Determining the best delivery vehicles for your business

Choosing the right delivery vehicle for your business can have long-term implications. Select the right one, and operations will remain productive. Choose the wrong one, and you will lose money and customers while finding a better solution.

Explore the best delivery vehicles based on your business needs.

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Six factors to consider when selecting delivery vehicles

Here are six factors that may influence you as you consider the delivery vehicle selection.

1. Initial costs

When purchasing a delivery vehicle, it’s important to consider the initial costs. Depending on the company budget, the price could be the difference between buying a new or used model. 

2. Maintenance costs

However, buying an older, less expensive vehicle may not be saving money in the long run. Companies should consider the overall cost of maintaining a vehicle along with the initial costs. This factor is particularly important for those involved in fleet management as they’ll be responsible for maintaining all models.

A newer vehicle may cost more upfront, but it won’t need as much maintenance within the first year of use - barring any accidents - compared to an older vehicle that may have some wear and tear. The price of parts can also be a significant factor. If the delivery vehicle is uncommon, the replacement parts to repair it will cost more than a typical delivery vehicle. 

3. Type of fuel used

Fuel costs will always exist, so it’s important to choose a vehicle that uses the type of fuel that aligns with your needs. Business delivery vehicles may use electricity, gas or diesel as fuel. 

4. Payload capacity

Depending on the business, payload capacity and the type of material being delivered are crucial considerations. Small companies making local deliveries likely won’t need a vehicle with significant cargo space.

However, the weight of the products will affect the type of vehicle you purchase. For instance, if a laptop manufacturer needs a delivery vehicle, they need to consider that even a small shipment of laptops will get heavy. They need a heavy-duty vehicle to manage the weight of the cargo.

If they have a lightweight vehicle and heavy cargo, it will lead to strain, increasing the risk of breakdowns and premature replacements.

5. Delivery distance

Delivery distance refers to how far a driver needs to travel to deliver goods and the type of environment they’ll be in as they do so. Multi-stop deliveries in a city require a vehicle that is easy to maneuver and park.

6. Resellable 

Finally, if a vehicle no longer serves its intended purpose, consider its resale potential. An older but well-maintained vehicle will sell better than a newer vehicle that’s difficult to repair. 

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Best delivery vehicles for different business needs

How do you know what delivery vehicle is best for your business? Keep reading as we break down different options and where they work best.

Pickup truck

A pickup truck is a basic passenger truck that can be used for both business and personal driving. In certain instances, it could be the right business delivery solution.

Suitable for:

• Small businesses: Pickups are good for small businesses because they can carry a variety of cargo. 
• Tight budgets: If a business has a small vehicle budget, a pickup truck is the most reasonable choice since it can function as a business and passenger vehicle.
• Urban deliveries: Pickup trucks are easy to drive around corners and park in smaller spaces.

Not suitable for:

• Long-distance delivery: Poor fuel efficiency and low cargo security make pickup trucks less suited for long-distance deliveries.
• Large cargo: Despite the versatility of pickups, large cargo loads simply won’t fit in their beds.
• Specialty cargo: Securing cargo within a pickup truck is challenging, so sensitive cargo is more vulnerable in pickups. 

Cargo van

Cargo vans are designed for deliveries. They have a cab space for the driver and are only slightly larger than a passenger van. The rest of the van is empty for products.

Suitable for:

• Small businesses: The initial cost of a cargo van fits most small businesses' budget. 
• Urban deliveries: Cargo vans are easy to drive through busy streets and fit into tight parking spots.
• Multi-stop deliveries: Since they’re designed for city driving, a single cargo van can cover multiple deliveries of smaller cargo in one trip. 

Not suitable for:

• Largo cargo loads: Because of its smaller size, a cargo van can’t deliver a large amount of cargo in one trip.
• Long-distance deliveries: A cargo van isn’t well-suited to long-distance deliveries because it is less fuel-efficient than other delivery models.

Box truck

A box truck is a large, square delivery vehicle. For example, FedEx uses box trucks to deliver packages. 

Suitable for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses: A box truck offers significant cargo space at a reasonable price for a company that needs a larger delivery vehicle on a tight budget.
• Multi-stop deliveries: A box truck's space is perfect for all kinds of deliveries, making it ideal for companies that make multiple deliveries within a day.
• Urban deliveries: Despite its bulk, a box truck is lightweight and easy to maneuver on city streets and parking areas. 
• Perishable deliveries: Modifications can turn box trucks into refrigerated trucks for food delivery.

Not suitable for:

• Long-distance delivery: A box truck isn’t designed for long distances and is not as fuel-efficient as other delivery vehicles. 
• Large cargo: While a box truck can carry a large load, the cargo's physical size is limited to what fits through the opening.

Freight truck

Freight trucks are larger trucks that often cross long distances. Most include a cab for the driver and an attached flatbed or trailer, although various styles include:

• Semi-trailer
• Flatbed
• Straight truck
• Step deck
• Refrigerated trailers
• Tanker trucks

Suitable for:

• Long distances: Freight trucks are meant for traveling long distances, so they are the most fuel-efficient vehicles for interstate travel.
• Largo cargo sizes and volume: A freight truck’s size allows businesses to haul large cargo for delivery. It also fits bulky products comfortably in the trailer or flatbed.
• Specialty products: Many modified trailers can ensure specialty cargo, including perishables, remains safe and secure. 

Not suitable for:

• Urban environments: Freight trucks are difficult to maneuver through small city streets and are impossible to park in traditional spaces.  
• Small businesses: The price of a freight truck is out of reach for most small businesses, plus it’s most likely too large for their needs. 
• Inexperienced drivers: Freight truck drivers require special training and certification. 

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All companies need experienced drivers

Even the best delivery vehicle won’t help your business unless you have a quality driver who can handle it.

Train drivers with ease with simulators from Driver Training Solutions. With unique designs for delivery vans and fleet trucks, our simulators cover a wide range of training needs.

We also have the expertise to support fleet optimization needs. Contact us today to learn more about our simulators or to schedule a consultation.