Setting Up Your Construction Vehicles for Success

Contractors should always be looking for ways to increase efficiency, both on the job site and in the office. One key element of productivity is having your construction vehicles properly set up. This can make a significant impact, especially when construction projects are far from your office and shop. Additionally, ensuring that all vehicles are protected by commercial auto insurance is essential to safeguarding your business against unexpected incidents.
 

As a general contractor building a chain of grocery stores across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, I learned firsthand the importance of setting up vehicles in an organized, efficient way. It was well worth the initial investment of time, work, and finances.

In this article, I’d like to share some details on how I set up work vehicles and offer a few tips to spark ideas for you. Note: I’m not endorsing any specific vehicle manufacturers or products; there are many great options out there. But I’ll share what worked for me—and also address why insuring your work vehicles is a critical step in protecting your business.

Selecting the Right Vehicle

Choosing the right type of vehicle is a necessary first step:

• Vehicle Type: Decide whether a pickup truck, cargo van, cube van, or another vehicle best fits your needs. Think about how you’ll use it, what you’ll be hauling, and how far you’ll be driving. Fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and storage requirements should all be considered.
• My Setup: For my work, I found a one-ton diesel cargo van with a 20-inch extension ideal. The extra space was great for hanging cords and carrying 12-foot lumber. Double side doors allowed me to install drawers for fasteners, and a heavy-duty rear bumper with a tow package was essential for pulling trailers or equipment.

Security and Durability Considerations

Durability and security features can make a big difference in how long your vehicles last and how secure your equipment remains:

• Secure Interiors: I lined the inside walls of my van with ½-inch plywood to protect against damage and make it easier to slide equipment in and out. Shelving units helped with tool organization, making it easy to keep track of each item.
• Added Security Features: Power door locks, a security system, and a heavy-duty steel bulkhead behind the front seats offered extra security for both the tools and the driver. The bulkhead also created a layer of safety, protecting the driver and passenger from shifting equipment in case of sudden stops.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Specific Trades

Different trades often have different vehicle needs:

• Cube Vans for Specialty Trades: For example, plumbers who carry a wide variety of fittings or HVAC contractors with ductwork may find cube vans more efficient. While fuel economy may be lower, the extra storage can be invaluable for carrying all necessary equipment.
• Towable Job Trailers: For my jobs, I often parked a 16-foot enclosed trailer at work sites. With dual axles, a 6-foot, 6-inch ceiling, and a fold-down back door, it was easy to roll equipment like generators and welders in and out. This trailer also worked well for storing bulk materials, such as foundation embedments and setting plates.

Establishing Responsibility for Vehicles

Assigning responsibility for company vehicles helps ensure they stay in top shape:

• Employee Accountability: The employee driving the vehicle should check that tools are accounted for and the vehicle is restocked as needed. They should also notify the office when the vehicle requires servicing. This practice keeps vehicles well-maintained and ensures that tools don’t go missing.

Don’t Forget to Insure Your Vehicles Properly!

Having your construction vehicles set up correctly can make your business more productive—but having the right insurance can protect your bottom line. Here’s a few reasons why having commercial auto insurance is critical:
 

• Protection Against Accidents: Covers repair costs and liability, so your business isn’t financially impacted by accidents.
• Theft Protection: If tools, materials, or equipment are stolen from your vehicle or trailer, insurance can help cover replacement costs.
• Employee Coverage: Ensures that your business is protected when employees are driving company vehicles for work purposes.
• Tailored Coverage: Specific policies for different types of vehicles, like cargo vans, cube vans, and trailers, help match your trade’s unique needs.

Make sure you have the right insurance for each work vehicle, and speak with your independent insurance agent to review your coverages. With the right setup and coverage, your vehicles will be ready to keep your business moving forward!