Good to know: the advantages of box body vehicles
Panel van or box body vehicle? This is a question many companies ask themselves when acquiring a new commercial vehicle. The supposedly more affordable panel van is often chosen because the initial purchase costs are lower.
We have researched aspects and advantages that are important for helping you make the right decision.
What is a box body?
Panel vans are often used as delivery vans, but are also utilised by tradespeople and for other operational purposes. These vehicles are offered as a factory solution by manufacturers and are a good choice for many users. However, panel vans also have certain disadvantages: the design with a curved rear and sloping side walls reduces the potential loading volume. Additionally, the curved rear makes loading via a ramp more difficult or even impossible. Loading operations are more time-consuming, and the time required for loading and unloading is increased. These drawbacks can be avoided with a box body.
Box body vehicle: An advantage in many respects
In terms of payload, usable volume and functionality, lightweight box bodies offer considerable advantages when compared to panel vans. These advantages have a direct impact on operating costs. Professional tip: a significant payload advantage can be achieved in a box body vehicle by using a lightweight box body together with a lightweight chassis. Companies that use tail lifts can additionally gain well over 100 kg payload with lightweight low-frame chassis if a spring-loaded ramp is used instead of a tail lift. Tail lifts not only add weight: annual technical inspections and technical faults can also lead to downtime and increased operating costs.
Depending on industry requirements, hygiene can play a decisive role. For example, food transport must comply with HACCP standards. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) refers to the hazard analysis of critical control points covering all stages of food preparation, processing, production, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, handling, and sale. During transportation, it must be ensured that foodstuffs are not contaminated, for example, by flash rust, wood splinters or flakes from unsuitable surfaces. Of course, panel vans can be fitted out to make them suitable for transporting food. However, these measures are often disproportionately expensive.
Expert knowledge and an AL-KO VT chassis
Choose the right base vehicle
The final choice of a suitable vehicle should always be considered individually. That is why it is worthwhile discussing sensible vehicle concepts, for example, with the experts at AL-KO Vehicle Technology or with cooperating body manufacturers. Using an AL-KO VT chassis as a base vehicle enables customised bodies. However, innovative lightweight construction in commercial vehicles offers even more: the combination of maximum payload, optimal functionality, necessary road safety, outstanding driving comfort, and optimised operating costs.
Transporters with an AL-KO VT chassis offer more possibilities. Operators benefit from increased efficiency and lower operating costs. Their own ideas for vehicle design can be implemented in the best possible way. Lowered chassis also allow for a low entry and a flat loading floor without bulky wheel arches. This enables ergonomic and efficient loading, significantly increasing the usable loading volume – with a permissible gross weight of up to 4.6 tonnes. This concept is therefore ideal for a wide range of industry solutions – for example, for bakers, caterers, landscape gardeners, delivery services, car transporters, municipal utilities and local authorities. Cost savings are the key focus, affecting even smaller fleet operators. Important factors may include reducing fleet size, operating efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The resulting CO2 reduction is becoming increasingly important, especially for environmentally conscious and sustainability-oriented companies.
Important: Always comply with legal requirements – for example, which driving licence category is necessary or what needs to be observed by law when securing loads. It is also essential not to exceed the payload and usable volume.
