Author: News Desk

Driver Takes His Van For A Swim

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Yes, you did read what you thought you just read.

And whilst it’s not quite as simple as that, we’re phrasing it that way, so the driver doesn’t feel too bad. 

…But he should. 

This week’s news comes fresh to you from Exmouth.

A lovely English Seaside town in the South of Devon, that can get quite lively, from what we hear.

Well, lively enough for a van driver to park his van on a tidal slipway, slip off for a quiet pint or two, and forget about the van.

The driver went off for a pint, that is – not the van.

Then again, the van did go swimming, so who knows what else it’s capable of…

Unfortunately, this memory loss has cost the driver dearly.

The next thing he knew, town members had spotted his white van bobbing off into the sea.

Regrettably, he was not made aware of this until the next morning, when he returned to pick up his van.

Thankfully, the driver appears to have remained upbeat.

What else can you do, we suppose?

We’re not sure what exactly is in the air and affecting our dear van drivers this week, but similar news also hit the headlines in Cornwall. 

Whilst we don’t think a pint was involved this time, there was some blatant disregard for parking rules.

The unfortunate driver was initially at Newquay Harbour Beach to help launch a boat.

He then ignored signs and protests from the parking attendant about leaving his van on the beach.

Well, karma sure came around for this guy because the next thing he knew, his van was already submerged, having a dip in the sea.

The best thing (or worst thing?) was that he left his van there, just so he could go off and jet ski with a buddy.

That’ll teach him. Hopefully.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever left your van parked?

We’re sure there are some juicy stories out there… So, come on, don’t be shy! 

If, like the unfortunate drivers in this article, you ever find your van needing a float in the form of van insurance, we’re thankful to say we have you covered.

 So whether you’re planning on parking on the beach (let’s hope not),

or somewhere a little more sensible (like the road, or a driveway, perhaps?),

you’ll find we have the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

This Chime, It’s Personal

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It’s finally happened.

We’ve now reached that stage of the year when if people weren’t losing their minds over the colour of a van.

They’re now crying at ice cream vans. 

Okay, so perhaps not literally crying at an ice cream van.

But certainly becoming triggered enough by the chime of one.

Enough to get an ice cream van firm actually banned on a street in Lowestoft. 

Now, we firmly believe that the only reason to see red when it comes to ice cream vans, is when they drive off too quickly.

You know the deal.

You’ll be rushing around, getting dressed enough to look presentable to the neighbours, and pretending you’re about to get a Flake 99 for your kid.

But by the time you get outside…

THE VAN HAS GONE. It’s enough to make a grown man cry.

In Lowestoft, however, the reason for the banishing of ice cream on wheels is to do with the fact that the driver sounded the music for too long.

The company, Lamarti’s, are based near Great Yarmouth and having to deal with the fallback.

They have been accused by a distraught resident of allowing chimes to exceed 12 seconds.

More than 20 seconds, in fact.

Did you know there are rules in place for ice cream van chimes?

Music should be blasted — okay, sorry, played nicely — for only 12 seconds.

Oh, and it can only be done when the van is still.

There is also a protocol on how loud you can sound the chimes, and how often (once every couple of minutes).

Just in case you wanted to ensure you’re up-to-date with the rules properly, all the details are published on the Gov website.

Click here for some nighttime reading.

2020, 2021… Please stop messing with us.

Who knows what 2022 will bring?

Complaints about Jerry the neighbour cleaning his van at 10am and waking up Sharon from next door?

Time will tell. 

Until then, let’s hope the only other ice cream van concerns in your life are to do with insuring one.

You’ll find all the information you need, right here.

Suppliers: Has The Driver Shortage Affected You?

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If you haven’t heard about the driver shortages, you’re likely not from the UK.

Otherwise, you must be living under a rock.

Remember this post we made a few weeks ago about tests for van and lorry drivers being made easier?

This was because the UK was facing the severe issue of a lack of delivery drivers — from vans to HGV drivers.

The reasons are numerous.

The driver shortages stem from Brexit, with Covid-19 making things much worse.

It’s like a tornado stirring the pot.

If there wasn’t a shortage already, ‘pingdemic’, as it has been affectionately named, has unfortunately caused further chaos.

This is because drivers are being pinged left, right and centre, and being told to self-isolate by the ‘track and trace’ app. 

As you can imagine, the consequences have been dire.

Many newsagents, including the chain NISA, have had to drive their vans to pick up supplies.

This is due to severe staff shortages among their suppliers.

This is time and effort spent on top of maintaining and managing their store branches and dealing with staff off work themselves, too. 

