Brand new or less than 3 years old only please

I recently applied to an advert on a courier companies website asking for owner drivers to join them. Unfortunately the application form states that you must be using a vehicle less than 3 years old so my application ended in the bin.

I understand that some ODs could be using untidy looking older vehicles but 9 times out of ten your delivery ends up in the "goods in" dept where the warehouse guy wouldn't even be able to tell you the make of van your driving.

so why is there such discrimination against drivers who have an older van that is kept in pristine condition and regularly serviced?

Surely there should be better emphasis on the presentation of the driver and his ability to communicate confidently and professionally as he is the 1st person the customer gets to see from said company.

Is a shiny new van complete with OD who struggles with communication preferable to one who drives an older van and is able to liase with the warehouse man or the CEO?

Were they offering good rate in exchange for having a shiny new van?

I have no criteria on age, however I do insist on seeing a photo of the vehicle prior to approving anyone. As long as it is clean and smart, the age makes no difference.

I spoke to a company a few short months ago, who happen to frequent this forum sometimes, to be told that vans must be no more than four years old. What should I see the very next day running around on a 56 plate? One of their vans...

Hi everybody. The rate offered and how constant the work is are the most important things. £1 / mile trade rate won't get anybody a new van, not to mention what's left for your wages. If anybody finds out about work paying more than £1 / mile at 300 miles a day I'll get a new van as well

There you are Mr G take a photo of a new van and give them that, I knew a couple of drivers that used to borrow vans on the day TNT did a van inspection on them, funny thing is 2 of them used the same inspection day van, they never noticed

If a company states that they will only use 1,2 or 3 yr old vans, it is no use moaning about it. It is their prerogative, so if you can't comply just move on. I think a clean well maintained van is more important, but as with rates offered, if you don't like it, go elsewhere, but a company can run their business as they see fit, so no use complaining about it!

Not moaning.. But trying to understand the policy

What courier company was it?

well a big company want a max of 4yrs old when joining, (thats £5000 for a small box van with 50k) but so long as you maintain it well, you can run it forever, which is why you see old vans on their books. They pay around 56pplm. Not really worth it if you ask me. I am struggling to make ends meet with a local firm as my sole income at 67pplm with no return loads, and was thinking of taking out a loan to join up with the big company, but doesnt seem financially viable at that money, Id need return loads on every trip.