Maximize Your Mobile Workspace and Get Back to Business

The demand for work vans among delivery fleets is rising — rapidly. Learn more about this commercial segment and how a brand like Penda’s VanGuard can help these on-the-go offices remain safe, comfortable, and efficient.

The mobile workforce continues to grow, especially as home delivery services remain convenient for everything from Amazon orders to groceries. Even with some people returning to in-store shopping, the e-commerce boom isn’t slowing down – and that’s spiked the demand for vans to haul all those online orders.

A recent report by WorkTruck magazine found that business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments increased 33.4% year over year in the third quarter of 2020 for UPS. That now represents 61% of the parcel delivery titan’s total volume. These delivery vans were primarily business-to-business (B2B) in previous years, making bulk drop-offs mostly at retail stores and only the occasional home delivery.

Pair that with information from Statista — whose numbers indicate worldwide retail e-commerce sales totaled $4.28 trillion in 2020 and will reach $5.4 trillion by 2022 — and it’s certain that vans have a strong future in the B2C market.

In addition to e-commerce growth, both the changing face of the U.S. workforce and a “work-from-anywhere” culture are shifting demand for commercial vans. No longer must the 9 to 5 grind be restricted to a permanent address. From food service to medical care, cargo vans offer incredible opportunities for creative businesses seeking efficient and affordable worker mobility. Among them are lower operating costs, easier collaboration, and the unique ability to go – quite literally – wherever the customers are.

The New Work Van

With updates and innovations at multiple automakers in the last few years, design standards for the traditional work van have gone from the old-school dinged-up white Econoline to sleek, fuel-friendly vehicles.

Some of those rollouts include Ford’s all-electric 2022 E-Transit, Mercedes’ completely overhauled Sprinter, and Amazon’s partnership with EV startup, Rivian. According to LMC Automotive, the case for an all-electric delivery van is strong.

“These vehicles make frequent stops, travel at low speeds and usually have a limited daily driving range, thus largely precluding the need for an extended battery range,” says the global forecasting company. “Thus, several OEMs are now adding all-electric vans to their portfolios.”

From 2020 to 2028, LMC expects 12 all-electric vans to be added to North American production. While most will be new models, some old stand-bys will gain electric powertrains, too, like the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit.

These new electric vans also bring with them fancy new technology, like upgraded telematics. Telematics send messages and destinations to business’s fleet drivers (typically through a smartphone app). They also track vehicle information, and use tools like AI to improve driving habits. For example, in 2020, Ford launched a web-based software platform and subscription service called Ford Telematics. Designed to help fleet operators optimize vehicle efficiency, the program offers GPS tracking and geofencing, live vehicle health alerts to plan and limit downtime, reminders for vehicle service, driver behavior analysis, and fuel management.

But as these portable workspaces take on new markets, demands rise for interior protection and advanced storage solutions. Challenges like road noise, temperature control, shifting cargo, and worker safety need to be addressed with a keen eye on maintaining productivity and employee morale. Because really, what good is an office on-the-go, if it’s loud, uncomfortable, and a veritable goldmine of OSHA violations?

Penda Protects Your Investment

That’s why, companies like Penda are working with both OEMs and the aftermarket to provide innovative solutions for businesses exploring cargo van upfits. Whether it’s a mobile office or an entire fleet of service vehicles, Penda’s expertise in advanced thermoplastics is up to the challenge. The company is a global leader in the segment, with a 40-year reputation and numerous award-winning products under its belt. “Whatever your application, today’s thermoformed plastics are full of possibilities,” says Penda.

VanGuard: Protection for the Whole Van

Penda’s VanGuard line covers all critical areas of the van, including walls, wheelhouses, floors, and ceilings.

Products under the VanGuard umbrella come with a three-year warranty. For a quick reference on matching specific VanGuard products by van make and model, be sure to check out the application guide.

Here’s a breakdown of each category:

Wall Liners

Penda’s Wall Liners are easy to install and simple to customize. Users can attach them to walls and doors using existing mounting locations, and they arrive pre-drilled for shelving. Thanks to a heavy-duty polyethylene construction, the panels can stand up to dings, dents, scratches, and spills. Plus, the liners are antimicrobial to deter mold growth and fiber-free to maintain air quality.

They’re also insulated, which creates a thermal and sound-deadening barrier. This, in turn, creates a more stable environment for cargo — and a much more comfortable workspace for employees! From an aesthetics standpoint, a light-gray appearance cuts down on darkness and helps make the space more inviting.

Custom-molded to match OE-specifications, the liners install cleanly with minimal tools. Users need scissors to remove a tip off a fastener, plus a screwdriver to install a couple of screws. Depending on the product, the liner comes with a set of trim pins, hangers, L brackets, double-sided tape, and fasteners, and pre-drilled holes for a headache-free installation.

Removable wall panel fasteners also allow users to run wire or modify their own unique customizations. Penda says no matter the future configurations, these panels won’t be destroyed. This makes them totally re-useable and more economical.

It’s recommended that users check the installation guide on whichever liner they purchase since some instructions will vary slightly. For example, not all VanGuard installations are a drill-free process.

Wheel House Covers

Penda’s durable wheelhouse covers are also constructed of polyethylene, providing maximum protection from bumps and dents. The covers also add to interior sound reinforcement, dampening road noise from the tires and reducing impact.

Floor Liners

VanGuard floor liners come with adhesive backing for easy installation and are bolstered by DuraGrip technology. DuraGrip’s textured design protects the van’s floor from dents and scratches. It also provides spill containment, making those occasional messes much easier to clean up.

Ceiling Liners

The VanGuard line of ceiling liners help round out the sound insulation for a van’s interior. With custom-fit installation, the panels also easily integrate with a van’s existing overhead lighting.

Threshold Kits

Along with its extensive set of protective liners for van interiors, Penda’s VanGuard lineup also offers threshold kits. These protect the floor panel when entering a van from the side door. Models like the VanGuard Sprinter Aluminum Diamond Threshold Kit DVS700X provide an extra layer of protection for that mobile office or workplace.

Whether it’s a landscaping company operating from a Ford Transit van or a mobile clothing boutique based out of a Mercedes Sprinter, business is on the move these days. In an age of booming e-commerce and instant updates, customers want their goods and services yesterday. Penda’s quality accessories help level the playing field by giving van owners more control over efficiency, cargo protection, worker safety, and customer satisfaction.