High Quality Temperature Controlled Vans

 Maintaining Quality Standards

Industries that utilise refrigerated vehicles regularly demand the highest quality standards when transporting their goods. It is essential that ALL refrigerated vehicles must therefore be designed and constructed to maintain the required temperature of goods which are carried in them, otherwise the quality and safety of their products cannot be guaranteed.

 Expanding Delivery Area

Refrigerated vans enable businesses to expand their delivery areas. For example, whether it’s delivering fresh produce to local markets or distributing frozen goods to distant locations, Vanfridge and Pola Van Rental Purchase and Rental options provide business with the flexibility they need to cope with changing demands in terms of product type, volume and distance.

 Versatility in Refrigerated Van Rental

 Catering to Diverse Needs

All refrigerated transport operations encompass a wide range of products, each with its unique temperature requirements. Pola Van Rental offers a versatile fleet of refrigerated vans for Rental for all applications; Chill; Frozen; Multi-Temperature and even specialist vans for Pharmaceuticals. Equally Vanfridge can work with you to Purchase a new or used refrigerated van to suit any of the applications above. Our in-house diversity ensures we can help you to find the best solution.

 Meeting Seasonal Demands

Seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand are common and can be problematic. However, Pola Van Rental have designed flexible rental contracts to suit the seasonal needs of our sector, which operate using the following simple parameters:-

1. Pola Van Rental supply you with the same refrigerated van, originally built to your specification, to assist with your busy periods of at least 6 months over 3 consecutive years
2. We mutually agree a specification and fixed monthly price
3. Pola Van Rental will then give you the same refrigerated van for a minimum of 6 months p.a. for the next 3 years
4. The originally agreed monthly price will be fixed for each of the 3 years
5. The Vehicle remains unchanged, but the rental period is flexible annually, and can be extended for between 6 months (minimum rental period p.a.) and up to 12 months if required Sounds interesting? Please contact us for more information.

 The Range of Refrigerated Vans Available 

 New Refrigerated Vans

Vanfridge offers a selection of new refrigerated vans. These are usually built to order, as every customer’s specification is different. Vanfridge does carry its own stock of unconverted new vans, ranging from 2.1t to 3.5t GVW. If the vehicle you require is not available from our Stock, we can usually locate from UK Dealer Stock or utilise a Factory Order. Delivery of the completed van usually takes between 4 and 10 weeks depending on 3rd Party component supply.

 Used Refrigerated Vans

Budget-conscious businesses can opt for used refrigerated vans, which have been meticulously inspected by Vanfridge. If the van is from our own Rental Fleet, it will have a full-service history on both refrigeration unit and vehicle; in addition, it will have been owned by Pola Van Rental from first registration. Used refrigerated vans can be a cost-effective solution, providing reliable performance while saving on upfront costs.

 Comprehensive Refrigerated Van Servicing

 Fridge Van Servicing

Regular maintenance and servicing of the Refrigeration Unit as well as the vehicle itself, are vital to the longevity of refrigerated vans. Our sister company, Pola Cap Refrigeration offers fridge van servicing within a 75km radius of Droitwich to ensure that your fleet operates efficiently and reliably, hence reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns

 Local Expertise

Pola Cap Refrigeration have a fully mobile fridge engineer based in Worcester. This local expertise allows them to provide tailored solutions for businesses who utilise refrigerated vans in the area.

 The Future of Refrigerated Transportation

Refrigerated transport is not just a service you provide to your customers; it allows your business to deliver your products across a wide area. In addition, adapting to changing customer demands, whilst maintaining total temperature control and achieving the highest standards of quality when your products arrive with your customers is always challenging. However, utilising Vanfridge and Pola Van Rental to supply your new or used refrigerated vehicles, for both Rental and Purchase allows your business to achieve all of the above efficiently and effectively.

Make us your trusted partner for refrigerated vehicles, allowing you to transport and deliver your products to the highest quality level your customers demand.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Purchase vs Long Term Rental?

When you review your companies transport requirements, the choice to Purchase or Rent your refrigerated vehicles is a both a critical and sometimes difficult decision. As we operate two refrigerated van businesses, one in each area, we have experience of both types of procurement and therefore are able to help you weigh up the pros and cons of each option. Therefore, in this section, we’ll explore both Purchase and Rental, helping you make an informed choice, which is tailored to your specific business requirements.

The Advantages of Long-Term Rental

Known Costs

One of the most significant advantages of Rental is that your costs, with the exception of fuel, fully comprehensive insurance and driver’s wages are all fixed for the period of the Rental. For example, if your business experiences seasonal fluctuations, Long Term Rental can be more economical than Purchase, as these variations are effectively amortised over the whole Rental period. Even if your business is not seasonal, you still pay a fixed rental price each month. This monthly rental covers the supply of a refrigerated vehicle built to your specification, which is fitted with decals of your company’s logos (not Pola Van Rentals) and includes all refrigeration unit maintenance, vehicle maintenance, Tyres (fair wear & tear, not damage) and annual Road Fund Licence costs. As ALL of these costs are covered in a monthly Rental price, you have a known cost vehicle for the 3, 4 or 5, year rental period.

