Van hire for sole traders and small business owners

If you’re a sole trader or own a small business, we expect that keeping costs down is one of the many priorities. Whether you’re self-employed and work on your own or manage a handful of employees and contractors, chances are you rely on a vehicle to help get the job done.

Buying a van outright or signing up for vehicle finance may not always be the best option for you. Instead, why not consider the benefits of hiring a van for your company and take advantage of the freedom and flexibility it offers. 

In this article, we discuss van hire for sole traders and small business owners. Discover how renting a commercial vehicle can provide day-to-day convenience without having to make a long-term commitment. Read on to find out more…

Can I hire a van for business use?  

Vehicle rental companies - like ourselves here at Rent Direct - are able to provide vans for business use. Van hire is a great alternative to purchasing a new or used model outright or engaging in a finance agreement. 

Hiring a van doesn’t just have to be a short-term fix either; it is possible to rent a van for a prolonged period of time - even up to a year or two. This type of contract can provide fantastic flexibility without the commitment or potential upfront cost.

Whether your van is in the garage for annual maintenance, or you need additional transport during a seasonal spike in workload, renting is much more practical than leasing a vehicle - especially if you need a temporary solution.   

Can I hire a van if I’m self-employed?

Van hire can come as a huge help if you’re self-employed. When working for yourself, it may be necessary to rely on the support of contractors from time to time, so access to a vehicle at the last minute may be just what you need. 

Renting a van is also an ideal option if you don’t want to commit to owning a particular make or model, or if your circumstances are set to change. As a sole trader, it’s important to get yourself seen, which is why here at Rent Direct, we allow our vehicles to be branded when hired on a long-term basis - speak with us to find out more. 

10 reasons to rent a van for business use

There are many advantages of business van hire, here are our top 10:

1. Access to a variety of van types and sizes
2. Models are available immediately 
3. Flexible hire options with long or short-term contracts available 
4. The ability to change the vehicle when you want to
5. Allows you to effectively budget for your motoring costs 
6. No need to worry about servicing or maintenance fees
7. Breakdown cover is included and an alternative vehicle supplied
8. Extra requirements can be accommodated (such as van livery and internal racking solutions)
9. The opportunity to expand or downsize your fleet as needed
10. Avoid van value depreciation as you don’t own the vehicle

So there you have it - our top 10 reasons to rent a van whether you’re a sole trader or small business - three really are many benefits!

What type of van can I hire for my business?

Hire vans fall into one of many categories depending on body type and size. Here at Rent Direct, you can choose from 10 different van categories designed to meet yours and your business’s needs.

We offer all the standard models, such as panel vans, passenger vans, car-derived vans, and those with short and long wheelbases. In addition, we also supply a number of specialist vehicles including Luton vans with tail lifts, tippers, and extra long wheelbase vans to accommodate the most awkwardly shaped loads. 

How long can I hire a van for my business?

Van hire can be accessed from just one day up to many months - and everything in between. Long-term van hire is a practical solution for any sized business and a really cost-effective way of driving a new make and model - great for brand perception and attracting new customers.   

How much does van rental cost?

Van rental is usually charged at a daily rate and prices will vary but there are options to reduce the cost by engaging in a long-term contract. You’ll also be expected to pay an upfront deposit to secure the hire vehicle, which will be refunded in full when the van is returned in an acceptable condition.   

Business hire vans at Rent Direct

Put you and your business firmly in the driving seat by renting a van from us on a short or long-term basis. We’ve been trusted by sole traders across East Anglia and beyond for over 20 years now and are recommended for our unbeatable hire vehicle prices.  

If you have any questions, our knowledgeable team can help and is available to speak with Monday to Saturday. For extra convenience, our hire vans can be booked online, and don’t forget to check out our special offers on a range of models.