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How to Find the Right Commercial Van for Your Business

Written by Nationwide Cars on 19 Mar 2024, 10:54 a.m.

How to Find the Right Commercial Van for Your Business

Upgrading or investing in a commercial van is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner.  

Looking for the perfect van to meet your commercial needs? Whether you're transporting goods, equipment, or passengers, it's important to choose a vehicle that offers ample space and is a comfortable ride for your journeys across the UK. 

If you are thinking about updating your current van, Nationwide Cars has you covered. Discover everything you need to know about finding the ideal commercial van for your enterprise. 

Are Vans Commercial Vehicles? 

Yes, vans are commercial vehicles. Vans are built and designed to carry goods, equipment, or passengers. The most common commercial vans you are likely to find on UK roads are: 

What are the Different Types of Commercial Vans Available? 

Commercial vans come in different types and body styles. Understanding the differences between each van type is important when upgrading or buying your vehicle. Here, we explore a few commercial van types that are used by businesses: 

  • Panel van – A panel van has a large loading bay at the back of the cockpit and doesn’t have side or rear windows. In terms of seating, you can seat three people inside the van. 

  • Dropside van – Typically, a dropside van has a flatbed which can tip goods or cargo from the back of the vehicle. With a dropside van, it has enough space to seat two or three passengers.  

  • Chassis cab – Chassis cab and dropsides have a lot in common. With a chassis cab, it has a flat platform at the back of the van, providing space to fit boxes, beds, or other goods. 

Which Wheelbase Should I Select for My Van? 

The wheelbase you choose can make a difference to the van’s length and capacity. Selecting your van’s wheelbase has a massive impact on your van’s handling, space, and manoeuvrability on the road.  

The three common wheelbases used for commercial vans are: 

  • Short wheelbase 

  • Medium wheelbase  

  • Large wheelbase  

How Much Load Space Do You Need for Your Van? 

Having a good idea of how much load space you need for your van is dependent on the business that you operate in.  

Load space involves the total amount of available space that the van is designed to carry. Usually, load space is provided in square metres or litres. Accessing the load inside is just as important as loading the van itself. If your van has a heavy load, you’ll need to use a forklift truck to transport the goods out of the vehicle. 

Taking these things into consideration will ensure you have a van that’s designed for your business. 

Do You Need Commercial Insurance for a Van? 

Yes. If you have equipment or cargo you need to transport to do your job, then you’ll need commercial van insurance. 

Nationwide Cars has been offering commercial vans for businesses for 50 years. All our vans feature the latest in-car and safety technology, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  

Do you need a new van for your decorating business? Or are you planning to upgrade your cargo van? Contact us today, and our sales team will answer your questions. We’ll be with you every step of the way to find a commercial van that’s right for your business. 

Are you planning to convert your van into a camper van? Our step-by-step guide covers how to transform your van into your mobile home-from-home.