All Types of Refrigerated Van

Whether you require a freezer specification, chill specification or pharmaceutical specification van, they can all be on a Long-Term Rental contract with Pola Van Rental. We can provide you with the ideal Rental vehicle for your specific cargo and temperature requirements.

Maintenance and Repairs

When you have a Long-Term Rental refrigerated van from Pola Van Rental, you will benefit from our expertise on maintenance and servicing, especially on the refrigeration unit. Our well-maintained Rental Fleet can also provide additional cover in the event of an unexpected breakdowns or VOR during an accident repair of another refrigerated vehicle from your fleet. In addition, as a Long-Term Rental customer, you’ll enjoy special Pola Van Rental pricing to help your business through these situations.

Flexible Rental Agreements

Pola Van Rental can also provide flexibility to adapt to changes in your business, For example:-

1. We can easily adjust your current rental agreement to match any changes in your annual mileages, reducing potential end of Contract excess mileage charges.
2. Offer an annual minimum 6-month Rental every year for 3 years, supplying the same vehicle at the same monthly rental rate, to cope with your seasonal demands (based on a minimum 3-year Contract)

Whatever you request, we are always happy to discuss flexible rental agreements to match your requirements.

The Advantages of Vehicle Purchase

Medium Term Investment

Depending on your accountant’s advice or your personal choice, purchasing your vehicles by Outright Purchase (Cash or Hire Purchase) means they will show as an asset on your balance sheet. If you Lease or utilise Long Term Rental, they will not be assets on your balance sheet. As an asset they will add to the value of the net worth of your business. However, unlike property or machinery commercial vehicles are always a depreciating asset. Consequently, their value will decrease over usage and time. However, they have value as a medium-term investment opportunity which will add to your business value and may be a valuable part of the negotiations if you decide to sell your business at some time in the future.

Customisation

The Outright Purchase of a fully specified factory ordered new refrigerated van, will always allow you to customise the final product to your exact specifications. You can tailor the van’s features to meet the unique demands of your business, ensuring that it perfectly suits your operations. Obviously, this is not always possible when utilising existing new vehicles from Stock or used refrigerated vehicles.

Based on a Long-Term Rental Contract of 3 or more years, Pola Van Rental does offer total customisation to your exact specification, allowing it to match this outright purchase advantage. Therefore, using a brand-new vehicle from Pola Van Rental for Long Term Rental means the final decision becomes solely based on your decision to rent or buy.

Warranty, Service & Maintenance and Residual Values

When you purchase a refrigerated van outright by Outright or Hire Purchase, all the responsibility for maintenance will be covered by you. However, you will have the vehicle and refrigeration unit manufacturer’s warranty to cover the first tranche of these costs, but in order to ensure this support, you will have to ensure that you fully comply with their terms and conditions of servicing and maintenance for the warranty period. You will also have the opportunity, with most vehicle manufacturers, to purchase an extension of their warranty for the first few months after first registration. These extensions will be mileage and/or time based. However, on the day these warranties expire you will have to cover all costs of breakdown, any component failure along with ongoing service and maintenance costs. On a positive front, you will own either all of or a portion of the vehicle by this time, and it will always retain some residual value, irrespective how small. When you have settled any outstanding Hire Purchase debt, it will be possible to utilise all remaining funds from the sale to use as a deposit on a new van or absorb into your business cash flow.

Long-Term Rental generally covers all costs associated with the vehicle for the full rental term, even when the manufacturers warranties have expired. However, in the case of any rental contract, you retain NO residual value when you return the vehicle at the end of the rental term

Full Ownership

Full ownership provides you with complete control over your refrigerated van. You do not have to adhere to rental agreements or return deadlines, which may be preferable for your business model. Your business name will also be on the V5 from when you purchased the vehicle and you will retain its final worth.

In conclusion, the decision between Outright Purchase or Long-Term Rental of your next refrigerated van ultimately depends on your specific business circumstances at the time, personal choice and the financial advice you receive. However, we can give free unbiased 3rd party advice as both Pola Van Rental and Vanfridge have over 20 years daily experience in both sectors.

10 Tips When Purchasing A Refrigerated Van

When it comes to purchasing a refrigerated van, there are numerous factors to consider. Vanfridge Ltd, an established business since 2002, is here to provide you with some valuable insights and guidance. In this article, we’ll explore 10 essential Tips to keep in mind when buying a used refrigerated van. For your peace of mind, on ALL retail sales of Vanfridge Used Refrigerated Vans, each of these 10 items will have been discussed, investigated, checked and resolved prior to delivery:-

1. What Specification Suits Your Business Needs

Before you enter the potential minefield of used refrigerated van shopping, take a moment to understand your own specific business requirements. Consider the types of products you’ll be transporting, the quantity, and the distance you’ll need to travel whilst still controlling their temperature. To negate your risk during this process, ask Vanfridge for provide advice and assistance, to help you select the right refrigerated vehicle.

