From office supplies to updated technology and more, providing yourself and your business with the opportunity to work and grow within your respective industry means investing in strategic and financial planning. Sometimes this means providing your company with the proper transportation for products, services, employees, or other passengers.
The use of a work van is quite common for privately-owned businesses and large companies alike (such as Amazon or FedEx). For many businesses, a van is not only an asset for transportation but a means of advertising as well. It gives a “first impression” to potential customers and future employees while you’re out and about.
However, owning a van (or multiple vans) for your business requires financial commitment in more ways than one. Aside from monthly payments, you will also be responsible for routine maintenance and fuel replacement. If your business relies on frequent transportation and/or deliveries to operate, fuel use might be heavier than what you initially budgeted for when you purchased the van in the first place.
With fuel prices on the rise, knowing how to save money on fuel can help you allocate the extra funds into other areas of your business and squeeze as many miles per gallon out of your work van as you possibly can. So as a business owner, how do you save money on fuel for your company van?
Fuel Economy 101
When it comes to business operations and the travel involved, consider the mileage you will be putting on your work van. Investing in a van means paying for gas fill-ups, but there are several ways to save money on fuel and reduce the number of fill-ups your van will need.
Buy with Fuel in Mind
When you are in the market for a business van, there are several factors you will need to consider. One should be fuel economy, as this is a major kick to your finances over time.
If your business van will hit high mileage, think about the travelling. How is the mileage looking for the city and highway? Which will you be travelling on more in your work van? Look for a van with decent fuel economy to save money and time as well.
Keep the Tires Inflated
When you use a work van regularly, chances are that you will notice the tire pressure dropping over time. Keeping the tires inflated on any vehicle will drastically change the gas mileage your vehicle can get.
Tires can also lose pressure in colder weather, so frequently checking the tire pressure of your work van during the winter months is also important when it comes to saving money on fuel.
Lighten Your Van’s Load
Oftentimes, a work van is used for transporting or delivering goods, much like how Amazon and FedEx vans are used for order deliveries. When considering how to save money on fuel for your work van, think about how much you are loading into the cargo or holding space in your vehicle.
If you predict a large amount of product, goods, or orders being transported, think about splitting that up into various trips where possible. Unload any unnecessary boxes, tools, or other supplies not relevant to the trip you are making at that given time. The more weight loaded into your vehicle, the more fuel consumed in that trip. Lessen your load, and save on fuel.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Having your van up to par with regular maintenance can also help you to save money on fuel for your work van.
Neglecting regular maintenance, such as oil changes, can have adverse effects on how your vehicle burns fuel. Bad oil can, in turn, cause your vehicle to burn fuel. Neglecting your brakes can affect your miles per gallon (MPG) as well. Even keeping up with parts that may need repairing can benefit your work van’s efficiency and performance in the long run.
Practice Economical Driving Habits
Sudden stopping and acceleration can be a fuel drainer for your work van. Try to cut out any sudden stops and harsh accelerations and start adopting the habit of slow rolling your stops and accelerations. This means leaving some distance between you and the driver in front of you to allow for slow rolls instead of having to stop suddenly.
Let Van Leasing Help You Find the Right Van For Your Business
Driving a new van for less with a plan built for you is as simple as choosing Van Leasing.
Since 1992, our team has provided small business owners with a simple and low-cost way to get on the road and on the map with a new van. A critical element to running a business and making a living, our vehicles allow clients to earn as you lease with VanMiles and other rewards.
If you and your company are looking for business van leasing or short-term leasing options, contact us or apply online today for approval in less than a day and access to the best van deals.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
