4 key considerations for long term van hire

Whether you're moving house, handling deliveries, or transporting equipment for work, hiring a van for an extended period can be an ideal solution if you need reliable transport over the medium to long-term. With more than 50 years of experience to our name here at Intack Self Drive, we have a long history of providing exceptional van hire services to businesses and private customers alike – so whether you’re hiring on behalf of a business or just in a personal capacity, you can always count on us to have a wide range of options for you.

When it comes to long-term van hire though, there are a couple of points it’s worth considering in advance, before you put pen to paperwork. Here’s what we’d recommend!

Choose the right van size and configuration

It sounds obvious, but to be honest, we’d be remiss not to mention it! When hiring a van for a long-term period, choosing the right van size and configuration is without question one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here at Intack Self Drive, you can take your pick from a variety of small, medium, large, and Luton vans. The size of the van you choose will largely depend on the type and volume of goods you need to transport. A small van may be sufficient for light deliveries or personal moves, while a larger vehicle like a Luton van is better suited for transporting bulky or heavy items.

It's also important to consider the van's configuration. Some vans offer features such as high roofs or open backs for easier loading, while others have fully enclosed bodies for more secure transport. Additionally, if you’re running a business that requires frequent transport of equipment, you might want to consider whether the van offers secure storage options, like shelves or tie-down points.

Consider the weight and load limits

The maximum payload capacity is going to be another top priority to bear in mind. Anything exceeding the van’s payload capacity is classed as officially overloading it, and that can lead to a number of issues, from reduced performance to potential legal or safety concerns. For these reasons (and more!) here at Intack Self Drive we’re unable to rent out a van that we have reasonable grounds to be believe is likely to be overloaded. The safety of our customers and general public comes first!

It's not just our vans though – you should avoid overloading any van in general, whether you hire from us or not. For starters, overloading a van can cause damage to the vehicle's suspension, brakes, and tyres, leading to higher repair costs and potentially making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Going over the weight limit could invalidate your insurance, leaving you liable for damages or accidents. And what’s more, heavier loads can reduce fuel efficiency.

So, before committing to a long-term hire, it’s always a good idea to ensure the van’s weight capacity is sufficient for your needs, and plan to keep your loads within safe limits. If in doubt, it’s always better to choose a slightly larger van than to risk overloading a smaller one. Don’t forget you can always ask one of our friendly team for advice – we’re always happy to help!

Think about accessibility and ease of loading/­unloading

Beyond the concern of weight alone, another important factor to consider is how easy it is to load and unload your goods. Accessibility is key, especially when you’ll be using the van on a regular basis. Depending on what you’re transporting, you may need specific features to make the loading and unloading process more efficient.

For instance, if you're moving heavy or bulky items, you might find it helpful to hire a van with a tail lift. These vans provide a lift at the back, allowing for safer and more convenient loading of heavy goods. Similarly, low-entry vans can be easier for people with limited mobility to use, reducing strain when lifting or unloading. If you’re transporting fragile items, consider whether the van has sliding doors or other features that make it easier to access your goods without risk of damage. You’ll need to have a careful think about your specific needs, as having the right van can make a big difference in terms of efficiency and ease of use.

Do you need flexi hire?

This is always a good one to think about, as it’s one that a lot of people forget!

Long-term van hire doesn’t always mean a fixed, unchangeable agreement. Here at Intack Self Drive, we understand that sometimes there are times when you might not need exactly how long you need a van for. It’s a particularly common situation for businesses, but it’s not unheard of for our private customers either. That’s exactly why we offer our Flexi Hire services here at Intack. With a minimum hire period of just 28 days, it offers significantly reduced rates compared to daily or weekly car hire options. You can extend the hire as often you need, so you can enjoy convenience and cost-effectiveness without the pressure of long-term commitments.

If you’ve got any questions about any of our flexi hire services, or indeed any of our van hire services here at Intack Self Drive, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team! We have a fleet of more than 450 vehicles to choose from, encompassing cars, vans and minibuses – so whatever type of vehicle you need, you can count on us to have you covered. Feel free to take a look through our website, or else give us a call on 01254 57811, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!