As a delivery driver, the most important asset you have is your vehicle. With so many options when it comes to choosing one, it can be challenging to know which vehicle could be the best one for your business. So, in this guide, we will discuss the suitability of different types to help give you a clearer understanding of the best option for your business.
Cycle and Motorbike Delivery Drivers
While limiting, bicycles and motorbikes could be a cost-effective choice of vehicle for a small city-centre based delivery business. This green solution reduces or eliminates fuel costs which can help you save money while getting your business established.
Bicycles can easily allow you to cover a 2-mile radius, and with a fleet of bikes and employees, you could scale your business to suit demand as it grows. Motorbikes work similarly but allow you to cover a wider area and make deliveries faster.
That being said, the obvious drawback is that there is very little space to carry parcels which, depending on the size of your business, could limit your deliveries.
Cars for Delivery Drivers
When starting your delivery driving business, you may not have the money to buy a van straight away. Using your own car is a cost-effective way to get your business started, allowing you to cover a wider radius for deliveries and carry more than on a bicycle or motorbike. This will enable you to scale up your business and let it become successful and grow before the added expense of buying or leasing a bigger vehicle. Remember, you will still need to appropriate and correct insurance cover for ‘carriage of goods for hire and reward’ regardless of whether you are using your own car.
Your car will need to be big enough to hold your parcels without obscuring your rear window, which is both inadvisable and illegal unless your vehicle is a commercial van that has been designed to have no rearview mirror.
If you have a small delivery business and are looking to buy a car specifically for your business, it is always best to look for a practical car with good boot space, such as an estate, and an economic mpg rating to save you money on fuel.
Vans for Delivery Drivers
So, you’re ready to make the leap with your business and buy or lease a van. Having a van will open up many opportunities for your delivery business. You will be able to travel further for deliveries, offer your services to a broader range of clients, and you’ll be able to undertake larger deliveries and offer multi-drop services.
When deciding to buy or lease a van, it is worth considering the substantial impact that this will have on your outgoings. With the cost of fuel added to the expenditure of an outright vehicle purchase or leasing fees, you will need to make sure that this is a viable and worthwhile purchase to meet the needs of your business. Therefore, our best advice when choosing a van is to look for economical options to save on costs allowing you the benefit of having a van for your delivery driving business for less.
Economical Car-Derived Vans
Car-derived vans are affectively a goods vehicle that, from the outside, look like a car, but on the inside, they feature a payload area with a floor panel and no rear seats giving you lots more space for your cargo. With options such as the Ford Fiesta van, Vauxhall Corsa van and the Renault Clio van, compared to standard-sized vans, car-derived vans are an economical alternative and an excellent choice for a delivery driver that is just starting up their business.
Small Vans
If you have a small business or are just starting out, a great choice of vehicle is a small van. Acting as a cost-effective alternative to a larger panel van while still offering a moderate payload, this could be the perfect choice for your new business. Choosing a van that is smart on fuel consumption is key, as this will help you keep expenses to a minimum. Some economical small vans options include the Ford Transit Courier, Fiat Fiorino Cargo and Renault Kangoo.
Mid-Panel Vans
Suitable for most delivery driving jobs, a mid-panel van is a great all-rounder choice for a delivery vehicle. Boasting a generous payload space and the ability to travel long distances, this may be a worthy investment for your business. A selection of robust and comfortable mid-panel vans include the Volkswagen Transporter, Citroen Dispatch or the Renault Trafic.
Large-Panel Vans
As a business that needs to haul a large number of delivery items to clients, a large panel van offers a substantial area that will comfortably fit your payload. But, choosing the right van isn’t always easy when there are so many options to choose from. The last thing you need is a hefty fuel bill. So, start by researching some economic van choices that will help you reduce your expenses and be kinder to the environment. Some of the most popular options include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and Fiat Ducato.
Summary
When it comes to choosing a van, consider the size of your business and your payload requirements. You can always scale up as your business grows, ensuring the right balance of vehicle features and size to the affordability of the associated expenses. It is also good practice to choose an economical van that will help you save money in the long run.
Check out our guide to fuel efficiency for handy tips to allow your full tank to go further!
