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Articles by Van management
Research shows fleets turning to used vans
Four out of 10 fleets plan to start adding used vans to their roster in the next three years, according to new research. Some 16% of the 8,000-plus operators in 30 countries questioned by the Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet & Mobility Barometer revealed that they are already using pre-owned light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
FridgeXpress launches new healthcare vans for hire
Specialist van renter FridgeXpress has added a new range of dual-evaporated refrigerated Mercedes Sprinter vans to its LCV hire services, specially designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical sector. The new conversions, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) compliant, feature a removable mattress bulkhead and with dual refrigeration systems, can transport various medication loads at the same time.
EV order quotas create a conundrum for van fleets
ORDER quotas being stipulated by van manufacturers in response to the zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate are creating a conundrum for operators, says the Association of Fleet Professionals’ (AFP). The industry body is reporting that several major van makers are insisting that a proportion of all vehicle orders must be electric vans in order to reflect the percentage of ZEV vehicles they are now legally required to sell.
Northgate experiences telematics growth as fleets improve vehicle and driver efficiency
NORTHGATE has experienced a huge growth in the take-up of its telematics offering over the past 12 months with more than 10,500 units now in use across its customers’ fleets and non-Northgate hire vehicles, with the biggest growth coming from camera telemetry.
Ford Drive subscription gives businesses a simple way to transition to electric
FORD is offering business owners the chance to subscribe to Ford E-Transit vehicles on a monthly subscription basis through its new Ford Drive venture. The flexible solution not only allows businesses to add to their fleets as they need to, it can also give those looking to transition to electric commercial vehicles a way to test the real-world suitability without the commitment of buying a vehicle.
Northgate launches new micromobility solution for corporate fleets
NORTHGATE is launching a new micromobility programme which offers a range of electric vehicle solutions including electric utility vehicles and eCargo bikes to rental customers. This is in response to a growing need for emissions-free, flexible electric options to sit alongside more traditional commercial vehicle types to suit a range of specific customer requirements.
Van drivers working longer hours as pressure on businesses mounts
TWO-THIRDS (60%) of UK van drivers are working longer hours as continuing cost pressures contribute to a bleak economic outlook for many, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers revealed that 68% are feeling no more optimistic about the outlook for their business than they did last year, with the rising cost of materials among the greatest challenges*.
New package combines cost certainty of leasing with rental flexibility
WITH a clear focus on the financial pressures businesses are currently facing, Europcar has launched a new solution for one or two year van rental. Designed to provide certainty over costs, the rate for the new package encompasses all costs, including maintenance and servicing, with the commitment-light benefits of rental. Keith Shorter, UK Vans and Trucks Director at Europcar said the new solution aims to provide the flexibility of rental without any variables in the cost.
Duck the charge: Can van drivers save by avoiding toll roads?
RECENT data analysis has revealed the substantial financial contribution made by vans to toll roads in England. In 2022, they generated a daily estimated revenue of £339,488, resulting in an annual revenue of over £123 million. Van drivers, who make up 18% of road traffic, are spending more time exploring cost-efficient ways to manage their expenses on the go. Research by Go.Compare Van Insurance highlights the toll roads that are best avoided if van users want to save some cash.
Six tips to keep your fleet on the road
By: Matthew Dillon, Head of Commercial Vehicles, ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK Vans are often a mission-critical asset for businesses, so it’s important to keep them on the road. From accidents to breakdowns, unplanned downtime can be disruptive and costly – so here are some hints to help reduce those risks. Allow time for daily checks Fleets operate some of the UK’s hardest-working vehicles.
Van experts share the ultimate guide to driving larger vehicles - Business Vans
AS searches for ‘van speed limits’ are up 35% since the start of 2024, experts at Vansdirect share top tips for driving a bigger vehicle and warn that overloading your van could result in a £300 fine or court summons Getting behind the wheel of a van can be tough, especially when you’re not used to, or aware of the handling changes and travel restrictions that come with larger vehicles. Although cars and vans may be similar in mechanics, they do differ in handling and manoeuvrability.
Progressing zero emissions van deployment tops fleet list
PROGRESSING zero emissions van deployment is top of the fleet agenda for 2024, according to the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP). Chair Paul Hollick said that the issue was proving difficult for some businesses with several tricky practical and strategic issues needed to be overcome.
