What should I check about the vans in a last-mile delivery company’s fleet?

Begin with a fleet list: each van, its age, its mileage, whether it is owned, financed or leased, and who is listed on the ownership papers. Ask for the service file for every van and compare it with the list. Gaps, repeated repairs on the same part and a pile of work done at the last minute all tell you something about how the vans were treated.

Then go and look. Open the cargo doors, check the shelving, the floors and the sliding mechanisms, which take a beating in stop-and-go work. Ask the drivers which vans they avoid and why. Their answers are often more useful than the paperwork. Look at the tires and brakes, and ask how often a van is off the road during a normal month.

Finally, think about what the next owner will have to spend. A fleet that runs well today may all need replacing together, which strains cash. Ask for the seller’s own replacement plan, and have a mechanic you trust inspect a sample. Your accountant can help you see how the fleet shows up in the financial statements. Keep a short list of the questions the seller could not answer, so you can raise them again before you commit.

Key takeaways

• Match the fleet list to ownership papers, loan balances and service files.
• Inspect the vans yourself and ask drivers which ones give trouble.
• Plan for the vans that will need replacing around the same time.
• Ask how long a van is typically off the road for repairs.