Hiring the right van for the job

Knowing what van to hire

Whether you’re moving house or in need of temporary van hire for your business, there are a range of things you need to consider before putting down a deposit. Here, we take a look at some of them to help you ensure you pick the right vehicle for the job.

What will the van be used for?

When it comes to van hire, this is the obvious question. If you’re moving furniture, for example, you’re going to need a vehicle with not only the body length, but also the roof heightcope with large items. If the van is for business use, consider your payload requirements as well as size needs. For example, a bag of cement could weigh 50kg whereas a tin of paint is around 7kg. Identify whata typical load looks like and calculate its approximate weight to find your required payload.

In addition to cargo space, you’ll need to factor in considerations such as temperature control to prevent perishable items from spoiling, or any crew-carrying needs. The latter will determine which cab option you go for. A range of different van types are on offer, from panel vans to those with room to carry several passengers, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a suitable option.

Where are you driving?

Another thing to think about with vehicle hire is how and where you will be using your chosen model. Those working in cities will need to consider the possibility of tackling narrow streets or driving through Low Emission Zones, as these will affect the dimensions and economy of the van you opt for. A long motorway drive, on the other hand,may prompt you to choose a diesel model, or one which has impressive fuel efficiency.

How much will it cost?

The final big thing to consider is the cost of the vehicle you need. Can your budget stretch to a larger model that will only require one or two trips, or do you need to opt for something smaller and accept that you’ll have to make multiple journeys to complete the task at hand? Similarly, what’s the duration of your intended hire period? Naturally, larger vans are more expensive to hire for longer periods, so how do you intend to fund that? There are several options available from dealers and hire firms, so take time to find the best deal for the model you require.

There are also running costs to factor in, such as insurance or fuel costs. These can have a big impact on your bottom line if you’re hiring for business. Some hire companies offer insurance as part of the deal, but if you are leasing for a long time frame, you may wish to use your current insurance provider.