Full expensing gives fleets opportunity to replace “tired” vans
THE extension to full expensing announced in last month’s Autumn Statement provides fleets with a perfect opportunity to replace “tired” vans that have been continually extended following the pandemic, says FleetCheck. Moves by the Chancellor mean fleets that outright purchase vans, either from cash or using hire purchase, could save substantially on their corporation tax bills. Peter Golding, Managing Director, said: “The government made two key announcements to encourage business spending.
SOGO mobility sees LCV demand leap
.SOGO mobility has seen demand for LCVs leap 30% against the previous month in the run-up to Christmas. It is seeing more existing and new customers leasing vans using its ultra-flexible monthly package. The green mobility company says that December is set to become the busiest month for LCV demand since the pandemic.
Dynamon launches free EV transition test offer - Business Vans
DYAMON has launched a free EV Transition Test for fleet operators, suppliers and consultants who want to find out if ICE vans can go electric, without the need for them to supply their telematics data. The EV Transition Test is intended to provide a comparison between existing petrol or diesel commercial vehicles in operation, and a selection of electric alternatives.
Partnership brings range of tachograph benefits to CV operators
A NEW strategic partnership announced this week between FleetCheck and VDO will bring a wide range of tachograph benefits to commercial vehicle operators. Integration of VDO’s tachograph analysis into FleetCheck’s platform will provide customers of both companies with a seamless and simplified approach to Driver Hours compliance, delivering a reduced administrative burden and enhanced overall fleet performance.
Businesses express concern over ULEZ expansion
FLEET-based businesses are concerned about the upcoming ULEZ expansion, coming into effect next Tuesday 29 August.
Do your vans meet ULEZ rules?
MORE than one in five vans (21%) across FleetCheck’s user base don’t meet the requirements of London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), the company is reporting. Peter Golding, Managing Director at the fleet management software specialist, said the statistic provided an indication of how many businesses could potentially be affected by the extension of the ULEZ at the end of August.
Van fleets expect cost increases in next 12 months
VAN fleet operators expect major cost increases in every area of fleet operations, according to new findings from Arval Mobility Observatory. During the next 12 months, 79% believe there will be rises in service and maintenance, 71% in insurance premiums, 69% in vehicle lease rates, 67% in EV charging, 63% in tyres, and 61% in petrol and diesel prices.
Electric fleets could reduce UK CO2 emissions by 3.4 million tonnes a year
DESPITE vans now accounting for 13% of road transport carbon pollution in the EU, only 2% sold in 2020 were electric with an even lower percentage in the UK (0.3%). It is evident that making electric vans a priority would greatly accelerate reaching the zero emissions goal by 2050. In light of this, Northgate Vehicle Hire has researched what all EV fleets would mean for your business and the UK environment.
Van fleets start to turn away from electric
MANY van fleets are slowing their electrification plans because there is a growing feeling that the process of switching to EV is not going to happen at the expected speed and believe that not enough is being done to develop hydrogen as an alternative. There are growing concerns operational issues such as range and payload, problems that hydrogen would largely overcome.
Fleets should start reducing their LCV emissions prior to onboarding EVs
FLEETS should look to reduce their CO2 emissions by improving the utilisation of their LCVs and drivers even before they begin their electrification journey recommends Northgate. Northgate has identified multiple fleets where the move from diesel to EVs will take years but is still encouraging them to get their vehicles and drivers working more efficiently as part of an overall CO2 emission reduction process.
Auxillis appoints Van Monster Remarketing as car disposals partner
ACCIDENT claims management support service provider Auxillis has appointed Van Monster Remarketing to manage its passenger car disposals. It expects to sell up to 6,000 used cars in its first full year which typically range from city cars to supercars under three years of age and that have covered less than 30,000 miles. Van Monster launched its weekly online Auxillis trade auctions in March as part of an initial pilot.
More accurate range labelling needed on E-vans
MORE accurate range labelling is needed on electric vans, according to the Association of Fleet Professionals, with real world experience of users often falling well short of WLTP figures. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, said some of its members were finding that the degrees of variation seen in operation across different conditions meant that the official range was an inadequate guide to actual performance.
Fleets extending van replacement cycles to eight years
SOME van fleet operators are discovering that replacement cycles can be stretched to up to eight years without encountering major problems. Paul Hollick, chair at the Association of Fleet Professionals said that a range of new skills had been developed by fleet managers that were making these longer cycles operationally viable and economically attractive.
