Author: News Desk

Van & Commercial Vehicle Awards

Posted on by News Desk

You May Be Surprised To Learn That The Top Place For 2022 Was Shared By Four Winners This Year — Yes, FOUR.

WhatCar? released their winners recently. Consequently, we thought what better way is there to kickstart November, than to talk about all the good vans to come? 

Who Won?

Let’s cut to the chase. 

We know you’re all here for the winners, so without further ado, here they are:

  • Citroën e-Berlingo
  • Toyota Proace City Electric
  • Peugeot e-Partner
  • Vauxhall Combo-e 

All electric, these vans were chosen for their practicality and the lovely fact that they’re so cost-effective.

To find out more about the winners, see here.

Who Else Was A Winner?

There were several categories, but we couldn’t possibly name them all in a quick guide.

So, instead, we’ve collated some of the awards that we feel are worth an honourable mention.

Best Large Van

Maxus Deliver 9: a new contender looking to change things in the world of vans, and doing so successfully!

It’s comfy to drive, full of luxury equipment, and is much cheaper than a Ford Transit.

Best Medium Van

Ford Transit Custom: With running costs that are so low you might not believe it.

This highly versatile van is also available as a hybrid. 

Best Small Van

Volkswagen Caddy: A highly desirable van with a brand-spanking new look, and we’re here for it.

It’s more economical to help keep those costs low, and its features are extremely high quality.

Best Compact Van

Ford Transit Courier: Ford may be raking up all the prizes, but for good reason.

Small but powerful, this comfortable van is based on a small Fiesta and is remarkably fun to drive.

Best Van-Based MPV

Ford Tourneo Custom: The perfect all-rounder for any lifestyle – there’s even a bike carrier built inside!

What’s Your Verdict?

What are your thoughts?

Do you agree with the winners that were announced?

We’d love to know, so leave a comment below.

If you are planning on splashing out on a new van, or even if your current one needs its insurance renewing, we’re here to help.

How?

By dishing the dirt on the cheapest van insurance deals, of course. Simply begin with this quick 3-minute form.

Let’s Put The Lasers Down, Please…

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This week brings a strange story

Apparently, a Volkswagen Transport van driver decided to experiment with lasers (and his van).

As a result, his actions have cost him dearly.

In fact, we’re talking a whopping £3,000. And that’s just the start of the punishments…

Genius, Or Just Downright Silly?

Mr. Jason Moore of Swansea has been convicted of something that many of us didn’t even think was possible.

Have you ever heard of a laser jamming device?

Well, it turns out Mr. Moore has.

Additionally, he attached one of these laser jammer devices to his Volkswagen Transport van.

You may be asking why on earth anyone would ever want to do that.

Well, this is where it gets interesting.

Mr Moore decided to attach the laser for one simple reason: to avoid speeding cameras. Genius? Or silly?

Now, it’s not like Mr Moore was travelling down the motorway at 90 miles per hour or anything.

In fact, he was driving 12 miles per hour above the speed limit.

However, that speed is enough to endanger other motorists on the road as well as himself.

Driving without due care and attention, perhaps?

Caught Red-Handed

The laser device interferes with cameras’ ability to pick up and read a vehicle’s speed.

Unfortunately for Jason, videos captured the flashing jammer device in action.

Along with error texts when they tried to read the speed of his moving van.

Mr. Moore, thinking he’d gain 15 extra minutes of sleep by dodging speeding fines, got caught.

The court accused him of perverting the course of justice and ordered him to follow a 2-month curfew.

If that wasn’t enough, he will be facing a sentence of 32 weeks of custody (although this has been suspended for a couple of years).

Well, at least he somehow managed to avoid prison, hm?

And so, van drivers (and motorist drivers alike) are taught a valuable lesson.

Let’s not play with lasers, eh?

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Robberies of Parcels and Delivery Vans on the Rise

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We’re in a sombre mood this week as we report on two stories from the UK involving the theft of vans and several packages. Both drivers suffered shock and will surely take some time to recover from the horrid events.

With these two stories coming to light this week, we are reminded even more of the efforts our delivery drivers put in everyday to do their jobs. Stay vigilant, friends.

Awful News from Oxfordshire

The first story is from Oxfordshire, although the robbery took place early last year. The delivery driver was working for Amazon when he was robbed in broad daylight. The thief managed to nab over 100 packages worth more than £2,500, and also drove off with the Amazon van. 

Robson Tereza, the victim, tried to stop the van from leaving but suffered an injury to his hands and knees in attempting to do so. The thieves claimed that Mr Tereza had left his keys in the ignition, but this was refuted. 

The case has been adjourned until the end of this month, so we really hope Robson Tereza gets his justice. For more information, read here. 

Robbery Hell in Hull

The second robbery is far more recent and happened earlier this month in Hull, but involves a Hermes delivery driver. 