There are calls for the government to allow drivers who have been vaccinated (with both jabs) to skip the isolation period.

This is as long as they continue to test, and the results are negative.

At the moment, this is due to come into force from the 16th of August, but things could change — sooner or be pushed to later.

So, everything is up in the air, and everyone is panicking.

Help?

We think so.

What do you think?

Has the media blown this out of proportion, or is this something that needs further immediate attention?

Have you been affected directly by the driver shortages?

The struggling supermarkets certainly show us how serious this all this.

Let us know your thoughts! 

For any new drivers needing cheap van insurance, we’re always here for you.

All you have to do is complete this form, and be welcomed into a world of cheap van insurance providers, that you won’t find elsewhere.

The best thing is — the form takes less than 3 minutes to complete.

It’s Happening. Driverless Vans Are Here…

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So, we all knew it was coming, as more and more electric vans are on the horizon for production.

Autonomous vans are also hitting the headlines.

But did you think driverless delivery vans would be here this quickly?

What’s the latest on all this about driverless vans?!

Without a driver at the wheel (I don’t think we can say that enough, as we’re in disbelief), an electric van from Arrival has successfully made a journey to a parcel depot.

The demonstration took place last week, and after the company announced a partnership with Uber in the US, we’re telling you now, friends.

The future looks green.

Of course, further testing of the van on roads is required now, but after this successful event, we’re certain it won’t be long before that happens. 

Who is Arrival?

  • Arrival is a company that is focused on making transport zero emissions, so you’ll probably hear their name floating about a lot in the future.
  • If you’re interested in watching the video from Arrival, you can click the link here. It shows you everything you need to know about Robopilot, and more.

Can we really be surprised that vans are delivering goods without drivers in this day and age?

If you’re local to Milton Keynes, or have been there recently, you may have seen robots going about their business.

These little delivery carriers brought food to the large town of MK, especially during the height of the pandemic.

And they’re still there. So, for some of you, this may not surprise you at all.

Read more about the tiny Milton Keynes robots here.

So, what’s next? Robots cooking our dinner?

Perhaps.

There’s plenty of tongues wagging about the future of many motors being autonomous.

Some say this is to cut down on the number of human lives lost to major accidents and traffic incidents.

Others say it’s an abomination. 

What’s your take on it? We can only imagine it’s all a bit terrifying, to be honest. Let us know your thoughts.

Until the inevitable war with the robots from Milton Keynes takes place, we’re still here.

We’ve got you covered with the cheapest van insurance quotes around. Simply fill in your details here, and get an instant quote!

How Branding Can Affect Your Van Insurance

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Sigh. The things we need to declare on our vehicle’s insurance, eh?

Goss, that’s hot off the press. The simple act of advertising your company — for example, placing a sticker of your logo or something to do with your brand — can actually affect your van’s insurance policy.

Now, this is simply a warning. Every van insurance provider will work to their own rules and policies, but a leading van insurance provider has spilled the beans on how simple branding could nullify your insurance.

So, whether you’re advertising your building company, painting and decorating services, or dog hair cutting salon… Please be aware, treasured van drivers. 

How might my van insurance be declared void?

For some providers, it is necessary to declare any way in which you might be advertising your brand or company. This is because it can be seen as a modification to your van. That’s right. Signage on your van can be seen as modifying your van. It’s not like you’ve got new alloys or painted a Formula 1 flag on your bonnet, but…

Look, we’re shaking our heads, too.

Another reason this could result in your van insurance being void, or rates being higher, is because thieves exist. Unfortunately, those dastardly buggers are a direct link here. 

Let’s use an example: you work for a tree surgeon company, and you have a branded sticker on the side of your van. The smarter thieves out there will see this as an opportunity. They’ll saunter up to your van, assuming you have valuable tools hidden in there somewhere, and break in. Okay, they probably won’t saunter, but you get our point. 

Let’s add the fact that stickers, or whatever you use as an adhesive on your van, could potentially cause damage to the paintwork. Or, require more monies if, heaven forbid, you were in an accident, for example. Yet another reason for van insurance providers to scowl at you.

With the recent rise in van sales due to a shortage of drivers, it’s best to declare everything. This ensures you’re getting the best deal for your van insurance. It’s also something we’re proud to be able to help with. Fill in your details here, and see what we can do for you!

Tests For Van Drivers Made Easier

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The tests van drivers need to take will be relaxed — but it’s not necessarily a good thing.

You may have heard about the very serious hoo-ha of a shortage of HGV drivers and van drivers facing the UK at the moment.