Electric van shortages holding back businesses from switching to clean vehicles
BUSINESSES can’t get hold of the electric vans needed to switch their fleets due to supply shortages, which is severely hampering their vital transition to clean vehicles, the international NGO Climate Group said.
IBMG halves its carbon footprint with Fleet Alliance
THE Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has seen a reduction of more than 50% in the carbon footprint of its fleet to an average of just 49.5g/km per vehicle since implementing a green fleet policy in conjunction with Glasgow-based leasing and fleet management specialist, Fleet Alliance. The private equity-owned, East Sussex-based Group was formed in 2018 and has over 172 branches across five divisions, 2,200 colleagues and annual revenue of around £650m.
Restrictions on E Vans causing issues for operators
OPERATIONAL restrictions and uncertainties are creating issues for fleets adopting new 4.25 tonne electric vans, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is reporting. A special concession was created by the Department of Transport for electric light commercial vehicles in 2019. Normally, the holder of a standard B licence would only be able to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight added by batteries, this was extended to 4.25 tonnes.
CMB Maintenance opens the door to a new fleet from Vanaways
FACILITIES management provider CMB Maintenance turned to independent vehicle supplier Vanaways when it needed a new fleet with a minimum of hassle or delay. The Cardiff-based operator took delivery of its six new Renault vans – a mix of Kangoo and Trafic models – less than a month after placing its order.
Do you need to pay tax on your company van?
DRIVING a company van? what tax are you liable for and how much? Well, if the van you drive is supplied by your company and you use it for private mileage, then it’s yes in which case, HMRC expects you to pay company van tax – the Van Benefit Charge – because you are deriving a personal benefit from the supply of that van. That’s why it’s called a benefit in kind tax.
How electric fleets can save tonnes of CO2 emissions
NEARLY 20 million tonnes of CO2 could be saved every year if the UK’s van fleet was converted into fully electric vans, according to new research by Vauxhall. The research comes after the UK Government launched a consultation that could see manufacturers issued with yearly zero-emissions vehicle percentage sales targets, including financial penalties for those that fail to meet the targets.
New app feature aims to help stop bridge strikes
A NEW feature added to FleetCheck’s Vehicle Inspection App is designed to help stop commercial vehicle drivers being involved in bridge strikes. Simply, it tells drivers they are currently using a high vehicle whenever they carry out a scheduled vehicle inspection, providing a regular reminder.
VW's digital tool helps businesses looking to go electric
VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has launched a new digital tool, Van Fuel Advisor (EV4me), to help business owners determine whether combustion engine or electrified vehicles best suit their business’ requirements. With an ever-expanding selection of electrified vans on the market, as well as potential taxation and total cost of ownership benefits, businesses are increasingly making the switch to electric vehicles, which now represent one in every 22 vans joining UK roads.
Collision Avoidance on Vans – new safety ratings - Business Vans
THERE are now some 5 million vans on UK roads – they are the most popular class of commercial vehicle. Vans are also involved in more fatal collisions that affect other road users per mile travelled than any other type of vehicle.
LCV expert's advice for van drivers during the cost-of-living crisis
Matt Dillon, Head of Commercial Vehicles at LeasePlan UK, has put together 10 ways van drivers could keep their spending down, including how to avoid unexpected fines or penalties. AS the cost of living continues to soar across the UK, motorists – specifically commercial vehicle drivers who spend much of their time on the road – will be looking at their finances and considering how to cap their outgoings and day-to-day spending. Life on the road can be expensive.
Don’t take short-cuts on commercial EV fit-outs
LAST year Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) comprised 16.6% of all new vehicle registrations, surpassing diesel for the first time to become the second most popular powertrain after petrol. Whilst it’s clear that increasing numbers of fleet operators are making the switch to the latest zero emission vehicles, Venson Automotive Solutions is urging businesses to maximise their BEV investment by ensuring the vehicles are fully-equipped for service.
Protect your business Vehicle: 5 basic Steps to help prevent van theft
WHETHER you’re self employed or work for a company, a van may be the lifeblood of your business. In fact, there are today with Often vans will be stacked with valuables like tools or raw materials so a break-in can have serious consequences for your operations – not to mention your insurance premiums. Nobody wants a disruption to their business, so taking steps to safety proof your van is paramount.