This time, it is clear the keys had been left in the van when it was taken. It is estimated that 20 or more parcels were taken, but thankfully the van was discovered by police the next day.

They are, however, appealing for any information as there are currently no suspects. For more information, see here.

How Can Delivery Drivers Stay Safe?

We are hearing more and more about instances like this happening, especially if keys have been left in the ignition.

So, we’d love to hear from our delivery drivers. What do you do to keep safe? Let us know in the comments below. Perhaps we will have enough good advice to create a post about it.

Until then, we’ll leave you with a gift of cheap van insurance deals. Simply click here, add a few details, and we’ll take care of the rest! 

From Delivery Driver to Superhero

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Now, you delivery lot are always receiving praise from us.

We think you go above and beyond in your jobs, every day.

Day after day, you go above and beyond in your work.

Especially in the past couple of years in the midst of a pandemic.

But today, we see how some of you take that extra step, moving closer to becoming superheroes.

Today, we’re excited to salute a true superhero from Edinburgh.

A dedicated ASDA delivery driver, specifically from the Dunbar branch.

Mr Mark Beggs has been cheered as a hero as he used his former soldier training to help save a Transit Van driver after a horrendous crash.

Mr Beggs had only been working with the ASDA branch for some weeks before this happened.

He used quick thinking, remained calm, and did all he could to help save the van driver. 

Basically, he was the type of superhero everyone would want around in times like this.

What Happened?

Mr Beggs was in the delivery van behind the unfortunate van driver, who swerved into a barrier.

While waiting for the ambulances, Mr. Beggs assessed the situation.

With the timely help of a nurse who happened to be passing by, he quickly went into superhero mode.
 
First, he grabbed a tool from his van, typically used to cut cardboard.
 
Using it with precision, he managed to cut through the seatbelt that had been restricting the driver’s breathing.
 
Fortunately, the driver regained consciousness as soon as they cut the belt.
 
Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, he quickly escaped the car.

However, this led to the poor driver collapsing.

Mr. Marks Gebbs and the off-duty nurse stayed with the van driver until the ambulance arrived.

Amongst all this, Mr Gebbs somehow managed to find time to keep his waiting customers updated!

Yep, it completely flabbergasted us too…

Truly a display of pure excellence from this brave man—and, of course, the nurse! As for Mark Grebbs…

We salute you! 

Naturally, we’d love to hear about other superhero delivery drivers out there…

Do you have anyone in mind?

Or have you experienced something similar?

Let us shower you with praise…

Until then, the one thing we can gift you is cheap van insurance quotes.

A quick 3-minute form is all it takes.

No faff or headache required, thank you very much!

…And Then He Woke Up, And It Was All A Dream!

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A refreshing break from the “fuel crisis” and “driver shortages” is called for, we think. So instead, we have a bit of a weird one for you this week. We want to know; what is the weirdest dream you have ever had?

Or, in the case of Paul Luttrell from Somerset, what is the weirdest dream you’ve had whilst in a coma?

Nightmares of delivering for Tesco

Now, we would never wish weird dreams on anyone, least of all a coma. But it is interesting to discuss what is experienced for those that do. 

For Paul Luttrell, who was hospitalised for cancer and Covid-19, it was being forced to work as a delivery driver. Not your average nightmare for most folk, eh? He dreamed of an ordeal where he drove a bedraggled-looking van about a town, making grocery deliveries for Tesco.

However, there was a vital twist that resulted in the dreams becoming nightmares. All the money that poor Paul earned from his deliveries ended up being taken from him and given to a London gang. The best (or worst) part? The leader was a dwarf who would torture him the old-fashioned way — with a defibrillator. Truly terrifying, yet bizarre stuff. We are sure Netflix would be interested in a feature film or television show.

Thankfully, despite the hellish hallucinations, Paul was miraculously discharged and is doing his best to work through his illnesses. You can read more about Paul’s experience of being in a coma, here. We wish you all the best, Paul!

When Dreams Become Reality

For many of us, the reality of being a supermarket delivery driver really is not that bad. Dare we say, some even enjoy it? Although, we guess that is dependent on whether or not you are being forced to hand your earnings over to the dwarf mafia. Hopefully, you’re not.

Our delivery drivers are still out there working hard as usual, despite Covid-19 restrictions having been lifted. There is still a lower number of customers actually going in-store to shop, so home deliveries are as popular as ever. 

So, delivery drivers, we’ve dedicated this post to you! We’ve also provided you with cheap van insurance quotes. Simply fill out this form, and you’ll be on your way to saving in just 3 minutes.

How Sneezing Can Become Deadly

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We interrupt our weekly programming of news about the fuel crisis, *yawn* to bring you a sad story about sneezing.

