Used by plumbers, handymen, gardeners, and for small deliveries.
£2000 cost of ownership improvement for new Ford Transit Custom
Ford boss Mark Ovenden reveals major uplift on residual values offering van managers lower operating costs thanks to better RVs
TNT picks Volkswagen Crafter conversion for box van trial
Story: COLIN DAWSON Business-to-business express operator TNT Express is putting 10 Volkswagen Crafter single chassis cab box vans through their paces. The box van conversion, by Altrincham specialists Cartwright, was carried out to TNT’s specific requirements. The Crafters, which will be based at TNT’s Bristol depot, were purchased through Volkswagen’s Van Centre in Manchester. TNT delivers up to [...]
Pick-up buyers can test new Isuzu D-Max on Shrewsbury dealer’s off-road course
Story: COLIN DAWSON If you’re in the market for a pick-up and based within striking distance of Shrewsbury, Isuzu has extended its West Midlands dealer network with the appointment of Shukers Ltd, at Bayston Hill in Shropshire. Tradesmen and small businesses with a requirement for pick-ups, such as farmers, forestry workers and landscapers, will be able to test [...]
All-round improvements for Renault Master
Story: COLIN DAWSON Improvements to Renault's Master range offer better fuel economy, lower emissions and enhanced specifications SME van operators who favour Renault’s largest model should now find it better than ever, according to the manufacturer. A range of improvements to Master vans has enhanced fuel economy and lowered engine emissions, says Renault. A number of specification changes [...]
New FTA courses to enhance van operators safety and efficiency
Story: COLIN DAWSON Van operators who want to ensure they are operating legally, safely and efficiently can benefit from two new training courses on offer from the The Freight Transport Association. One is for individuals managing or supervising freight van fleets; the FTA course us for those managing or supervising passenger van fleets. Both are aimed at raising [...]
Financing your business van
Van leasing agreements are not just the preserve of big companies. SME's can use them too
Release capital, ensure predictable cash flow, and at the end of the agreement, just had the van back. Got to be worth a thought.
Citroën extends ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ scheme
Story: COLIN DAWSON Citroën’s ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ four-year warranty, servicing and Citroën Assistance package, launched earlier this year, has been extended to qualifying customers on all new Citroën vans and light commercials supplied by participating dealers and Business Centres. This scheme was originally introduced as a limited-period package on any Euro 5 Citroën Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch or [...]
Are heavy vans heading for an operator licence requirement?
Heavy vans have the worst MOT failure record of any class of vehicle. Will they be subject to greater regulation?
Are operator licences heading your way if you operate a 3.5t van? With a 50% MOT failure rate, and a poor record of operating standards, questions are being raised over increased regulation.
Size it up: common sizes and weights
WHAT van is right for you? Two things: size and weight. When you’re choosing a van, make sure it’s big and strong enough to handle your typical cargo. Check the width, length and height of the van’s cargo hold. Check its maximum payload. And if you tow, check its maximum trailer weight. Then ensure the van meets your cargo needs. [...]
Citroën packs extras for enterprising van drivers
Story: COLIN DAWSON If the idea of driving a van with enhanced safety, driver comfort and communications appeals, Citroën is extending the availability of its Enterprise van range from this month. Optional Enterprise Packs are now are available on Berlingo LX, Berlingo XTR+, while Relay and Dispatch panels vans will get the pack options from September and October. [...]
There’s nothing scary about Van Monster website
Story: COLIN DAWSON Business van buyers can search for vehicles by make, model, type, price and location Looking for a used van in The North, Midlands or west Scotland? Then commercial vehicle retailer Van Monster has launched a new website aimed at local businesses in need of secondhand vehicles at ‘competitive prices’. The recently launched website www.vanmonster.com offers a [...]
Fiat Professional extends hi-spec Tecnico treatment
Story: COLIN DAWSON If you’re in the market for a van with high-specification equipment, Fiat Professional has extended the availability of its Tecnico special series, which it launched earlier in 2012 on the Ducato 35 Van 2.3 Litre 130 MultiJet II LWB HR (L3H2). According to the company, the Tecnico series has been extremely well received by customers. [...]