Some are blaming Covid-19 and the number of tests that have had to be cancelled.

Others are firmly pointing their fingers at Brexit.

Some are blaming an accumulation of both, alongside other resulting factors in the past, very unusual, year. 

We’re not one to accuse people or pandemics (although perhaps we should), but there is a major concern here.

With the tests being made easier, it could be argued that they’re being relaxed a smidgen too far.

And with the ease of passing the tests, there is a rise in numbers of people being concerned about safety issues.

Depending on where you live, you may have also noticed a few empty shelves at your local supermarket.

Again, sparked by Brexit or the COVID-19 app pinging left, right and centre, telling people to isolate and keep the country safe?

Once again, it could be a bit of both. 

Whatever the reason is for the cause of these shortages, from empty shelves to delivery drivers.

This could really affect the safety of our HGV and van drivers out there.

For example, this relaxing of the requirements to pass the test follows a decision that affects breaks that lorry drivers can take.

Now, drivers have to drive for longer before they can take a break, as if it wasn’t exhausting enough already.

The Secretary for Transport, Grant Shapps, has launched a plan of action.

This could increase the number of van drivers passing their tests to over 1,500 successful passes a week.

Off-road manoeuvres are also in the plan to be discarded. 

Are you a van driver and feel strongly about this?

Or, are you going to be sitting your test soon?

Let us know how you feel about the latest news.

Whilst you’re here, whether you’re a seasoned van driver or a new one.

Something we can all agree on is where you get the cheapest van insurance from. Guess what? It’s right here.

Time to Brush Up on those Van Driving Skills?

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Logistics UK has launched training for a new van driver safety course.

What’s this new course all about, then?

There are currently four million vans parked or driving about on the roads of the UK right now. With the recent boom in the delivery industry, and a general lack of van drivers, HGV and lorry operators, this course might be more important than ever.

Alongside Covid-19, Brexit, and other forces that have been mightily disruptive or resulting in heavy changes, there’s already a backlog of drivers waiting to be trained.

This course aims to propel van drivers to ensure they’re up-to-date and keeping safe as can be. Both on the roads, and for themselves. The course covers topics from loading to driver fatigue, so we think it’s a must for anyone thinking of joining the industry.

What can I expect to learn?

Well, firstly, the good news is that this is an e-learning course. So, as long as you have access to some sort of tech device that is capable of running videos, and can display texts and images, you’ll be fine. 

Although, don’t take our word for it – it’s best to contact them directly if you have questions.

The structure is quite basic and consists of only 2 modules:

  • 1: Vehicle (checks on the vehicle, fuel efficiency, loading safely and hours of the driver)
  • 2: Driver (industry, licensing, road rules, defence driving, fitness, wellbeing and safety)

If you’re a seasoned van driver, you might find yourself thinking this isn’t for you. Fair enough! However, with ever-changing rules and requirements, you never know what new fact might come in handy.

How much does the course cost?

You’ve got 3 options here, and all of them are per use:

  • £9.95 if you’re a Van Excellence Accredited Operator 
  • £12.95 for Logistics UK members
  • £17.95 for all you non-members

Where can I find more information?

Simply head on over to the Logistics UK website. You can also view details about the course here, or sign up here. You’re welcome.

What next?

We hope you’ve found this post useful. Whether you’re new to driving vans, or a seasoned van driver, the learning never stops.

Unfortunately, what also never stops, is a requirement for van insurance. 

This is where we come in. For a new van or a renewal, simply fill in this form with your details, and be amazed by our cheap van insurance deals.

Sales of Vans Have Almost Hit Record Levels This Year

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Boom, boom, boom, boom! That’s right… Van sales are booming thanks to a rise in home deliveries and the reopening of the economy.

Did online shopping cause this?

In the UK, restrictions are slowly being lifted, which is welcomed by the economy. As Brits slowly start to get back to normal (well, as normal as we can get for now), online shopping still remains at an all-time high. 

Let’s face it, even pre-pandemic, the economy saw a surge in consumers still opting to shop online, simply due to convenience. This meant more and more retailers found themselves in need of vans, as demand for delivery soared.

Why else have businesses had to invest?

Let’s not forget the introduction of many “clean air zones” scattered across cities in the UK. With many of these areas in places that would be busy delivery zones, quite a few businesses have had to invest in cleaner and greener vans. Those vans would be – yep, you guessed it – electric vans, obviously.

What about electric vans?

Of course, the demand for electric vans is only rising and has been for a while. This is due to the aforementioned areas that are “clean air zones”, and also because many retailers and businesses are aiming to be greener anyway. 