You may have heard the tragic news already, but if you haven’t, then let this serve as a stark warning.

What Reacting Too Late Can Cost You

The tragic incident of a van driver becoming blind in one eye, and suffering brain damage, happened nearly 3 years ago.

However, the man who was the cause of the accident has just been sentenced.

The event happened due to a lorry driver suffering a sneezing fit.

His reactions were too slow, and unfortunately, he did not slow down in time.

This resulted in a crash between his lorry and the van driver.

It has also been reported that the lorry driver was using cruise control.

Unfortunately, after three years, the van driver, Mr Steven Hurst, still suffers from severe memory loss.

The Price to Pay

The lorry driver will spend a year in prison for his mistake, as well as a driving ban lasting two years.

On top of this, he will carry out 80 hours of work (unpaid).

He will also follow the rules of a strict curfew for half a year, as his sentence has been deferred for 15 months.

However, there is clear remorse from Colin Shaw, as he has accepted his mistake and declared he did not react quickly enough.

He agreed that despite traffic being clear to see for nearly half of a mile, he did not use his brakes in time and was too slow to do so.

A sobering admission.

Van Drivers, Be Vigilant

We know this could happen to any motorist out there, but lorry and van drivers, in particular, deal with long hours.

The tiring effects can be detrimental to driving confidence and ability.

We have even heard about people getting into accidents due to wasps in the car, or something similar.

Our sympathies go out to Mr Hurst and his family.

It is tragic and cannot be helped, but perhaps being aware of what could go wrong can help.

Should things take a tragic turn of events, you’re going to want to make sure you’re covered by good insurance.

Fill out this quick 3-minute form to see how you gain just that, as well as make a saving. 

First It Was Loo Roll. Now, It’s a Fuel Shortage.

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You know what this is about, don’t you? If you haven’t heard about the fuel shortage, then you’re one of the lucky few.

There is a certain name for people who panic buy. And unfortunately, it has been happening all too often lately. 

Why is this happening?

Here are a few reasons and excuses being thrown around for the supposed fuel shortage:

  • Shortage of drivers. According to reports, the situation just seems to be getting worse and worse, doesn’t it? Despite the government’s attempts to get it under control.
  • Brexit. It’s basically been described as a huge circle of hell, according to several sources.
  • Covid-19. Several workers are now returning to the office. Many of these employees are having to once again get into their cars, and drive into work. The higher demand, alongside other issues, is having a direct effect on fuel.
  • PANIC BUYING. Possibly the main culprit here. It has happened before and it is happening again. 

Perhaps, they are all connected?

Now, we’re not judging you. Especially if you’re one of the many that have panicked, and driven on down to your local petrol station at 90 miles per hour…

Okay, maybe we are a little bit. But there is a very good reason why. Let’s consider those of you who are reading this and desperately require fuel for work purposes. Those of you who are keyworkers, delivery drivers, cab or taxi drivers, or van drivers. 

There is a myriad of occupations that a van driver could have. It is highly likely that whatever that job is, you’re going to need your van for it. Unfortunately, a lot of the people queueing out there who are desperate for fuel may not be doing it for the right reasons. 

What next?

Have the queues and shortages affected you in any way? We found ourselves queueing for an hour this evening. Our neighbour (a nurse) drove to four different petrol stations before she could get 30 quids’ worth. 

The government has reassured the public to continue buying fuel as normal. We’re pretty sure panic buying doesn’t constitute as normal. So, let’s all calm down, shall we?

If you haven’t been able to fuel up your van these past couple of days, here is some good news. You’re only 3 minutes away from accessing seriously cheap van insurance. Fill out this form and let us take care of the rest.

Drive in Hiring New Delivery Drivers to Cost Company Millions

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Can you guess which company it is?

The story has been doing the rounds all week.

Okay, fine, we won’t keep you in suspense.

Drum roll, please… It’s only everyone’s favourite online supermarket that goes by the name, Ocado. 

Just What Has Ocado Been Up to?

By now, you have likely heard about the serious fuss over delivery driver shortages in the UK.

Unless, of course, you live under a rock.

To attract more employees, Ocado is advertising their delivery driver roles using everyone’s most hated best friend: money.

By offering higher wages and bonuses, they hope these incentives will fill the delivery driver void.

Why are Ocado Offering Higher Wages to Drivers?

Recently, it was confirmed by the UK government, that HGV tests would be sped up and also made easier.

You may have read about it in one of our previous blog posts. 

So, following this news, Ocado hopes their soaring wages will be motivation enough for drivers to want to join them.

At the moment, it is estimated that we are short of around a whopping 90,000 drivers.

Eek.

Naturally, this has caused disruption to supermarket supply chains, fuel and all sorts of other goods.

Are you one of the many thousands who have been affected by the shortages? 

