If you're a small business that regularly needs to transport cargo, it's likely that you've already done some research into the best cargo vehicles and vans on the market. If you haven't already discovered it, the Ford Transit rises above the competition in almost every meaningful way.

Why Is the Ford Transit the Best Cargo Van for Small Businesses?

The Ford Transit is the best-selling commercial van in the United States for a reason. It comes in at an affordable price while also offering lots of space to transport cargo. The increased handling, technological upgrades and power under the hood separate it from its competitors.

One of the top features that the Ford Transit offers is space. The Transit has a lot of cargo space, 487.3 cubic feet. In addition to the amount of space available, the van has the power to transport heavy payload. The max payload in the Ford Transit Van is 4,650 pounds, well above almost all of the competition.

To transport a large amount of cargo, the 2021 Transit comes with some of the best engines on the market. Two engine options are available. Depending on your needs, you may want to go with the 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine or the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, which replace the 3.7-liter V6 and 3.2-liter diesel engines found in older models. Both of these engines are combined with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, which other Ford products, like the F-150, also use.

In the past, the Ford Transit didn't offer all-wheel drive, but the 2021 Ford Transit changes things. Optional all-wheel drive is available on the Ford Transit. All-wheel drive is perfect for those who live in colder climates or need to go offroad to get to a location. If you don't need all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive is the standard option.

Additionally, the Ford Transit adds a significant amount of tech to the vehicle. For instance, Ford's suite of safety technology, the Co-Pilot360, comes with the Transit. Now, the Transit will have collision braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist and automatic braking. Additionally, based on the trim level, the Transit can have adaptive cruise control and parallel and perpendicular parking assist, along with blind-spot monitoring.

With all of these features and upgrades coming with the 2021 Ford Transit, there's never been a better time to invest in the cargo vehicle.

2019 Ford Transit vs. Transit Connect Models

The needs of your business don't stop just because you're on the go. For that reason, the Ford Transit has been built with Connect models that make it possible to get work done while you transport goods.

The two main models offered during the 2019 model year are the Ford Transit Cargo Van and the Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van. The 2021 Transit will be coming out soon, but to compare the differences, the 2019 models will be sufficient. Either option is an excellent choice for a cargo van, but both come with different features that fit a business's unique needs. Here's what to consider as you decide between the two models.

  • Price. The 2019 Transit Connect Cargo Van starts at $24,100, while the 2019 Transit Cargo starts at $33,135. Both prices are affordable for a small business van that provides a high level of value to a company, the Transit Connect Cargo Van takes the lead. Additionally, The Connect's auto start/stop system cuts off the engine whenever the vehicle comes to a stop, helping you to save fuel and costs.
  • Cargo space and payload. While the Transit Connect Cargo Van leads in price, the Transit Cargo Van has a clear edge in terms of cargo space and the amount of payload it can hold. The Transit Cargo Van's sizes range from 285 to 542.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the Transit Connect Cargo Van ranges between 123.2 and 145.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
  • Technology. The Connect is the winner here as it comes with a variety of features that are unmatched in the industry today. While the standard Transit is a reliable van that comes with key technologies like a rearview camera with trailer hitch assist, the Connect is built for those who need more.

One of the main features of the Connect is the FordPass Connect, which allows drivers and passengers the chance to use an AT&T powered, in-vehicle 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. Up to 10 devices can be on the hotspot at one time, making your vehicle the perfect work station. With the FordPass Connect in place, passengers can work while they are taken to the next job site. The Connect also offers Connected Data Services that can provide valuable data about your vehicle's use.

Ford Transit vs. Chevy Express

If you're on the fence about choosing between a Ford Transit or a Chevy Express Cargo, you should know the main differences between the two vehicles:

1. Safety

One major safety feature that the Transit has implemented focuses on reducing the effects of drowsy driving. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that drowsy driving causes more than 1,500 deaths a year along with 100,000 motor vehicle traffic accidents.

As such, the Transit has implemented an optional driver alert monitor that picks up on when a driver is inattentive. It then sounds an alarm and suggests that they take a break. For the tired driver who might not even realize that they are putting themselves in danger, the feature could help prevent an accident. In contrast, the Express Cargo does not offer a driver alert monitor.

 

Another major safety feature that the Transit van includes is a more secure passenger compartment. Ford has improved the safety of drivers by adding safety cell construction that includes a three-dimensional high-strength frame. The frame surrounds the passenger compartment, providing more impact protection. Additionally, the frame adds a durable mounting location for side-impact beams and door hardware. Unlike the Transit, the Express Cargo does not have any frame members above the vehicle's floor due to its body-on-frame design.

While the Transit outpaces the Express Cargo on the previous features, they both are even in terms of the number of airbags for both drivers and passengers. Both vans also offer front shoulder belts, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, plastic fuel tanks, electronic stability systems, traction control and rearview cameras.

2. Performance

When it comes to engine performance, the Transit is unmatched. It's 3.5 turbo engine produces 400 lbs-ft of torque, which is 27 lbs.-ft higher than the Express Cargo's 6.0 V8, which only produces 373. Additionally, the Transit comes out ahead of the Express Cargo when it comes to horsepower. The Express Cargo's 2.8 turbo diesel engine produces 181 horsepower, while the Transit can get up to 310 horsepower, 129 more.

