Simply put panel vans are regular vans usually without rear windows, side windows or rear seating. They are primarily used for commercial transport to keep goods privately enclosed and remove visibility of valuable items, loads and tools within the van. The enclosed storage also helps minimise harsh weather affecting goods that would be otherwise vulnerable with windows.
Simply put panel vans are regular vans usually without rear windows, side windows or rear seating. They are primarily used for commercial transport to keep goods privately enclosed and remove visibility of valuable items, loads and tools within the van. The enclosed storage also helps minimise harsh weather affecting goods that would be otherwise vulnerable with windows.
They are also favoured by business owners due to the ability to advertise services across the entire van where usually windows would limit brand messaging. Some of the larger panel vans also provide rear and side loading which provides efficiency for tradesmen, alongside a practical load space. Customised storage and fittings can also be installed within the interior panels of the van for tradesmen to have a remote workshop which can be practical for engineers, electricians, plumbers etc.
It is called a panel van due to the solid panels in place where the side and rear windows usually would be located. They are also known as blind vans due to the replacement of the windows on the vehicle.
If we compare a panel van to a standard box van, there are some differences in the shape and sizing to consider. A standard box van usually has a straighter, box-like design with clearly defined sides making them a go-to option for shelving and fixture installations. Panel vans are typically smaller and usually have curvature within the design that can sometimes be obstructive to the installation of shelving and racks.
However, when it comes to the transportation of items the panel van is typically considered more functional due to factors such as the rear loading of a box van being higher than a panel van, which can sometime cause setbacks with the loading of goods, most box vans require a fixed rear step for safety reasons when loading which can be obstructive in some scenarios tradesman may face daily.
The panel van is also closer to the ground than a typical box van making it more suited for frequent loading of lighter items, which is a key consideration for commercial practicality. Both box vans and panel vans serve their purpose elegantly, however we recommend panel vans for the transportation of lighter good and frequent loading and box vans for larger and heavier transportation with less frequent loading.
Yes, the standard Ford Transit is a panel van, some other popular standard sized vans include the VW Transporter panel van. Both the VW panel van and Ford Transit panel van have stood the test of time; therefore, they are up there with the most popular panel vans out on the road, particularly favoured by tradesmen. At hirefleet we offer Ford Transit Custom panel van hire, VW Transporter panel van hire and similar.
A small panel van is a car-derived panel van that has a driving experience much more akin to a car than a larger van. During the late 1920’s Ford produced the “Model A Town Car Delivery” for light commercial transport, this has now evolved to the Ford Transit Connect panel van, one of the best small panel vans out on the roads.
Citroen panel vans, such as the Citroen Berlingo panel van are another great example of a small panel van. They can be very practical for sole traders and tradesmen that only need to carry light loads and tools with a requirement for a nimbler vehicle for built up areas with high traffic, such as busy cities with restrictive roads.
You can also find long wheel based panel vans and XLWB panel vans that offer higher loading capacity. The Mercedes Sprinter panel van, Citroen Relay panel van and Ford Transit LWB panel van are all popular choices. A long wheel based (LWB) van is simply a van with a larger distance between the front and rear wheels. We recently did a post on what is a long wheel-based van? where you can learn more. If you are looking for a Mercedes panel van LWB, Citroen relay panel van LWB or Ford transit LWB panel van at hirefleet we offer all these vehicles and similar.
Let’s explore the history and development of the panel van, from its early inception to modern-day innovations.
Panel vans have come a long way since their inception. Initially designed for basic commercial use, these vehicles have evolved to become essential tools for businesses of all sizes. The concept of the panel van began in the early 20th century, when manufacturers started modifying standard vehicles to create enclosed spaces for transporting goods.
Early models were rudimentary, often built by hand and customised to fit specific needs. Over time, advancements in automotive technology and design led to the creation of more sophisticated and efficient panel vans. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in popularity, with iconic models like the Ford Transit and VW Transporter setting new standards for performance and reliability.
Today, panel vans are equipped with modern amenities and safety features, making them versatile and indispensable for a wide range of industries.
One of the primary reasons businesses choose panel vans is the enhanced security they provide. With no rear or side windows, the contents of the van remain hidden from prying eyes, reducing the risk of theft. This feature is particularly important for transporting valuable items, tools, and equipment.
Panel vans offer superior protection against the elements. The enclosed design ensures that goods are shielded from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, maintaining their quality and integrity during transport. This is crucial for businesses that deal with sensitive or perishable items.
Panel vans are incredibly versatile, catering to a wide range of business needs. They can be customised with shelving, racks, and other fittings to create an organised and efficient workspace on wheels. This adaptability makes them suitable for tradesmen, delivery services, and mobile workshops.
Operating a panel van can be more cost-effective compared to larger commercial vehicles. They typically have better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, helping businesses save money in the long run.
Did you know that panel vans have been around for nearly a century? The first panel vans were introduced in the early 20th century and have since evolved significantly. They have played a crucial role in shaping modern commercial transportation.
While most people think of panel vans as medium-sized commercial vehicles, they actually come in a wide range of sizes and styles. From small car-derived vans to large long-wheelbase (LWB) models, there is a panel van for nearly every need.
Panel vans are designed with security in mind. The absence of windows not only protects the contents from prying eyes but also makes it harder for thieves to break in. Many modern panel vans also come with advanced security features like reinforced locks, alarms, and tracking systems.
Panel vans have a significant impact on small businesses. They offer an affordable and efficient way to transport goods, equipment, and tools. This has enabled many small enterprises to operate more effectively and expand their reach. Many small businesses also understand the impact that self drive panel van hire can have on their operations, hirefleet are proud to help small and local businesses cut operational costs, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your operational costs as lean as possible.
We hope you have a better understanding of what is a panelled van. If you’re looking for panel van rental at hirefleet we not only offer great panel van prices but truly provide a first-class service with some of the best panel vans on the market. We also are conveniently located to serve Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire.
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