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If you rely on courier work for your livelihood then your van will be the most important tool of your trade. Vans are valuable things and can often be loaded with materials and tools that are also hugely expensive and vital to the successful workings of your business. Security, therefore, is of paramount importance. Having been involved in the business of logistics and courier work, I am very aware of how attractive vans are to the less savoury characters in our society, and so I am also acutely aware that getting van security right is a real investment in your business. Plus, you could even lower your insurance premium! Top Tips for Improving Van Security Make it a Priority When choosing a new van, security should be high on the list of priorities. Modern vans usually offer several features that aim to increase its security, but if not these may be available as add-on options, so make sure you go for them. It is wise to look at how the van is made. Do you want rear doors that are glazed as, although they make for good visibility, they also expose the contents of your van to passers by? Go for a solid interior bulkhead to protect your gear from prying eyes. Modification Everyone involved in courier work has different requirements with regards to their van, so depending on how you use your vehicle, why not modify it to suit your needs? Security companies have all kinds of add-ons available that you can install, such as lockable toolboxes, slam locks and upgraded deadlocks. Investment A newer van will no doubt have an alarm fitted as well as an immobiliser, but make sure these are Thatcham Category 2 approved. If you want to invest further you can upgrade to a more advanced alarm system or even a device that will enable you to track your vehicle should it go missing. These GPS trackers, once fitted, will help keep your insurance premium down too. Upgrade Cheaply Upgrading security can be expensive, but shop around and you will see that a few minor changes that don’t cost the earth can make a big difference. Handbrake locks, steering wheel locks, lockable fuel caps and blacked out rear windows all act as deterrents to potential trouble makers. Protecting the Catalytic Converter As catalytic converters are larger and easier to get at on vans than cars, they are easier to steal. Get an anti-theft device installed on your van for peace of mind. Apart from the tips I have given you above, you have to remember to be vigilant yourself. Courier work is demanding and tiring but that should not distract you from remembering to lock your vehicle, take out all your valuables, such as mobile phones and Sat-Navs, and avoid parking in back alleys and dark quiet streets. Take all these considerations on-board and you will ensure that your courier work business is protected as best as it can be. Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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