▷ In commercial models that have become convenient offices on wheels

Today, commercial vehicle drivers are no longer simply transporting goods, raw materials, or building materials from point A to point B. They often wear many hats, acting as managers, freight forwarders, construction workers, landscapers, and even mechanics. For them, the vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a mobile workplace where they spend a significant amount of time.

Professionals across different industries have varying needs for commercial vehicle features depending on their job, but many commonalities exist. Easy access, comfortable seating, efficient air conditioning, and well-designed storage space are all crucial.

Considering the diverse needs and budgets of business owners, commercial vehicle configuration options are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, Ford Motor Company has taken a significant step by equipping its vans with comfort comparable to traditional passenger cars, even including dual-zone automatic climate control. Depending on the configuration level, users can also opt for a manual air conditioning system.

A commercial vehicle can not only replace the workplace, but also change it completely, and for this it is not even necessary to have a very large body. For example, the mobile rule of the Can’t Stop company serving customers in Vilnius was installed in a compact model Ford Transit Connect. After evaluating the reliability of the car and the driving comfort offered by the long wheelbase, it was transformed into a modern workshop.

Driving aids reduce fatigue

Antanas Šimelis, member of the electoral commission of “Lietuvos komercinio autovos”, director of the company “AD Rem Transport”, notes that the decision on which new light commercial vehicles to buy is not yet determined by employee requests, but by the cost of one kilometer driven. However, when comparing models with similar purchase and operating costs, a comfortable driving position is considered an advantage.

“The labor shortage is now felt by everyone and a comfortable car could be one of the advantages when looking for new drivers. Comfortable seats and air conditioning are now being installed in many new models, and safety equipment and assistance systems are also becoming more and more important,” says the entrepreneur.

With installed lane and cruise control systems and automatic emergency braking, the driver will not have to constantly strain, so he will not be so tired. In Europe, Ford’s best-selling commercial vehicles are equipped not only with the above-mentioned systems, but also with a reversing camera, blind spot monitoring and trailer stability control.

In addition, equipment that detects free parking spaces and diversifies the car into them or sensors that detect approaching vehicles when driving in reverse are also offered.

Commercial models have adopted most systems from passenger cars, but unique technologies are also implemented to ensure safety. For example, in vans of some manufacturers, electronic stability control can compensate for the influence of strong crosswinds and the weight of the transported load on the vehicle’s handling.

Both technology and ergonomic solutions are important

A. Šimelis adds that the need for technological and comfort equipment in the cabin of a commercial vehicle is mainly determined by the nature of the work. If the driver is not only responsible for delivering the cargo, but also has other tasks, convenient places are needed to store the most important work tools: a smartphone, a barcode scanner, a tablet or a laptop.

USB connectors that ensure easy charging of smart devices are becoming increasingly important, and there should be more than one.

“It is important that it is convenient not only to put the phone down, but also to quickly connect or disconnect the charger. When getting out of the car, the driver cannot leave the phone inside, so it is better not to have to bend down and look for it in a distant place every time. A popular position in the transport sector is that of the switchboard operator. Then you need a comfortable place for the computer, perhaps a folding table”, comments the interviewer.

Even the simplest equipment, such as file folders or special drawers, remain extremely important. To ensure comfort, cabins should also have as many compartments and niches for storing items as possible.

The commercial models are very popular, in which there are both large pockets for A4 documents and small cavities for small objects, easily accessible storage boxes, special niches or cup holders for efficient use of the internal space.

According to A. Šimelis, the choice of commercial vehicle configuration is also influenced by the operating area. Long-haul drivers in rural areas require comfortable, weight-adjustable, and well-padded seats. If the vehicle is primarily used on urban roads, ease of entry and exit and convenient door opening become more important.

Door hinges and locks must be durable. It’s no coincidence that Ford engineers conducted over 250,000 opening and closing tests on the doors during development to ensure their reliability.

“If drivers maintain the same driving posture for extended periods, the cab design must minimize fatigue. Especially in frequent city driving, the ability to easily open the tailgate and secure items that may move inside the vehicle is particularly practical,” said the commercial vehicle expert.

Not all drivers use the capabilities of the equipment

A. Šimelis adds that on longer routes, refrigerated containers and refrigerators are also useful for drivers, where food or drinks can be stored. Also, a convenient solution in the cabin is a special place for jackets or other clothing that the driver takes off after boarding.

Modern connectivity options and other smart features are increasingly being implemented in business models and do not always appeal to entrepreneurs. The interviewer noted that people of different ages work as drivers, and not everyone can use the possibilities of such equipment, so it is not always worth investing in it.

However, in many work environments, the smartphone has become the main work tool. For safety and comfort behind the wheel, it needs to be connected to the car’s equipment, so maintaining and managing this interface smoothly is essential. Multimedia systems installed in light commercial vehicles, which allow voice control of many functions, deserve additional points.