If you look at the number of vans traveling on our roadways, you will notice most are run for commercial purposes. Whether it is a Fed Ex van, a plumber’s van, a florist delivery van, or a van being used for passenger transportation service, these vehicles are tailor-made for all types of fleet operations.

This guide is intended to help navigate the decision-making process of selecting a van for fleet use and knowing what specs to choose.

Why Fleet Programs Can Help

There are many fleet sales programs that can help you grow your fleet one van at a time or through the acquisition of many vans at once. The biggest advantage of using a fleet program to acquire a new van is the fact that pricing is usually pre-set, which eliminates negotiations. Fleet vehicles are priced slightly above the dealership’s wholesale cost. The primary reason such discounts are offered is the anticipation of continual fleet growth. The average consumer will purchase a new vehicle every six to nine years with that average now creeping closer to 11 years. A fleet owner will purchase vehicles more frequently given the regular heavy usage.

Fleet managers need to gauge which VAN TYPE would best suit their operational needs, and this requires a concrete understanding of the fleet’s vocational focus. Whatever vehicle you consider must first be able to do the job. That can make it easier to narrow down your options.

TCO: What It’s All About

The choice among vans is often simply a question of the TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO). Van selection goes back to the basics of TCO.

Unfortunately, small- to medium-size business owners, who depend on vans to maintain and expand their business, often struggle the most with finding exactly what they need. They end up either buying a vehicle that doesn’t suit their needs or they face thousands of dollars in lost revenue due to a prolonged search. If a small business owner can identify the needs of their company and purchase the correct van with a little help from industry resources, they can reduce operational costs, increase productivity, and ultimately scale their business to new levels of success.

Finding The Right Van

The proper van decreases operational costs by minimizing the need for modifications and extra upfitting. This also removes overhead costs associated with fleet management by having fewer, better-equipped vehicles. Productivity levels can increase because proper-fitted vans lessen the time needed per job, boost customer satisfaction, and provide field workers with the tools they need and encourage higher employee retention.

The van industry supplies more than just vehicles. It propels the business and people who rely on these vehicles forward in their day-to-day work. Small businesses need these vehicles to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.