In a world where efficiency and versatility are essential for professionals, the choice of commercial vehicle is crucial. But given this wide choice, how do you differentiate them? What are the possible arrangements or financing methods for your vans? Or what utilities are accepted to become a Shippr delivery partner? Get ready to discover the secrets and tips for getting the most out of your commercial vehicle in this guide.
In everyday language, we often talk about commercial vehicles to refer to all sorts of machines. So how do you define a commercial vehicle? It is a type of vehicle that is specially designed to perform specific tasks more efficiently than a regular car. Commercial vehicles are often used for professional purposes to perform a variety of functions. Unlike cars intended for private individuals, vans have a larger storage capacity, ranging from 3 to 30 cubic meters.
Often called a “light commercial vehicle”, the van has a volume of about 3 m³. Generally, these are cars used by individuals whose rear seats and side doors have been removed. By carrying out these transformations, it makes it possible to expand the cargo space and thus increase the loading capacity of this small commercial vehicle.
This small utility has two major advantages:
🚚 Examples: Citroën Nemo or Berlingo, Ford Transit Courier or Transit Connect, Ford Transit Courier or Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Peugeot Bipper or Partner, Renault Kangoo or Volkswagen Caddy.
When we talk about this commercial vehicle category, it actually covers a vast range. Also known as compact vans, this type of utility vehicle offers medium dimensions that allow them to adapt to all types of uses.
Do you work and deliver in city centers? The reasonable height and dimensions of the cargo van make it an ideal candidate for easy driving.
Indeed, due to their great maneuverability and their loading capacity, these vehicles are used by for commercial activities and deliveries in the city. Its cargo volume is generally between 5 and 9m3.
These vehicles are therefore also suitable for activities requiring the transport of a lot of equipment or large packages. For example, craftsmen particularly appreciate them as rapid intervention vehicles for carrying out repairs in urban areas.
🚚 Examples: Citroen Jumpy, Peugeot Expert, Renault Trafic, Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Fiat Talendo, Nissan NV300, Opel Vivaro or even Mercedes Vito.
Commercial vehicles called large vans make it possible to transport, equip or equip vans, in addition to offering considerable payload capacity and great traction capacity for trailers and others.
They are commonly available in three different cabin heights (H1, H2, H3) as well as in four lengths (L2, L3, L4, and L5).
Large vans usually have a load capacity of between 9 m3 and 12 m3. In addition, their comfort is now comparable to that of traditional cars, as is their maneuverability.
🚚 Examples: Citroen Jumper, Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit 2T, Ford Transit 2T, Iveco Daily, Iveco Daily, Mercedes Sprinter, Nissan NV400, Opel Movano, Peugeot Boxer, Peugeot Boxer, Renault Master, Renault Master, Volkswagen Crafter
A dump truck is a utility vehicle that has a rear or side dump system. They are then called bilateral or trilateral dump trucks. This utility vehicle has a load capacity that varies enormously depending on the vehicle. To give you an idea, the load volume can be between 1 and 40m3.
This type of commercial vehicle is commonly used to transport bulk materials, such as minerals and quarry products, waste, in the construction sector. However, it appeals to many other sectors, such as municipal services or even in the agricultural field.
🚚 Examples: Nissan NT400, Cabstar, Renault Maxity
A commercial vehicle known as a heavy vehicle is a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons in total authorized loaded weight, intended either for the transport of goods and animals, or for the transport of persons.
In France, a heavy commercial vehicle is often called a truck in everyday language.
In addition, there are several types of utility trucks:
A truck is a type of vehicle that integrates both a cab for the driver and a cargo area to transport goods. Depending on the needs, this loading space can take the form of a rigid box, a tray, a tank or a dumpster. To increase transport capacity, it is possible to attach a trailer to this type of truck. However, be careful not to exceed a total weight of 44 tons.
An articulated vehicle is a motorized vehicle that consists of a truck tractor to which the semi-trailer is attached. As with the carrier truck, the semi-trailer can be of various types and its loading capacity must not exceed 44 tons.
The road train is a convoy made up of a tractor unit that tows several trailers or semi-trailers, according to the regulations in force in each country. In France, you will also hear the term “road train” to refer to a truck attached to a trailer. When a truck tractor is connected to a semi-trailer and an additional trailer, this is called a “double train”.
🚚 Examples: Renault Premium, Magnum And T460, Daf XF And CF
Electric vehicles are only a small fraction of the commercial car market. There are several reasons for this:
However, there is no doubt that the rise of this category is inevitable. Thanks in particular to advances in autonomy, soaring fuel prices and the desire of municipalities to restrict combustion vehicles, this category is evolving slowly but surely.
