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The day to day demands of courier jobs can take their toll on your van. Whether it’s inclement weather or heavy and loose loads, you’d do well to protect your investment. Ranging from strong interior linings of wood to sturdy roof bars, or even some rear parking sensors, any of the items in this list will be an invaluable addition to your van, and will keep you on the road for longer. Van Linings A lining is perhaps one of the most major modifications you can make on your van. However a premium lining with give your van the durability that stock interiors won’t be able to offer. There are quite a few options in terms of materials, and you can’t go wrong with any of the following choices. However, some linings will be better for different lines of work. Plywood Lining Plywood offers one of the best and most protective interiors for your van. It will completely mitigate the risks of loading your van with loose materials, as the plywood will offer great protection to your van's exterior panels, completely sheltering it from the dings, dents, and rusted frames that are common with unprotected vans. Not only will this make your interior looks immeasurably more professional and attractive, but it will also protect its resale value for the future. Additionally, plywood can provide avenues for maximising your space through additional storage solutions such as draws and cabinets, which can be embedded into the walls and floors of your van. Mesh Walls Mesh is a more affordable option and is particularly suited for courier jobs as they are comprised of steel wire netting as opposed to solid panels. This means that they have far more tie-down points which can safely fasten box based cargo. While the protection isn’t as secure as plywood, the mesh will offer a buffer between your cargo and the vans outer shell which will suffice for most courier services. Vinyl, Carpet and Rubber Mats While plywood and mesh are the most popular options for cargo delivery, you can choose between vinyl and carpet if your van will be utilised for carrying passengers or valuable items. The latter is the most luxurious of the two, and is more suited for shuttling, while vinyl is the kind of material that you would find in most 8 seater taxis. There are also some other options if you don’t want to completely revamp the interior of your van, chiefly, the utilisation of rubber mats. Thick rubber mats will protect your floor from scratches and rust, and they have the added benefit of being changeable and easy to clean. Roof Bars, Parking Sensors and Security Meshes These three additions will ensure that your van is better equipped to deal with logistical issues and potential safety hazards. A decent roof bar is a must, as it’s perfect for carrying lengthy equipment such as ladders that would not typically fit in the back of a van. Many vans come equipped with a stock roof bar made from a mixture of cheap plastics and metals, and you would do well to exchange this for a premium alloy. Many on the market are now made from anodised aluminium which will ensure that they won’t rust away or get damaged in bad weather. Additional features to ease your day to day job include parking sensors and security meshes. The former will help you deal with those troublesome blind spots that are inherent in vans. They’re cheaper than cameras and far easier to install in a pinch. And lastly, the security mesh. As most van drivers are aware, it's often best to take valuables out of the van overnight for storage, but this isn’t practical or feasible most of the time. A metal grille on your window will deter thieves and is essential for the protection of your van. Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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