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Operational challenges for van fleets revealed in new research

A new white paper revealing the challenges facing van fleets and managers’ main concerns is now available from Europcar Vans & Trucks.

Europcar has observed enhanced demand during UK lockdown for its vans and trucks business in particular
The majority of businesses (58.4%) use their vans every day of the week. And nearly a quarter (23%) use vans between four and six days per week

The free publication, available online, surveyed 300 business decision-makers running vans within the UK and the results underscore that vans are driving the economy. The majority of businesses (58.4%) use their vans every day of the week. And nearly a quarter (23%) use vans between four and six days per week.

The survey also looked at typical fleet make-up and found that the UK van fleet averages around 11 to 30 vehicles. But there’s a sizeable 20% of businesses that use between 31 and 50 vans every year. In addition, another 20% say they only use between six and 10 vans over the course of a year.

The Europcar research also identified some of the biggest headaches for commercial fleet managers. After road congestion (57%), next on the list of concerns was vehicle condition, with 42% citing it as their second biggest worry. As fleet managers juggle multiple vehicles, driven by many different drivers, the availability of vehicles was an issue for 40% of the decision-makers questioned, with nearly three-quarters (71%) admitting to having ‘spare’ vans in order to mitigate the risk of being left without a vehicle. And the bigger the firm, the more likely they were to have ‘just-in-case’ vehicles: 92% of companies with 500+ employees.

Vehicle acquisition was also explored and the Europcar research found nearly two-thirds (58.7%) use outright purchase and just over half opt for long-term lease.

But long-term rental is also favoured by over a quarter of businesses (25.9%) while short-term rental is also in the mix for nearly one in five firms.

To access the Europcar research, click here.

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Written by Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.

Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news.

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