Truck Topics
Cargo Vans for 2013
Terry O’Connell, a former Roberts Express and Fed Ex Custom Critical
driver has been around expediting for years. He reports, “Back in the
80’s and early 90’s, Roberts Express and Tri-State Expedited Services
were the only truly nationwide expedited freight carriers. They utilized
Ford Econoline, Chevrolet Express, GM Savana and the less popular Dodge
Ram. After outfitting, each of these cargo vans had an available
capacity of 2000 – 2500 pounds and could accommodate two four-foot tall
pallets.â€
Phil Weiner, of Try Hours Inc., John Elliott, owner of
Load One Inc., and Terry O’Connell estimates cargo van freight
availability being at 25%. With approximately 25% of the available
freight being for cargo type vans and the proven value of the taller
‘sprinter’ style of van, manufacturers have come a long way in meeting
the demand for cargo vans from the initial four basic models offered in
the 80’s and 90’s. Cargo vans are now taller, longer and wider to
accommodate two or three pallet loads.
GM/Chevrolet
The Savana
is the only full sized cargo van to offer the option of using a fully
integrated compressed natural gas (CNG) system, helping reduce CO2
emissions for the ecology minded owner. Other engine options include
gas, E85 and biodiesel. Powertrain choices include the most powerful
diesel in its class, with 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 with
an EPA-est. MPG of 15 city/20 highway.
FlexFuel-Capable engine options: Vortec 4.8L V8 VVT, Vortec 5.3L V8 VVT, and Vortec 6.0L V8 VVT
Additional engine options: Vortec 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8 Compressed Natural Gas and Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel
Express Cargo Vans
are built to be strong, tough and can be spec’d to fit your needs.
Engine options are FlexFuel which allows either E85†or gasoline to be
used. For more power, the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, which is B20
compatible, is available and the most powerful diesel in its class. The
Vortec 6.0L V8 Compressed Natural Gas system is available in either a
3-tank or a 4-tank configuration.
Maximum cargo volume: 284.4 cu. ft.
Maximum cargo length: 146.2 inches
Maximum cargo height: 53.4 inches
Width between wheel wells: 52.7 inches
2500 Regular WB starting at: $27,255
2500 Extended WB starting at: $29,115
3500 Regular WB starting at: $30,575
3500 Extended WB starting at: $31,460
Dimensions and prices are the same for both models.
Ford
Available in 2014, Ford will offer the new
Transit;
there are some rumors that the Transit will replace the E class cargo
van Ford now offers. Entering the euro-style of the high roofed cargo
van market, nearing the capacity of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, the
Transit does top the Sprinter with the highest roof of the two coming in
at 81.4 inches and the widest width between wheel wells at 54.8
inches. Ford has not released data on fuel mileage as of yet, other
than to say the Transit will have 25% better fuel economy than the E
class; other data is sparse. However, Ford will offer three roof
heights and options of GVWR’s of 8,600 to 10,260 pounds with a payload
capacity in excess of 5,000 pounds.
Most powerful available engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V-6, 350 hp (est), 400 lb-ft torque (est)
Maximum cargo volume: 496 cubic feet
Maximum cargo length: 171.5 inches
Maximum cargo height: 81.4 inches
Width between wheel wells: 54.8 inches
Econoline E Class
offers a model for every freight need. Starting with the E-150, with
either a 4.6L or 5.4L EFI Tritonn® V8 engine with 4-speed Automatic
Transmission to the E-350 extended with a 5.4L EFI Tritonn® V8 engine
with 4-speed Automatic Transmission or a 6.8L EFI Triton® V10 engine
with 5-speed Automatic Transmission, these workhorses of the Ford line
can do the job. The rear cargo doors have a 50/50 swing out with
172-degree door checks making loading or unloading pallets easy. The
price starts at $23,375.
Nissan NV 2500/3500 HD
Nissan’s
NV series does not offer the versatility of the other manufacturers
with the main choices offered being whether the van has a low or high
roof. It does beat the Sprinter in wheel well distance, at 54.3 inches.
2500 HD - 261 HP, 4.0-liter V6 or 317 HP, 5.6-liter V8
3500 HD - 317 HP, 5.6-liter V8
Full-length, fully-boxed ladder frame
243° Opening range for rear cargo doors
234.1 cu. ft. cargo space in standard roof
323.1 cu. Ft cargo space in high roof
Prices are NV2500® HD starting at $26,420, NV3500® HD $29.020.
Mercedes Benz
There is little new about the MB 2013
Sprinter.
Retaining its lead in cargo capacity at a whopping 547 cubic feet, the
Sprinter can be spec’d with the longest length of any other cargo van.
Mercedes Benz has yet to offer a stronger engine than the 3.0-liter
turbodiesel V-6 though.
Most powerful available engine: 3.0L turbodiesel V-6, 188 hp, 325 lb-ft torque
Maximum cargo volume: 547 cubic feet
Maximum cargo length: 185 inches
Maximum cargo height: 78.2 inches
Width between wheel wells: 53.1 inches
Prices start at $36,290
Dodge
Ram’s ProMaster
is mentioned as being ‘homely’, it resembles the Fiat Ducate, but with
its straight sides, it offers huge cubit footage of usable space.
Whether one chooses the diesel or gas engine, with the low torque
transmission provided, it may not perform adequately in mountainous
regions, but does very well in city traffic.
Available engines:
3.0L turbo-diesel I-4, 174 hp or 295 lb-ft torque or a 280-hp gas engine
Maximum cargo volume: 529.7 cubic feet
Maximum cargo length: 160 inches
Maximum cargo height: 85.5 inches
Width between wheel wells: 55.9 inches
While
there are a couple of new models debuting during 2013 for the 2014
model year, the Ford Transit is leading in the most speculation and
anticipation by cargo van owners, followed by the Ram Promaster.
However, much of the speculation about the Transit is due to lack of
information and statistics even after its unveiling at the 2013 Detroit
Auto Show. Lawrence McCord, former driver at Roberts Express and owner
of ExpeditersOnline.com, has this to say about the Transit, “I think
Sprinters dominance will be challenged with these vans plus the full
size Ford Transit Van.â€
It will be an interesting couple of
years ahead as the newest additions to the cargo van family get on the
road and North American performance data accrues. Which van will
finally head the pack, only time will tell.