Owning and operating a cargo van is a full-time job, as you not only need to keep it running smoothly but also ensure the safety of the assets inside.
Time is money, and if you spend a lot of time dealing with problems, it means you’re earning less money.
Safety Equipment
Almost all modern cargo vans are equipped with stability control, airbags, and antilock brakes (ABS), while the latest models even have automatic braking systems, lane departure warning systems, or cruise control.
However, drivers often don’t fully understand the safety features of their vans, so any driver should read the vehicle’s user manual thoroughly and understand all the safety features, continuously utilizing them to avoid confusion in emergency situations.
Newer vans are equipped with safety equipment similar to regular cars. Photo: AutoExpress
In addition, van owners should invest in additional safety equipment. Most new vans come with a fixed partition that separates the driver’s area from the cargo area.
This partition prevents cargo from flying into the front area and causing harm to the driver when the van brakes suddenly. Not all vans have this partition, but it’s a useful and worthwhile feature to consider installing if your van doesn’t come with one.
This partition also prevents access to the cargo area from the driver’s area (some vans even have double locks), meaning the cargo area is completely separated from the driver’s area.
Cargo Handling
No matter how the van is designed, how you load and arrange the cargo will determine the safety when driving.
Before loading cargo onto the van, you need to know the maximum weight the van can carry. You can find this information on a panel containing the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Here, you will find the vehicle’s model, engine type, size, VIN, and gross vehicle weight (GVW). This number represents the maximum weight the van can handle while driving smoothly.
It’s not just the weight of the cargo, but also the total weight on the van, including the driver, passengers, and fuel.
Only carry the maximum load for optimal safety and balance. Photo: AutoExpress
With a B2 driver’s license in Vietnam, you can drive vehicles carrying up to 9 passengers and trucks up to 3.5 tons. Therefore, if your cargo van has a higher payload than these numbers, you need to obtain a higher license.
Most vans will have a GVW lower than the mentioned figures. This means that even with larger-sized vans, they may have slightly higher GVW, but it won’t make a significant difference. These vans are suitable for carrying large but lightweight cargo.
Furthermore, when loading cargo onto the van, it’s essential to distribute the weight evenly. If you concentrate the cargo in one area, it can lead to an uneven weight distribution, affecting the van’s handling and stability.
The heaviest items should be placed on the floor of the van and located between the front and rear axles, as well as along the centerline of the van. If that’s not possible, you can place heavy objects evenly on both sides.
Cargo Arrangement
You must ensure that no cargo moves while you’re driving. Everything in the cargo area must be securely tied down.
Most vans designed for cargo transportation come with floor-mounted hooks that help secure the cargo using straps.
Even if the van’s floor has a non-slip surface to prevent cargo from shifting, it’s still advisable to use cross-straps over the cargo area to minimize the chance of movement.
The movement of cargo can damage the items inside or even cause accidents by destabilizing the van.
Securely arrange cargo to prevent shifting during transport. Photo: AutoExpress
Of course, before securing the cargo with straps, ensure that the cargo is protected from damage or external influences.
Useful items such as tape, foam padding, towels, or fabrics will help keep the cargo clean and minimize scratches when loading/unloading the cargo.
Driving
Driving a cargo van is not about speed. You need to maintain a steady and normal speed by smoothly using the brakes and accelerator to minimize cargo movement.
If you hear a collision sound from the cargo area, it’s best to stop the van and check. You wouldn’t want the cargo to be scattered when you open the door upon arrival. Thanks to the higher ground clearance, you can easily see and anticipate things on the road.
Another thing to note is that the speed limits for cargo vehicles are different from regular cars, so you may get fined if you drive at the speed of an SUV. Therefore, it’s best to thoroughly read and comply with the traffic laws to avoid unnecessary fines.
Protecting Cargo Safety
Modern vans often come with alarms and other safety devices, but you can still install additional safety measures to ensure the security of your van.
Physical safety measures may include steering wheel locks to prevent theft, wheel locks to deter wheel theft, etc.
You can also install a tracking device in your van (although it can be costly) to deter potential thieves.
Keep cargo well-secured to prevent it from shifting while driving. Photo: AutoExpress
In addition, an interesting measure (although some may consider it foolish) is to stick a label on your van with the words “This vehicle does not contain overnight cargo.” Potential thieves will think twice before attempting to break into an empty van.
Another safety tip is to park your van in a crowded and well-lit area, as thieves will have less opportunity to break in or steal your cargo without being noticed.
You can also install a camera and Wi-Fi transmitter inside the van to transmit images to you. Although this doesn’t prevent your van from being stolen, it helps the police easily identify the thief.