With many manufacturers introducing electric vans to their range, and several pledging to only build electric vans in the future, some would say the surge in buying electric vans was inevitable.

How do car sales compare to van sales?

You may be surprised to learn that, unfortunately, when it comes to the sales of cars, the same opportunity to boast can’t quite be applied. With many Brits losing their jobs and being made redundant in the past year and a half, demand for cars has decreased. Not to mention the fact that most people, still in jobs, may be working from home.

Add supply problems to the mix (due to Covid), and it’s no surprise that car sales are struggling forward at a snail’s pace.

What’s your situation?

And finally, how about you? Did you find yourself in need of a new van this year? If so, you may be contributing to a new record! Let us help out with your new purchase by providing you with cheap van insurance. 

There’s Another Battle: Now It’s Royal Mail Versus Amazon.

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Perhaps not quite the battle of the century like motorists versus e-scooters. but this one’s still worth mentioning. 

Especially if you’re a delivery driver. Except, we guess it’s not really a war. To put it simply, Royal Mail is making an attempt to win customers over from Amazon by introducing a new scheme offering timed delivery slots.

You might be one of the customers who choose to shop with Amazon due to their brilliant delivery options. Same-day delivery? Yes, please! Perhaps you’re one of the van drivers who end up darting about all over the place, in an attempt to get the deliveries in on time.

Now, if you’re working for Royal Mail, you may find yourself racing against time, just like Amazon drivers.

Customers will be offered a choice from a 3-tier system:

  • You have your bottom tier: this is where Royal Mail get to decide when to deliver your parcel
  • There’s got to be a middle tier: the customer will pick a delivery day, along with where the parcel should be left
  • And of course, the equivalent to Tesco’s Finest. You have the top tier: the customer gets to pick the day PLUS a delivery time

Better slap your seatbelts on, because we anticipate this will be a popular scheme for Brits. Of course, we can’t know for certain what the pricing costs will be like just yet. This will also inevitably depend on the size of the parcel, and/or how many have been ordered. Just like Amazon, it’s safe to assume a top-tier delivery option will result in a higher cost. 

Will customers be willing to switch? 

A recent survey from a popular newspaper saw results that suggested that consumers had more trust in Amazon deliveries than that of Royal Mail. On-time deliveries are naturally important to customers, and it seems Royal Mail doesn’t seem to have a good track record. 

With the significant increase in e-commerce sales due to Covid-19, many delivery companies have found themselves hiring more and more van drivers. Were you one of them? How do you feel about these additional delivery options? Perhaps they make no difference to you at all, or maybe you’re sick of racing from house to house. 

Until the new tiers launch, we can’t be sure. What we are sure of is cheap van insurance. See just how cheap we’re talking by simply filling out the form right here.

Welcome to a Week in the Life of a Van Driver

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If, like us, you’re sick of the ‘White Van Man’ outdated stereotypes and would like to read something about modern van drivers, then this post is dedicated to you, sir or madam.

A survey has resurfaced this week, so it’s doing the rounds across the internet. We thought it would be a great way to, once again, talk about the great things our van drivers are currently all about and have to put up with.

What does the typical week of a van driver entail?

Obviously, these statistics are all averages, but you might be shocked to learn the following:

  • 13.5 hours are spent on the road
  • A whopping £71 goes towards fuel costs
  • 14 hot drinks to keep the day rolling (10% prefer green tea)
  • At least 3 lunchtimes will be taken in the van
  • Nearly an hour stuck in traffic

It’s no surprise that 3 in 5 van drivers feel like they may as well live in their vans, and 1 in 4 sometimes have a nap in them. 

What about a year in the life of a van driver?

Once again, these are on average, but they may hit home for a lot of you. A van driver will:

  • Cover a colossal 16,000 miles
  • Enjoy (we use this word loosely) 47 hours worth of traffic 
  • Feast on at least 156 lunches (in the seat of their vans)

Let’s leave the stereotypes behind…

These further facts were too good to ignore, so we felt they were also worth a mention. When you think of a van driver, people are quick to picture your classic ‘white van man’.

However, your modern van drivers are quite the opposite. Take a look at these statistics:

  • 4 out of 10 van drivers who took the survey, were female
  • 31% claim to be vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian to benefit the environment
  • 40% of van drivers are considering an electric van for their next purchase

If you’d like to take a gander at the study from Lombard in more depth, you can view it here. There is further information about other subjects that were in the poll. It’s a must if you’re keen to help the environment, too.

If you do take the leap to an electric van (or even if you don’t), you can view our cheap van insurance prices, by completing this quick and easy form.

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