Is van colour important?

Hello, just doing my research at the moment, my question is when I choose a van should I only be looking at white coloured vans? Would I lose out on work if it was silver or blue? Any adice would be much appreciated. gareth

I have had red vans, blue vans and unfortunately a white van, never had a problem, advantage of a white van is you can drive like a complete to##er and get away with it because people just expect a white van to do just about anything, I prefer a coloured van, lets wait and see what everybody else has to say.

Just don't get black as its really hot inside when the sun makes an appearance.

DJ Specialist Couriers said:

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Just don't get black as its really hot inside when the sun makes an appearance.

Black is for undertakers

Ive always used a white van but I suppose it wouldn't matter aslong as its a tidy and clean van and will get u back from a to b hope this helps

Sure I've read that some companys only want white vans? May be wrong tho

gwh courier said:

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Sure I've read that some companys only want white vans? May be wrong tho

Some companies want rathera lot for what they are paying, I have never had a problem with van colour.

I only ask as I have my eyes on a blue(ex british gas) combo van

Depends whether you've got your own customers or are subbing. If you've got your own I'd please myself what colour I had but if you're subbing for other courier companies most insist on a white van and usually under 5 years old. Not saying it's right, just how it is. British Gas vans are always well maintained and serviced and are a good buy but check the speed limiter has been taken off cos you won't need it for courier work!

gwh courier said:

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I only ask as I have my eyes on a blue(ex british gas) combo van

If your buying used the ex gas are usually loaded with air con Ahhhhhhh

I have been asked before if my van is white and unwritten, but some dont care, I loaded on Friday night at the same place another guys was loading for same courier company, He was driving a builders van with ladder on top!

I have seen some Ri*o drivers using ex BT vans complete with ladder racks and yellow rotating warning beacon on top. It just reflects the type of service offered and given in my opinion.

As for colour, it matters not, but if a vendor decides that he wants to use drivers with pink vans, that is their prerogative, either you comply or go elsewhere.
I have a customer who will only allow their goods being taken in plain vans, so that is what they get.

The customer is always right, so either take it or leave it

I'm guessing I should play it safe then and just go for a white one. Was just attracted to the ex british gas ones as they have have more features such as deadlocks, air con, electric packs, parking sensors.

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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As for colour, it matters not, but if a vendor decides that he wants to use drivers with pink vans, that is their prerogative, either you comply or go elsewhere.
I have a customer who will only allow their goods being taken in plain vans, so that is what they get.

The customer is always right, so either take it or leave it

Spot On..

gwh courier said:

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I'm guessing I should play it safe then and just go for a white one. Was just attracted to the ex british gas ones as they have have more features such as deadlocks, air con, electric packs, parking sensors.

Go for what you feel is comfortable and plain, colour is of no importance, doing the job professionally is.. and as long as its not stickered up as an Ice cream, takeaway vanor similiar..

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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I have seen some Ri*o drivers using ex BT vans complete with ladder racks and yellow rotating warning beacon on top.

Had a subbie turn up B4 first job with us and "suggested" that if he wanted to be taken seriously then he would have to remove the roof bars and save himself a couple of pence a mile in fuel costs - after all "a penny saved is a penny earned"

He took my advice and has done regular work for us since.

I just want a plain and inconspicuous van, hate seeing those guys who 'chav' up their vans like boy racers examples being huge alloys and chrome everywhere.

Whats a van?

I once saw a boy racer van with 17" Alloys and mega low profile tyres.

When a pallet was loaded the rim split and it made a brilliant whooshing noise.

I think it was lowered too.

Speed Couriers Nationwide said:

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Whats a van?

