This document provides guidance on how to plan cargo van storage space in 6 zones. The 6 zones are: 1) the partition behind the seats, 2) street side behind seats, 3) street side rear, 4) curbside rear, 5) the roof, and 6) exterior of the van. For each zone, the document suggests what types of storage and organization would be suitable based on the location and intended use of items stored there. The overall recommendation is to think through the functionality of storage for each zone so the van is efficiently organized for one's work needs.

1. How to Plan Your
Cargo Van Storage
Space

2. Contractors rely on the storage space in
their van to keep them organized and
efficient. But, for the new contractor just
starting out in business, designing the
cargo van storage space may seem like
a daunting task.
Here’s a simple tutorial that will help you
through some steps of how to plan your
cargo van storage, helping you set up
your van so that it works for you on the
job.
To make it easier, break the project
down into six specific areas of your van,
each with a different storage function in
mind.
Your regular workshop is organized
according to tasks or functions of your
profession, so your work van can be just
as effective, if you plan out the space in
advance.
Think about your workshop. You have the
tool chest located in one area for a reason,
and your saws, drill press, and other
equipment spread out in other areas for the
space they require. Functionally, you
wouldn’t store all your small screwdrivers by
the drill press when you actually need them
over by the workbench and tool chest.
© Phase4photography | Dreamstime.com
© Uwe Bumann | Dreamstime.com

3. Plan Your Contractor
Van Storage Zones
When you’re trying to figure out how to plan your cargo van storage, think
of the storage capabilities based on different zones within your van. Think
of the six different zones of your commercial van:
1. The partition behind the seats
2. Street side behind the
seats
3. Street side at the back
4. Curbside at the back
5. The roof
6. The exterior
Zone 1
The first zone to consider in your cargo van
storage starts with the question of whether or
not you need a solid partition or one with a
door for accessibility to the rear of the van.
Either way, the partition is not just an empty
wall; it can also be used to hang items to
keep them within easy reach.
Remember that this zone is directly behind
you while you’re driving. You probably don’t
want to hang a lot of little items that can shift
or jingle as you turn corners.
However, there is ample storage space in
this area, and securing the cargo on the
partition is easy to do.

4. Zone 2
Now, we’re moving into the interior of your
cargo van area. Directly behind the seats, on
the street side of the van, you may want to
consider adding shelving or drawer units.
Again, determine your storage needs, and
look at the overall work space. When you are
inside the van, what is the function of that
particular space in relation to the others?
Know what tasks you might do there or what could be stored there. This
space is directly opposite the side doors on the curbside of the van, so it is
easily accessible for quick tools or equipment. A shelving system with a
workstation that includes catalog file organization makes it easy to look up
information you need while on the job.
Zone 3
Further back, still on the street side of the
van, you may want to store other items that
you would normally need access to from the
rear doors. Things like tank holders, hooks, or
a reel holder would be efficiently used from
the rear of your contractor cargo van.
Just inside the rear doors is another good
place to store your binders, manuals, or other
printed material that you often refer to during
a service call. Document holder shelves in
this area allow you to view or read your documents in the comfort of your
storage van, out of the weather elements.

5. Zone 4
On the curbside part of the van, directly behind the side doors, you may
want some other storage ideas.
Lockable drawer units might work here, to contain small parts and supplies.
Drawers come in many different sizes, so you can install the right type of
drawer for your small parts storage needs.
Consider the best way to group your small parts together, and set up the
drawer system in a way that makes sense for your efficiency.
Divider shelves may also separate
small equipment or machinery you
want to secure while driving. Rather
than having one, long shelf for your
small equipment, you can be
assured that nothing turns up
missing at the end of a job, just by
checking to be sure your equipment
is in its assigned divider. This helps
reduce the risk of leaving tools or
equipment on a job site!
Since the sides of this cabinet system
are accessible from both the side doors
and the back doors, it’s a good place to
hang a hook storage system. Hard
hats, ropes, cables, and other items
can be hung so that they are accessible
right from the door, without stepping
into the van to retrieve them.

6. Zone 5
The roof of many
commercial vehicles is
used for transporting large
or long items.
Understand the weight
load of your particular van,
and know what you might
possibly be carrying up
there.
There are many types of
racks to select, including
cargo racks, ladder racks,
and utility racks, and each rack serves a purpose for safely transporting
product on top of your vehicle.

7. Zone 6
Don’t discredit using the exterior of your van; it’s important for effectively
marketing your business!
Contractors who arrive at a job site with a well-branded cargo van appear
more professional and successful than those who arrive in a standard, plain
white commercial van.
It also gives your
clients more security
about your
company, and better
trust in the services
you provide,
because you value
your company
image and
reputation by
making your
company obvious to
them.
This is your most visible asset, and you should create a personal identity
for your work van or pickup with a quality vehicle wrap that provides 24/7
Commercial Curb Appeal to attract attention for your company. People will
remember your services and recommend you to others when they see your
graphical van traveling in your community!

8. Plan Your Space in Advance
Remember to think through the functionality of your cargo van storage
system, and set up your commercial van in a way that helps you work
safely, efficiently, and effectively.
Each zone of your van can have a different purpose, and by planning in
advance, you won’t waste any areas that can be used for maximizing your
van storage space.
The Contractor’s Corner is sponsored by Adrian Steel. Find more
information about cargo van storage at http://www.adriansteel.com