Buying a van is quite a big decision for any business – and especially so when it comes to refrigerated vans for sale, as they have even stricter operational requirements to meet. Your needs will vary depending on a range of different factors, for example the nature of your cargo, and to some extent the distances you’ll be travelling. On that note, to help you minimise the risk of (potentially costly) mistakes, here at CoolVan we’ve summed up some of the most useful questions it helps to ask – so you end up with a van that suits your requirements down to the ground.
Your cargo – what type of temperature control suits your needs?
Without question, the first and most important questions pertain to what kind of cargo you’ll be transporting, and the temperature range it requires. Obviously, not all refrigerated vans are built the same, so the temperature units need particularly careful consideration to avoid the risk of potentially spoiling any stock.
If you’re transporting fresh produce, dairy, or meat, a chilled van maintaining temperatures between 0°C and 5°C will typically do the job just fine. For frozen goods, such as ice cream or pharmaceuticals, you’ll need a freezer van capable of temperatures as low as -25°C. Some businesses require dual-compartment systems, which enable them to carry both chilled and frozen products in the same van.
Another crucial factor is whether your cargo needs continuous temperature control when the van is parked. Some refrigeration units have a standby function that allows them to be plugged into mains power. If your business involves frequent stops or overnight storage, it’s a useful feature that can help maintain both product integrity and compliance.
How much insulation does the van require?
Insulation is a key factor in ensuring that your van maintains the correct temperature efficiently. The quality and thickness of insulation directly affect how well the van retains cold air, reducing strain on the refrigeration unit and keeping running costs under control. Most refrigerated vans use high-density polyurethane insulation, typically ranging from 50mm to 100mm in thickness. The thicker the insulation, the better the van can maintain a stable temperature, which is particularly important for longer journeys or extreme temperature conditions.
Insufficient insulation, on the other hand, forces the refrigeration unit to work harder, which can have a major impact on fuel consumption and maintenance costs – so it’s a good idea to take the time to get it right.
Is the payload capacity sufficient for your business?
Just to quickly recap the technical meaning of payload capacity – this basically refers to the total weight your refrigerated van can legally and safely carry. Overloading a van can lead to serious safety risks, legal penalties, and increased wear and tear on components such as brakes and suspension, so it’s not hard to see why there are such strict rules against it. The payload encompasses the base weight of the van, the refrigeration system, and the insulation. So then, to ensure compliance with weight limits, you’ll need to effectively calculate the weight of your goods, packaging, and any additional equipment, such as shelving or racking.
Of course, larger vans generally offer higher payload capacities, but you’ll just need to take the time to ensure that you or your team don’t fall afoul of the different driving licence requirements they require. The best refrigerated van in the world is no good if it doesn’t have anyone qualified to drive it!
Does the van meet regulatory requirements?
When you’re transporting temperature-sensitive goods, you’ll already have a good understanding of all the essential compliance rules – but it’s worth re-casting your eye over them before you commit to buying a refrigerated van, so that you can sidestep the risk of fines or product losses. The requirements are slightly different depending on the nature of the cargo you’re carrying.
For food transportation, businesses must adhere to the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines, ensuring that perishable goods are stored and transported at the correct temperatures. Many industries also require temperature monitoring and recording systems to verify compliance.
Pharmaceutical companies on the other hand must follow Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations, which often necessitate advanced temperature monitoring and validation systems. Also, don’t forget that if you’re transporting perishable goods internationally, your van may also require ATP certification to meet European regulations.
What is the total cost of ownership?
Finally, though the capabilities and requirements of the refrigerated van are obviously going to be rightly top of your list of concerns, it’s also worth taking a moment to consider the total cost of ownership of your van – including fuel efficiency, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.
Refrigerated vans tend consume more fuel than standard vans due to the added weight and power demand of the cooling system, so fuel economy is a good one to consider. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the refrigeration unit in top condition and avoid unexpected repair bills.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of servicing and maintenance, insurance, and any changes you might need to make in order to ensure it’s compliant, for example. And of course, those same old rules apply – if you have the option, it’s better to invest higher sums now for more long-term value, rather than doing everything as cheaply as you can (although in the current economic climate, that’s totally understandable too!)
Whatever you’ve got in mind for your refrigerated van, you’re in exactly the right place. Here at CoolVan, we have an extensive track record of helping customers across a wide variety of industries get their perfect van – and all at the very best prices. Amongst our range you’ll find Volkswagen Crafters, Ford Transits and Mercedes Sprinters, just to name a few! And of course, if you ever have any questions, or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0161 751 7140, or email us on sales@coolvan.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!
