Van hire for community groups is rarely about the driving. Every spring fair, scout jumble and church fete runs on borrowed kit from several sheds, halls and lofts. Arranging van hire in Warrington is the easy part. Instead, the effort goes into collecting everything, getting it onto a field and returning it afterwards.
Plan the Collection Round
Treat the van as a collection round in its own right. First, list which items come from where. Then order the stops so the first thing needed on site is collected last. Also, confirm someone will be at each address, because a locked shed costs time. One person should hold the list and ride in the van.
Choosing Van Hire for Community Groups
Tables, gazebo frames and staging are bulky and often muddy by the end of the day. So, a flatbed dropside van makes loading over the side easy. However, for PA kit, raffle prizes or catering supplies, a short wheelbase medium roof van keeps things dry and locked.
Securing an Irregular Load
Build the load in layers, with flat, heavy items on the deck. Next, strap over the top in at least two places. Bundle gazebo poles together, and re-check the load at every stop. The official GOV.UK load securing guidance explains the principles.
Getting Onto the Field
A loaded van sinks into soft grass far more easily than a car. Therefore, ask the site where the firm route runs. If in doubt, park on hard standing and carry. Groups near Walton van hire areas often find a service road that avoids the problem.
Who Drives
Every van stays within 3.5 tonnes, so most adult volunteers can drive on a car licence. The named driver collects the van and brings a photocard licence and a DVLA check code.
Booking Around a Weekend Event
We open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm and close on Sundays. So, for a Sunday event, collect on Saturday and return on Monday. Most vans need no deposit. Our advice on self drive van hire for special events covers more.
The Pack Down
Fewer people stay to pack down, so agree who is staying beforehand. Keep each lender’s kit together, and dry anything wet before it goes away. For van hire for community groups, call 01925 396 222. Alternatively, use our contact us page.