Government action needed to kick start E-van adoption
A “kickstart” is required from government to encourage faster electric van adoption by businesses, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, said that its members were reporting a range of issues with the introduction of electric vans and some form of financial incentive was needed that would help to overcome these objections, playing a similar role to the boost provided by low benefit-in-kind taxation for electric cars.
One in 10 fleets operating non-ULEZ compliant vans
ONE in 10 vans operated by fleets are not compliant with the London Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), which is being substantially expanded from August 2023, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, Managing Director at the fleet management software specialist said that to be ULEZ-compliant, vans needed to meet Euro 6 standards, which generally meant they were registered after late 2016.
Security and safety drive the use of connected van tech
VEHICLE security and improved driver safety are the main reasons that UK businesses adopt connected vehicle technology for their van operations, research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows.
Fleets hit by lack of integrated tracking, dashcam and vehicle check systems
MORE than a quarter of 200 LCV fleets have installed telematics systems such as vehicle tracking, vehicle defect checks and dashcams which are all standalone systems and not integrated. This means fleet managers need to access multiple systems to get a complete picture of their vehicle operations, according to Crystal Ball.
Technology helps LCV fleet managers beat the Christmas rush
THE seasonal hiring boom for last-mile drivers puts huge pressure on fleet managers to onboard new employees while undertaking compliance checks. This year is set to be another bumper year for recruitment, with Amazon, one of the largest seasonal employers in the UK, set to recruit up to 20,000 extra workers in delivery and warehouses.
Tips to save money as a van driver
Matthew Dillon, Head of Commercial Vehicles at vehicle leasing experts LeasePlan UK INFLATION is soaring, and the rising cost of living is forcing many people to make drastic decisions about their day-to-day operations. Van drivers are among those badly affected: the cost of fuel continues to fluctuate within a highly volatile market, which means the average cost of each journey has jumped drastically.
Having the trackers in the vehicles has opened up many other doors.
EUROPCAR Vans and Trucks understands van users’ requirements around uptime, critical fleet, compliance, connectivity and emissions. It has invested in a network, a fleet and a team of specialists who… READ MORE
Europcar launches interactive online tool for commercial vehicles
EUROPCAR Mobility Group UK is making commercial vehicle rental easier than with the launch of an interactive online resource. The new Vans & Trucks Guide can be accessed from the Europcar website, giving fleet managers access to the latest models and customisation options at a glance. The dynamic Guide includes videos and interactive features to help businesses find the best van or truck solution for their needs.
Are you making regular defect checks?
A THIRD of large van fleets are only checking vehicle condition once a month, research from Crystal Ball has found, putting their operation and drivers at risk. The findings, based on the responses of more than 200 fleets suggest that for some large van fleets, control and management of checking can prove an issue: quite simply they don’t have the resource to deal with a flow of daily or weekly checks. But not only is this a false economy and increase fleet risk, it can be solved easily too.
Why van fleets lag behind with EV knowledge
FORD’S latest Go Electric report has uncovered that, while there are more electric vehicles on the road, the UK’s knowledge of electric vans still lags behind. The report includes the views of 500 van drivers in the UK and found considerable gaps in their knowledge of electric vans and the benefits to their businesses, leading to barriers preventing full electric adoption. This comes as the first jumbo E-Transits are delivered and the smaller E-Transit Custom is announced.
Almost half of fleets are failing to plan for a net zero future
ONLY 53% of commercial fleets have a ‘robust’ strategy for net zero transport, latest research from Bridgestone Mobility Solutions has revealed. According to the Keener to be Greener study, conducted among 300 fleet decision-makers, more than a third (34%) also believe their current technology systems are insufficient to help them manage the environmental impact of their vehicles.
Growing demand for greener approach to fleet vehicle graphics
GROWING demand for a greener approach to fleet vehicle branding and livery is being met by Mediafleet with a new annual sustainability report. Barnaby Smith, managing director at the vehicle graphics company, said that the document would eventually be accompanied by a revised company Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) policy that aimed to answer difficult but essential questions about how the sector should approach sustainability.
Fuel app helps save on diesel and petrol costs
AS fuel prices continue to rise a new mobile app can locate the nearest supermarket petrol stations and the latest fuel prices on the go. Devised by fuelGenie, a leading fuel card provider for SMEs and fleet operators, the app is available for all drivers to download as they look to save on fuel costs which are reaching eye-watering prices and shows little sign of getting better anytime soon.
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