2. Determine Your Budget

Budgeting is a critical aspect of any business decision, and purchasing a refrigerated van is no exception. You should have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. Keep in mind that while upfront costs are significant, ongoing expenses like maintenance and fuel efficiency should also be considered. Once again, Vanfridge can offer advice on a particular vehicle, therefore reducing your future operating costs.

3. Used Vans

Used vans should always be inspected for wear and tear. This can prove difficult when you are viewing a used vehicle on a website and the drive to its location for viewing may be many hours away. Once again using Vanfridge will help remove these risks. Before offering any refrigerated vehicle for retail sale, we will have carried out a full condition and history check on all parts of the vehicle and all remedial work required will be carried out before delivery to your premises.

We’ll also answer any questions you may have to save you the journey to view our vans, providing any photographs or written confirmations you wish to request. Of course, you can visit our premises during office hours, where you will be made very welcome.

4. Check Refrigeration Unit Specification

The primary function of your van is to maintain the temperature of your cargo. Ensuring the refrigeration unit is reliable and capable of maintaining the desired temperature range is essential prior to purchase. As an approved GAH and Hubbard Zanotti dealer, and approved Carrier installer, Vanfridge will have completed all these pre-retail sale checks, and any servicing or repair work required will always be carried out.

5. Used Vehicle Inspection

Whichever used refrigerated van you decide upon, be sure to review its complete maintenance records from new, on both the vehicle and its refrigeration unit. A refrigerated van which has been well-maintained is much less likely to encounter breakdowns and will save you money on potential future repairs. Wherever possible, Vanfridge will have comprehensive maintenance records with each of the used refrigerated vans we retail. If we don’t have this information, we’ll make you fully aware of its omission prior to any sale agreement.

6. Fuel Efficiency

In these days of high energy costs, fuel efficiency is always a top priority. Therefore, where possible, roof mounted refrigeration unit condensers should be fitted in a recessed condenser mould above the cab. This usually only applies to 3.5t GVW vans fitted with a medium or high roof, as it is unlikely to be achievable on vans below 3.0t GVW, which almost always have a low roof as standard and there is no choice other than to roof mount the refrigeration unit condensor e.g. Ford Transit Connect; Citroen Dispatch; Mercedes Vito. ALL retail Vanfridge used refrigerated vans with a High or Medium Roof (usually 3.5t GVW) will have recessed condensor moulds above the cab. If not, we will only sell them as trade vehicles, as they have a lower residual value and do not meet modern energy saving requirements.

7. Size and Storage Capacity

Always select a van size that suits your business needs. Make sure it has enough storage space for your products, either on pallets, plastic trays or handball. If required, we can add alloy shelving and alloy loadspace protection retrospectively to most used refrigerated vans prior to delivery. This also applies to many other options e.g. Hope T Bars; Parking Sensors; Alarms etc.

Vanfridge can also retrospectively fit Overnight electric Standby, but the fitting costs are high and usually its cheaper to find an alternative vehicle, where electric Standby was fitted from new.

8. Consider the Resale Value

Even if you plan to keep your refrigerated van for a long time, it’s essential to consider its potential resale value. Opting for a reputable original vehicle manufacturer, a good quality original conversion and an originally correctly specified and fitted refrigeration unit can positively impact a van’s future resale value. Vans originally supplied by Vanfridge, either taken in part exchange or de-fleeted from our own Rental Fleet always meet the above requirements.

9. Research Financing Options

Investigate the available financing plans and choose one that aligns with your budget and cash flow. Don’t base your purchase solely on the cost of the monthly payments you can afford.

Check the vans actual market price before buying, and how much interest you will be paying over the agreement term to achieve the “attractive monthly costs”. High percentage interest charges can easily be hidden by an overall higher van sale price. Once again, Vanfridge can help.

We have long term relationships with a number of Finance Brokers and Companies who will give you good sound advice. Vanfridge will not be part of this process, merely offer suggestions of companies we trust and use regularly to finance our own Rental Fleet vehicles.

10. Safety Features

Last but not least, prioritize safety features. Your refrigerated van should come equipped with the latest safety technologies to protect both your cargo and your drivers. They are both very valuable items for your business.

In conclusion, purchasing a high-quality retail used refrigerated van is always a significant investment. By following these 10 Tips and considering your own specific business requirements and budget you can make a well-informed decision that ensures your products stay fresh and your business can provide great solutions for your customers.

Give Vanfridge the opportunity, we’ll give you sound advice and provide a high quality used refrigerated vehicle that suits your business.