For a long time, the ubiquitous white van has been associated with the inner-city courier or delivery driver. And for light parcels, these commercial vans may do the trick. Although cargo vans may be cheaper to purchase and run in comparison with a light-duty truck, understanding your load and maximum capacity requirements is critical when deciding between the two.
The cargo van platform offers a very limited range of uses. Some may boast walkthrough cargo areas or longer wheelbases, but the limits of what you can do with a van when developing your business may be reached fairly quickly. Even the ‘tradie’ icon, the one-tonne ute, may find itself at its limits in some heavier trade applications.
If your business is on the rise, ensure your vehicles are up to the task and match your needs as overloading can cause severe component failure, heavy fines, and serious safety risk. If your operations demand larger loads, longer distances, or specific accessories to get the job done, a light-duty truck may be a more robust choice for you. There are also other advantages you should consider when upgrading to a truck.
How do I choose?
Most trucks are sold in a cab-chassis configuration, meaning the body type is determined by the buyer. There are many body builders out there who will fit an appropriate body that best suits your job; whether you are after a crane attachment to pick up heavy loads or a truck fitted with glass racking for a glazier. The options are almost endless, and you can go straight to a medium or heavy-duty truck if your business requires. It’s best to refer to a sales engineer who can suggest the most suitable body for your truck.
Alternatively, there are many factory body types on offer from manufacturers. Whether you are after a tipper body for a landscaper or a tray back for your toolbox and equipment, there are a number of common body types on offer to meet your needs.
Do I need a truck licence?
Compact light-duty trucks can be driven with just a car licence, as long as their gross vehicle mass (GVM) is not above 4.5-tonnes. If your desired truck has a higher GVM, you will need a heavy vehicle licence. Contact your local roads authority for more information on heavy vehicle licences.
Making the move to a truck might be the most logical option for your business when transporting larger cargo. While the offerings on the market may be daunting at first, knowing what you will use your vehicle for is the first step to getting you on your way. If your business demands more, you should be equipped to take (and deliver) whatever comes your way.