Handling wise, the transit van takes the cake again, as it offers standard front and rear gear-charged shocks that give drivers more control while navigating bumpy or unpaved roads. In addition to the shocks, the Transit's compensation steering will automatically adjust due to road conditions, meaning that it's easier to keep the vehicle straight without drifting. The Express Cargo does not have any of these features.

3. Cargo Capacity and Payload

If you're looking to haul large quantities of items or need to move a particularly bulky item, the Transit Van is one of the best work vans on the market and significantly outdoes the Express Cargo.

Compare the capacity of the two vans:

  • The Transit 150 MWB's cargo space is 277.7 cubic feet while the Express Cargo 2500 135" WB's cargo space is only 239.7 cubic feet.
  • The Transit 250 LWB-E's cargo space clocks in at 487.2 cubic feet while the Express Cargo 2500 155" WB's cargo space only reaches 284.4 cubic feet.
  • The lengths of the 150 LWB and Transit 250 LWB-E are 126" and 172", respectively, while the lengths of the Express Cargo 2500 135" WB and Express Cargo 2500 155" WB are 124.6" and 146.2", respectively.

Along with the increased cargo capacity, the 2019 Ford Transit Van has a max payload of 4,670 pounds, while the 2019 Chevrolet Express tops out at 4,250 pounds.

Who Should Buy a Ford Transit?

There are several vans for tradesmen and other professionals on the market, but none come close to the affordability and functionality of a Ford Transit. Anyone who needs to haul items from one place to another should at least look into getting a Ford Transit. To narrow down the list, however, there are a few different professions that can particularly benefit from the vehicle.

 

1. Plumbers

The 2019 Ford Transit is the best van for plumbers. It's no wonder that Boston Standard. Co., a plumbing company, located in Massachusetts, is transitioning to full-sized Ford Transits for the main vehicle that they use in their 14-vehicle fleet. The company's owner reports that they enjoy the Transit due to functionality features such as LED lighting in the cargo area, rearview cameras and the headroom for technicians to stand up straight in the cargo space.

Additionally, the cargo space has plenty of options for customization, making it possible for their vehicles to hold between $5,000 and $10,000 worth of repair-parts at once. This extra space and storage customizability lets them stay on a job-site without having to slow down their work to go get new parts or tools. All of these benefits can be used by other plumbers by using a Ford Transit Van.

2. Electricians

Many consider the Ford Transit the best van for electricians. Like plumbers, electricians love the large cargo space and ability to customize it to their needs. Tons of electrical cable and tools for job sites can fit into the van. Secure storage bins can keep smaller items in place. For commonly used materials like cable cutters and test meters, these organizing options can be a big help.

If your electrical business is handling a large commercial job, the ability to tow up to 7,500 pounds can be a huge advantage, saving you from having to take multiple trips for supplies. With built-in smartphone integration, your team of electricians will be able to navigate quickly to their appointments throughout the day safely and without distractions.

3. HVAC Techs

Any HVAC tech is going to need to have a variety of materials on hand to make sure that they can do their job to the best of their abilities. The flexibility of the cargo space makes the vehicle perfect for technicians who could benefit from bringing more tools and materials to job sites. Additionally, the ability to install customized shelving in the cargo space can help to keep tools and materials organized.

If a company goes with the Connect model of the Ford Transit, they can also fill out paperwork, send emails and do other computer work that requires the internet, from the comfort of their vehicle. Online connectivity can be a great way to keep employees productive in situations where they don't have the time to return to headquarters, but they still have a little bit of time to kill before the next appointment.

4. Florists

One of the best vans for florists on the market today is the Ford Transit. You need to keep your flowers secured properly. They also need to be stored at the right temperature. With a Ford Transit, whether the Connect model or the standard one, you'll be able to keep your flowers as fresh and beautiful as possible.

The Ford Transit also comes with plenty of space for advertising, as the body of the vehicle is a blank canvas to show off your logo or custom imagery that reflects the quality and beauty of your flowers. While you are out on deliveries, the van can act as an advertisement, potentially bringing in new customers without any extra effort on your part.

5. Businesses Making Local Deliveries or Who Need Storage

Even if you're not in one of the industries listed above, you could still make use of one of the best work vans available today if you are consistently hauling items around in your vehicle. The large cargo space found in all of the Ford cargo vans, along with their dependability and superior performance makes them an excellent choice for any business to use.

Contact Hoffman Ford for New and Used Commercial Vehicles

 

Family owned and operated since 1953, Hoffman Ford is a dealership that you can trust. If you're looking to purchase a Ford cargo van, Hoffman Ford has a large selection for you to choose from. As soon as you walk on the lot, you'll be treated like family, and we will work tirelessly to help you find a vehicle that matches your needs to a T.

Come visit Hoffman Ford, located in Harrisburg, PA, to find the small business van that you've been needing. At the dealership, you'll be met with friendly service and have plenty of time to browse our used and new cargo vans. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. If you'd like to get a jump on the buying process, you can browse the website to see our current offerings.