So, What Are Ocado Moaning About?

In paying you lot higher wages and bonuses (as they should), they are estimating it will cost the company an additional £5 million (at least). 

However, we’re hoping this trend of paying our fellow delivery driver higher salaries continues.

Especially as Ocado are not the first to brag about this.

In fact, John Lewis and Aldi have also recently decided to up their delivery driver wages.

Tesco has also jumped on board the bandwagon and are offering decent bonus packages to join them, too. 

Let’s hope these higher paid wages and bonuses are enough to entice delivery drivers back, eh?

Where are you all? We miss you. 

For those of you who are still in the profession, or looking to join, it’s a good thing you’ve stumbled upon this blog post.

The first thing you need to do is to consider van insurance.

There are additional details you need to consider as a delivery driver, too. 

Find out all you need to know about cheap van insurance by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Avoid Abuse And Change Your Career?

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So, we have two things to report on this week.

The first is actually from across the pond, involving an angry Amazon manager and his poor employee.

The second is related to the ongoing fear of driver shortages Britain is facing at the moment.

Stay Off My Lawn!

Something perhaps more fitting for an elderly gentleman to yell at some troublesome teens.

But no.

This unfortunate Amazon delivery driver received a whole lotta abuse from his own manager. 

You may have seen the video doing the rounds online.

It’s been published in most tabloid newspapers, so it isn’t too hard to find, but you may not want to watch it.

If delivery drivers didn’t have enough to put up with already, this really takes the biscuit. 

The manager claims his employee broke several rules whilst delivering the package to his loving boss.

So, naturally, he felt the best way to let his worker know about it, was to yell at him.

Obviously. 

The main issue the video captures is the berated delivery driver walking across his manager’s grass to deliver the package.

Clearly, a rookie mistake and one that warrants verbal abuse.

Said no one, ever. 

Have you ever experienced unreasonable behaviour from your manager as a delivery driver?

Let us know — we’d love to call them out on it.

Of course, we’d hope no one in Britain would be quite as ‘stern’ when talking to their delivery drivers.

It appears America is a whole other kettle of fish.

Considering A Career Change?

Next up.

If you feel you aren’t being treated well enough as a delivery driver, then why not consider becoming a lorry driver?

With all the driver shortages, Brexit, Covid-19, and just general chaos and hoo-ha that’s hit Britain lately.

Selco is helping with the panic. 

They’ve decided to launch an academy for lorry drivers, encouraging van drivers to become HGV drivers instead.

They’ve also recently increased their pay.

Not too shabby, eh?

So, what do you reckon?

Career change to rid yourself of the annoying boss?

We’d hope not, especially in the UK.

So until then, and as usual, we’ve got your back with the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

You’re welcome.

Amazon Ditches Drug Testing to Combat Driver Shortage

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Drive it, 420.

We’re not actually sure if that makes sense, but that’s what the folks in America have decided.

For once, this isn’t a post about electric vans…

So, this week’s news comes from the other side of the pond.

Quite a big pond, actually, as this is news from the ol’ U.S. of A.

Just as the UK has been experiencing delivery driver shortages here, the same has been happening across the US. 

Now, there’s a number of reasons that have been suggested for the shortage in the UK…

We’ve seen stuff about Covid-19 and the ‘Pingdemic’, Brexit, and all sorts of excuses.

Our suspicions are that it probably involves many reasons, so we won’t point the blame anywhere specific.

Whilst the US can’t blame Brexit, they are still suffering from delivery problems.

And so, they’ve used some initiative. 

In America, some states have legalised cannabis, but not ALL of them.

Now, delivery companies are specifically advertising job listings, that stipulate that there is no mandatory drug testing.

This is a particular company, by the way.

You may have heard of them before…

Say, does Amazon ring a bell?

Not only Amazon drivers, but also all the other delivery companies it sub-contracts with.

They’re facing a serious dilemma. Even the munchies can’t ease their concerns. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)

Many current drivers and potential hires fail cannabis and THC tests.

Because of this, they’re facing a real shortage, which is now verging on a crisis.

So much so, that the job descriptions that are going out have specific detail that claims there is ‘no marijuana testing’ or ‘THC testing’. 

Many states in the US have decriminalized cannabis.

Some lobbyists are seizing this opportunity to push the agenda further.

They argue that if Amazon can ignore marijuana screening, then so can everyone else.

Van drivers in the UK don’t need to worry about ‘high’ delivery drivers right now.

However, it’s something to consider if cannabis is ever legalised in the UK.

We’re pretty certain we Brits would have more common sense than to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of anything.

If you need to claim against someone who isn’t law-abiding, you’ll need reliable van insurance. I

t’s essential for getting you out of a sticky situation.

It’s a good thing we’ve got you covered with the best and cheapest van insurance quotes around, eh?

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