The Step Van Truck

Who uses Step Vans?

Step vans are known by many names some of which are: route trucks, white vans, walk in vans, bread trucks, tool trucks, pizza trucks, UPS trucks, mail trucks, to name just a few.  There are few truck styles that are used by so many different kinds of business’.

The ever popular Step van is known for it’s ease of driver entry and exit from front to rear in a full standing position,  and has become a favorite for parcel delivery, mail delivery, contractors of all types, fix it handymen, pizza and food vendors, linen and uniform rental companies and

hand tool vendors. One of the great features is that in case of bad weather, there is enough room inside for a contractor to perform his work in dry comfort.

Additionally, part of the popularity of this truck is it’s safety features.  The driver can exit the vehicle on the curb side, without worrying about walking into oncoming traffic.  The step well is a lot closer to the ground than in some of the larger trucks, and affords a more comfortable exit/entrance. Typical large flat windshield glass areas provide for excellent driver visibility.

Some features you might want to consider when purchasing a step van are: (1) Type of rear door(s), barn type that swings out, or roll up door (2) The height and width of the box, your “storage” or work area (3) Is there a screen or cage behind the driver, if so does it allow access to the back (4) Aluminum or Steel Body, each has their own advantages  (5) Does the weight capacity match your individual needs (6) Two seats or one?  (7) Lighting in the rear box area?

There have been a host of step van body manufacturers over the years including such names as Utilimaster, Freightliner, Boyertown, Union City, Morgan Olsen, and others.  As a prospective buyer, make sure that body parts are still available before a purchase, as some of these manufacturers are no longer in the step van business.