{"id":18415,"date":"2023-08-04T08:07:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T15:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/?post_type=resources&p=18415"},"modified":"2024-12-26T07:09:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-26T15:09:04","slug":"how-to-start-a-sprinter-van-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-start-a-sprinter-van-business","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Sprinter Van Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re thinking about entering the freight carrying world, there are a lot of routes you can take, and among those is starting your own sprinter van business. Whether you realize it or not, you\u2019ve probably seen sprinter vans on the road a lot due to increased popularity over the past few years. It\u2019s Amazon\u2019s delivery fleet vehicle of choice, and for a good reason \u2014 sprinter vans have a wide range of options, making them one of the best vehicles for delivering loads of all shapes and sizes. From medical equipment and other time-sensitive materials to appliances and vehicle tires, sprinter vans are relied upon for their manageable size yet impressive hauling capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what exactly is a sprinter van and how do you start your own sprinter van business? This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to become a sprinter van owner-operator and make your mark on the industry.<\/p>\n

What Is A Sprinter Van?<\/h3>\n

A sprinter van is a lightweight commercial vehicle. Originally produced by Mercedes-Benz in 1995, since its<\/span> successful launch<\/span><\/a> in Europe in 1995 and its official American debut back in 2010, the sprinter name has become a blanket term used by many to mean commercial cargo van or crew van. Many makers are now producing sprinter-style vehicles that offer similar capabilities with an array of different configurations. These include the<\/span> Ford Transit<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ram ProMaster\u00ae<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> GMC Savana<\/span><\/a>, in addition to the<\/span> Mercedes-Benz<\/span><\/a> vans.<\/span><\/p>\n

With so many makes and models to choose from, those looking to enter the freight carrier industry have various options for selecting the right vehicle for their needs. Depending on the make and model you choose, the price, carrying & towing capacity, and features will vary.<\/p>\n

If you want to get an idea of what you can expect from this vehicle class, here are some stats of entry-level sprinter vans that can serve as a good starting point:<\/p>\n

Price<\/em><\/p>\n

A <\/span>new sprinter van<\/span><\/a> or similar cargo van MSRP will typically be in the range of $29,000 for basic models and up to $66,000 for higher-end, luxury models. If you\u2019re on the hunt for more budget-friendly options, you can browse used vans, speak with a dealership about leasing options, or look into obtaining a business loan to cover the cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Payload Capacity<\/em><\/p>\n

Sprinter vans have a wide range of carrying capacities, averaging from 500 lbs to a staggering 5,000 lbs for the more rugged models \u2014 that\u2019s a lot of cargo to carry!<\/p>\n

Towing Capacity<\/em><\/p>\n

Again depending on the model and configurations you choose, vehicles in this class can tow anywhere between 3,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs.<\/p>\n

Dimensions<\/em><\/p>\n

Light-duty vans are more compact than their counterparts and are great if you\u2019re planning to operate in busy cities or looking to make a lot of light, successive deliveries. These generally have a height of 52 inches. So if you\u2019re looking to haul taller items or want to be able to stand up straight in your van, opt for a higher roof option. Some of the tallest high-roof van options have a height of 110.4 inches, or a spacious 9.2 feet!<\/p>\n

Why Start A Sprinter Van Business?<\/h3>\n

For those just getting into the carrier industry, a sprinter van is a great starter vehicle \u2014 especially because they don\u2019t require a CDL to operate. Sprinter vans are robust yet easy to control, making them a powerhouse when it comes to <\/span>transporting loads<\/span><\/a> while still keeping navigation in tight spaces in urban areas simple. Plus, a sprinter van’s rear and side cargo accessibility gives you more flexibility when delivering freight than some other vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, with starting prices beginning as low as $29,000, brand-new sprinter vans can be a little easier to acquire compared to new trucking trailers, which can range in price from roughly $125K to $150K. This lower barrier-to-entry can be a major advantage to those new to freight transportation.<\/p>\n

Beyond the ease of use and affordability of a sprinter van, being an owner-operator can be a truly rewarding experience that offers you flexible hours, the chance to be part of a growing industry, and an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

How to Start A Sprinter Van Business: Your Checklist<\/h3>\n

Now that you\u2019re filled in on the what and why of starting a sprinter van business, let\u2019s get into the exciting part \u2014 the <\/span>how<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Outline Your Business Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Planning is a crucial step when starting your own business. Before you go out and purchase a van, take some time to do some thorough planning. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success when starting your own freight delivery company is by researching the market and understanding where you want to fit in. Do you want to be the sole driver of your company, or do you want to grow to run your own fleet eventually? Do you want to operate within state lines (intrastate) or travel across the country (interstate)? How will you <\/span>pay for fuel<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you have a solid idea of what you want to do, you can start figuring out what you need and how much everything will cost.<\/p>\n

Certifications & Expenses<\/strong><\/p>\n

After your business plan is in place, it\u2019s time to consider what expenses you\u2019ll need to cover both before you start your business and as you begin transporting freight. In addition to the price of your van, you\u2019ll need a cash flow to pay for gas, vehicle maintenance or repairs, and insurance. If you plan to hire help, you’ll also have to calculate employee salaries and supplies.<\/p>\n

Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Insurance is crucial \u2014 not to mention required \u2014 as it will cover you from any liability or damages you may experience while you\u2019re out on the road. Monthly costs will vary depending on the vehicle you\u2019re driving, the cargo you\u2019re carrying, your experience, and where you\u2019re operating. Expect to spend at least $140\u2013$245 a month or $1,700\u2013$3,300 a year on <\/span>commercial auto insurance<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also need <\/span>cargo insurance<\/span><\/a> for the freight you haul, which you can find through DAT\u2019s partner, Loadsure. You can save up to 80% on costs by purchasing per-load insurance instead of getting a contract that can cause you to overpay. With per-load insurance, you\u2019re only ever paying for the value of your current load. The best part is that getting cargo insurance through Loadsure is incredibly quick \u2014 you can get covered in under 60 seconds!<\/span><\/p>\n

Authority & Permits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before you begin driving, you\u2019ll have to do a fair bit of paperwork to ensure you\u2019re ready for operation and meet local and federal regulations. This includes:<\/p>\n