Choose the best lease van for your business in 4 simple steps

Thinking of leasing a van but not sure where to start?

Whether its payload, technology or affordability, there’s a lot to consider when leasing a van for your business

Choosing lease vans can be a difficult and stressful process.

You need to make sure your van is not only the right size but is also capable of carrying the loads you’ll be transporting and practical enough for your business needs.

These four steps will ensure you choose the best van for your business needs, allowing you to focus on growing your business with a reliable transport solution.

Step 1: Identify your business needs and budget

Whether you’re a big delivery company, a builder carrying all their tools, or a florist making local deliveries, you’ll all have different business needs.

List down the specific requirements of your business such as cargo space, payload and fuel efficiency.

Understanding your payload is essential as overloading your van is illegal. It can also make your van dangerous to drive and can quickly wear out your tyres.

Will you be carrying people, goods, tools or equipment? This will help gauge the load space you need.

If your business carries people, you’ll need a van with lots of seats. But if it’s only going to be you in the van, why choose a van with more than two seats? If you’re only making small deliveries, you probably won’t need a large van, or if you travel long distances, you’ll want a fuel-efficient model.

Considering your daily business needs will help choose the perfect van. 

You’ll also want to determine your budget. Consider the total cost of ownership - including maintenance, insurance, and running costs. You may decide you like a specific brand and model but if you find that it has expensive insurance and running costs, it might not be worth the investment.

Step 2: Think about what type of van you need

Once you understand your business needs, the next step is to choose the type of van that you want to lease.

There are many different types of commercial vans on the market and when it comes to the brand, the choice of vehicles may seem never ending, but many vans actually have the same design with mildly different styling.

• Small, medium or large vans

Small vans are easy to park and will have great manoeuverability but have less weight capacity. The Citroen Berlingo and the Peugeot Partner are examples of good small vans that offer collective all-round capability and are all-but identical to one another. Small vans are fantastic for professions like florists, mobile hairdressers or photographers.

Medium vans are very dependable and offer a nice balance between practicality and decent driving experience. Suitable for transporting goods or people, many medium vans can come with an extra row of seats.

If you’re after a mid-sized van, a Ford Transit Custom would be great for your next van lease. Known for its toughness, functionality, reliability, and a wide range of innovative features, you can’t go wrong with a Ford Transit Custom lease.

After a cargo king? A large van is the one for you. With plenty of load space and a smoother drive, the first large van models that spring to mind are the Ford Transit and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

• Combi van, Minibus and Luton vans

If you need a van that can lug around both passengers and equipment all day, then you need a combi van. They’re typically classed as medium-sized and usually have at least one extra row of seats as well as doors and windows behind the driver.

If you’re just after a van that can transport lots of passengers, then you’re after a minibus. They’re big enough to accommodate up to 16 passengers. A minibus would be ideal for airport transfer companies or services for schools, hotels and retirement homes.

Luton vans feature a box-shaped body that extends over the driver’s cab. They have a high payload capacity and it’s the perfect size if you haul a lot of large and heavy items. You’d have peace of mind knowing that your van won’t struggle with your day-to-day operations. Luton vans would be perfect for a removal company.

• Pickup and tipper vans

Pickup vans are also considered trucks – they have an open-air cargo bed and are so versatile - they’re the ultimate durable workhorse. In the hardy Toyota Hilux, you could use it to haul lumber and other heavy items. A pickup makes for a good personal vehicle too and is a lot easier to load items like luggage and camping gear into the cargo bed than it is onto a regular vehicle.

Tipper vans are similar to a pickup truck, but they have a flatbed that raises at the front in order to ‘tip’ out what’s in the back. Tipper vans are great for construction companies to lift and transport loose building materials in bulk around a worksite.

• Car-derived van

Car-derived vans are designed to weigh no more than two tonnes when loaded fully. As a general rule, they look like a car from the outside, but look like and function like a van on the inside.

Due to the lower weight capacity, they’d be great for a small-scale company making small, local deliveries.

Step 3: What cabin comforts will your drivers need?

Since you or your drivers will be spending a lot of time in your office on the road, you’ll want to make yourself feel at home. It should be a space where you can work, relax or just enjoy every drive.

An interior that has comfy seats, uses quality materials and has innovative storage makes for an inviting space and will help anyone settle into a mobile office.

You also need to consider features like air-con, a sat nav, or even an entertainment system which could make all the difference to any long work day.

Step 4: Decide on your lease terms

Now that you know what type of van you want, decide on the lease terms. Determine the length of lease that you want, the monthly payment and the mileage limit.

Spreading your costs over time could be a great option for your business, but you’ll want to make sure the terms are feasible for your business and won’t cause you any financial strain.

Bonus tips

• Consider the environmental impact of your vans

Think about whether you’d be able to choose electric vans or hybrid vehicles. With the sale of petrol and diesel vans set to be banned in the UK in 2030, the electrification of vans is inevitable and could save a lot of your well-earned money if you decide to make the switch early.

Having eco-friendly vehicles also looks good to potential clients and employees, so it’s a great way to showcase your green business credentials.

• Customise your van to fit your business needs

It may be useful for your van to have a tow bar, shelves, a specialist roof rack or load restraint systems. You should check for these features and if they’re not available as a standard, you could consider a higher trim level.

If you want to promote your business while you’re out and about, you may want to consider signage. We can help with this too! Contact us if you’re interested in branding your vehicle.

• Maintain your van regularly

Follow recommended service plans to avoid costly repairs and prolong its life span.