Its one of those vehicles that comes in allsorts of shapes and sizes and is classed as an LCV and is short for caravan.. And is designed to carry stuff that most other road going vehicles are not designed for... Or from the dictionary.

a medium-sized road vehicle used especially for carrying goods, which often has no windows in the sides at the back half: a delivery van a Transit van.

van....1 noun 1. the foremost or front division of an army, a fleet, or any group leading an advance or in position to lead an advance. 2. those who are in the forefront of a movement or the like. 3. the forefront in any movement, course of progress, or the like.

van 2 [van] Show IPA noun, verb, vanned, van·ning. noun 1. a covered vehicle, usually a large truck or trailer, used for moving furniture, goods, animals, etc. 2. a smaller boxlike vehicle that resembles a panel truck, often has double doors both at the rear and along the curb side, and that can be used as a truck, fitted with rows of seats, or equipped with living quarters for traveling and camping. 3. British . a. a railway baggage car. b. a covered, boxlike railway car, as one used to carry freight. c. a small, horse-drawn wagon or a small truck, as one used by tradespeople to carry light goods. 4. Also called van conversion. a conventional van whose cargo area has been equipped with living facilities, extra windows, and often increased headroom. verb (used with object) 5. to transport or carry (freight, passengers, etc.) in a van.

Hope this answers your question Rob.... :-)

Thanks Gas, cos I "searched" vans on google, and came up with this...

So i was wondering what all the fuss was about colour, cos they all look pretty cool to me :0)

Speed Couriers Nationwide said:

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So i was wondering what all the fuss was about colour, cos they all look pretty cool to me :0)

I can see the logic in turning up in whatever colour vans you prefer... but not my cuppa tea.. ;-)

Livery is vital. Its your biggest advert.

Not if you're subbing it isn't

Roy Bowles Transport limited said:

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Livery is vital. Its your biggest advert.

There are some companies that specify plain vans only.

I have only one sign written van now, and wouldn't bother again, it is too limiting and there is more chance of snow in June than getting work from having it done [Well maybe July then :)]

Good for ones ego I guess, but to be honest alot that I see on my travels would put me off using them, if I was looking for a courier,

and Rob is right too!

ILKLEY EXPRESS said:

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I have been asked before if my van is white and unwritten, but some dont care, I loaded on Friday night at the same place another guys was loading for same courier company, He was driving a builders van with ladder on top!

Hmm. I think we should be agreeing that builder's vans, ice cream vans, sandwich vans, burger vans, undertaker's vans, etc and car a vans are not appropriate.

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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DJ Specialist Couriers said:

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Just don't get black as its really hot inside when the sun makes an appearance.

Black is for undertakers

Addison Lee's Delivery vans in London are Black

So were Pink's, but they won't be soon.

I like black... And grey... But as long as its clean, smart and looked after, i don't care what colour it is...

MK Bikes said:

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AJM sameday Couriers said:

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DJ Specialist Couriers said:

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Just don't get black as its really hot inside when the sun makes an appearance.

Black is for undertakers

Addison Lee's Delivery vans in London are Black

ALI CABS in Eccles are black as well.

RGM Courier Services said:

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MK Bikes said:

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AJM sameday Couriers said:

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DJ Specialist Couriers said:

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Just don't get black as its really hot inside when the sun makes an appearance.

Black is for undertakers

Addison Lee's Delivery vans in London are Black

ALI CABS in Eccles are black as well.

Tarleton florist has a black nv200

What about using a crew van would a window in side loading door be acceptable?

Try for plain white gwh, no windows, dont want your goods on show,

ILKLEY EXPRESS said:

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Try for plain white gwh, no windows, don't want your goods on show,

I have seen a couple of Vauxhall combo crew vans that look like a plain white van on outside with no windows so think that's the direction I may head.

Perrys In Burnley, buy a brand new one

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Perrys In Burnley, buy a brand new one

Bought my car from them, not a great experience.

Always wanted a orange van but most clients like to have a white plain van so :(

White is best with nice shiny black tyres with white walls, chrome wheel trims clean winscreen and bodywork. Shirt and tie well manicured hands shiny shoes and a set of teeth from Harley st