🚚 Examples: Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner Electric, Gruau Electron II, Nissan E-NV200, Renault Kangoo ZE
For medium and large vans, these names are often used. But what do they really mean?
The majority of manufacturers use these terms to differentiate van dimensions:
Thus, L1H1 represents the smallest size (length 1 and height 1 of the vehicle). There are also combinations such as L1H2 (length 1 and height 2 of the vehicle).
These names make it possible to distinguish variants within the same range and from the same manufacturer.
👉 example : Although their size is comparable, a Citroën L2H2 model will not have exactly the same dimensions as a Renault L2H2 model.
Insuring your commercial vehicle is essential and above all mandatory to protect drivers and businesses that use these vehicles for their professional activities.
Utility insurance is an insurance designed specifically for vehicles intended for the transport of goods and equipment, with a total loaded weight (GVWR) of less than 3.5 tonnes. For vehicles that exceed this weight, heavy vehicle insurance is required.
The dimensions of the vehicles covered by this insurance must not exceed 2.55 meters in width (or 2.60 meters for refrigerated vans) and 12 meters in length.
Utility insurance can be taken out by individuals as well as professionals. However, additional guarantees may be offered to professionals to meet their specific needs.
💡 How to choose the utility insurance that best suits your needs? Discover it in our guide.
Just like for a private car, the Technical inspection of a commercial vehicle is a crucial step in ensuring road safety and the proper functioning of the vehicle.
This regulated procedure verifies various essential points, including:
The technical inspection must be carried out at regular intervals, generally every two years, and before the sale of a used commercial vehicle.
💡 Everything you need to know about the technical inspection of commercial vehicles: discover our article to best prepare you for it.
Financing commercial vehicles is a crucial aspect for professionals who want to acquire or renew their fleet. From the purchase to the rental of vans, several financing options are available. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific needs of the business.
The traditional purchase is the simplest solution, which consists of paying for the vehicle in full in advance. However, this can be a significant investment for small businesses or independent delivery companies.
Leasing (also called leasing) is a popular alternative for financing a van without having to pay the full purchase price. In this case, you sign a long-term rental agreement with an option to purchase at the end of the van rental period. Leasing thus makes it possible to spread the cost of the vehicle over several months or years, while offering the possibility of acquiring it once the rental of vans is over.
Long-term rental (LLD) is another option for financing a commercial vehicle. It consists of renting a van for a fixed period of time, generally between two and five years, at a fixed monthly rent. Unlike leasing, LLD does not include a purchase option at the end of the contract, making it more suitable for businesses that want to renew their fleet regularly.
💡 How to choose between LOA and LLD? Discover the financing solutions for commercial vehicles in this guide.
Finally, some financial institutions offer specific loans for the purchase of utility vehicles, which can offer advantageous interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
The choice of financing will depend on the needs, preferences and financial situation of each company. It is essential to compare the various options and consult with experts to determine which solution is best suited to your needs.
The layout of commercial vehicles is a key element in optimizing their functionality and improving the efficiency of professionals in the field. To do this, it is necessary to adapt the interior of the vehicle according to your specific needs, while taking into account space, weight and safety.
Common layout solutions include installing modular storage systems, such as shelves, drawers, and lockers, to effectively organize tools and materials. Partition walls are also important for delineating work and loading areas, while ensuring the safety of occupants.
Additionally, layout may include the installation of specialized equipment, such as ladder racks, ramps, or winches, to facilitate the transport and handling of bulky or heavy loads.
Finally, interior lighting, ventilation and thermal insulation are essential aspects to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment.
The layout of commercial vehicles thus contributes to maximizing their potential, while offering professionals an adapted and personalized work space.
💡 What are the possible arrangements adapted to your van? Discover it in this guide.
Joining Shippr as a delivery partner offers great opportunities for transport professionals. To become a partner, it is necessary to have a commercial vehicle or a fleet of commercial vehicles adapted to delivery needs.
The diversity of authorized vehicles is a major asset of our partnership. Indeed, Shippr delivery partners can use different types of vans or trucks, whether conventional or refrigerated. This flexibility makes it possible to meet a wide range of requests and to ensure quality deliveries, regardless of the type of goods to be transported.
By becoming a Shippr delivery partner, you benefit from access to varied delivery opportunities, from all types of sectors. Do not wait any longer, Join Shippr now and make your commercial vehicles profitable.
