We’re already a few weeks into a brand new year (always seems to shoot by quickly, doesn’t it?), so that makes it a perfect time to take stock of how your business performed in 2024, and what areas you want to focus on in 2025. Not only does it make life easier in general, but in some cases it may even make the difference to maintaining the edge over your competitors. We’ve got plenty of experience in the industry here at CoolVan, as one of the UK’s top choices when it comes to refrigerated vans for sale. So if you’re still making your decisions on what to consider first, here’s what we’d recommend!
Evaluate efficiency
Your refrigerated van is the backbone of your business, so it’s always a good idea to start with how you think it’s currently performing. Start by reviewing its fuel efficiency, as an older or poorly maintained van can significantly impact your running costs (especially given the expanding number of Low Emissions Zones, but we’ll come to those in a moment).
You’ll also want to think about whether your van is still suitable for the types of goods you’re transporting. Does it have the capacity to handle orders in greater quantity or frequency, and can it meet customer demand during peak periods?
This is also a good time to review your delivery routes, especially if you’ve got a couple you find yourself frequently travelling. Analysing routes can save fuel, reduce wear and tear on your van, and help improve customer satisfaction with faster and more predictable deliveries. Utilising route planning software or simply reviewing past routes for inefficiencies can help ensure your van is used to its full potential.
Prioritise maintenance schedules
Regular maintenance and servicing is one of those things that’s very easy to miss when you’re running your own business, given how hectic day-to-day operations can often be. Unfortunately though, it’s one element that can really come back to bite you if you don’t make time for it – so now is a good opportunity to review your schedule, and set firm dates for maintenance and servicing. (And crucially – stick to them!)
Ideally, a preventative maintenance schedule should include checks on the refrigeration unit, engine performance, and tyre health (at the very least). It’s also a good idea to pay particularly close attention to any recurring issues that might indicate a larger underlying problem. Frequent breakdowns or temperature control failures may be signs that your van is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and needs replacing. In short, making time to plan and review maintenance schedules at the start of the year can help reduce potentially costly disruptions to your business later on.
Improve loading processes
Moving on to the day-to-day operations – the way in which goods are loaded and unloaded can have a major impact on the quality of your deliveries and overall operational efficiency. Sub-optimal loading practices can cause all sorts of problems, including (but not limited to) damaged goods, unnecessary delays, and increased costs. When you’re making time to identify maintenance schedules, it’s also wise to take the time to review your current processes, and identify any weaknesses.
Good questions to ask include some of the following – are you following best practices for loading? Is your equipment, such as trolleys or ramps, still in good working condition? Are goods being packed in a way that maximises space without compromising airflow? Small improvements in these areas can make a big difference in reducing spoilage risks and ensuring deliveries arrive in optimal condition. And of course, if you employ any staff, you’ll also need to make sure that they’re trained up accordingly.
Get yourself up to speed on new driving laws
Motoring in general is going to see a raft of new laws and regulations brought in throughout 2025. Lots of them are centred on particular demographics (for example, EV drivers, or pensioners) – however, others are broad-ranging enough that they have the potential to affect business.
For example, there’s a significant number of 30mph zones which will now be reduced to 20mph by default – especially in built-up urban areas – as part of a wider concerted effort to make life easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. There are also signals that further cities might adopt their own Clean Air Zones, adopting the ULEZ approach of London (although it’s been definitively announced that Manchester won’t be one of them).
We won’t go into an exhaustive list here – we’ll leave you to decide which headlines are the ones that matter most to you!
As for us here at CoolVan, throughout this year and beyond you can count on us to supply you with the very best in refrigerated vans, 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!
