By adding shelving to your work van you can optimize the space in a way that boosts organization and efficiency. Shelving lets you keep everything in a designated location, and often within arms reach – decreasing time spent searching for your tools and increasing time spent working. In this guide, we'll be going over why you need shelving, the different types, what shelves fit your van, and the accessories you can add to them.
No one likes working in a messy space. Aside from wasting time searching through piles of junk, a messy van increases the likelihood of accidents and expensive workers comp claims. Shelves let you get your gear off the floor to avoid tripping hazards, and up to a comfortable height – your knees and back will thank you later.
In addition to the practical benefits of adding shelves, you should remember that your work van represents your business – and first impressions matter. An organized van reflects professionalism and can set you apart from the competition. After all, if your van looks sloppy, you look sloppy.
Now that you know why you need shelves, we can go over the different types you can choose from. When picking out shelving for your cargo van, consider your line of work and what would help streamline your business operations. Generally speaking, there are four main types of shelves we install – Steel, Deep Set, Aluminum, and Folding.
For most contractors, steel shelving is all you will need. It's durable, customizable, and relatively inexpensive - what's not to love? Our steel shelving from Adrian Steel and Ranger Design is ready to use day in, and day out, and won't rot or break down like DIY wooden shelves do.
If you transport bulky gear like wire and cable boxes or use bigger tools you may need Deep Set Shelving. Adrian Steel and Ranger Design both offer shelves with expanded depth that can safely store your larger equipment, without sacrificing aisle space.
If you need maximum weight savings, without compromising on shelf strength, consider Ranger Design's Composite Aluminum Shelving. On average, they are roughly 30% lighter than their steel counterparts, while still being able to support the same payload. These lightweight shelves are a great option for owners of electric vehicles who need to get every last mile out of their vehicle's range.
Lastly, if you are a delivery professional, Folding Shelves are exactly what you need. These versatile aluminum shelves easily fold up when not in use, freeing up space for a variety of packages. Folding Shelves allow for easy access to your cargo so that you can grab the package you need and move on to your next delivery.
Once you've picked the type of shelving you want, it's time to see what fits your van. Rather than reading through catalogs and struggling to put together a build, try using our configurator! We take the guesswork out of upfitting. Choose your desired manufacturer below, select your vehicle, and see exactly what fits your vehicle.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, stop by our showroom to check out everything in person. Our team of experts will work alongside you to figure out an upfit solution that will best fit your needs. We have a huge variety of shelving and equipment on display so you can see exactly what you're getting and plan your van accordingly.
After you've chosen your shelves, it's time to load them up with accessories that will help maximize their effectiveness. While plain shelves are a huge step up versus a messy van, what you add to them can help optimize your vehicle's setup. There are countless shelving accessories available, including bins, dividers, locking doors, and so much more. Consider some of our more popular shelving add-ons:
Now that you have a good grasp on the benefits of work van shelving, it's time to get your van upfitted and ready for work. Rather than struggling with a messy van, get organized and efficient with our available shelves and accessories. Reach out to us if you have any questions about optimizing your vehicle. Our team of experts can help guide you through the process.