Self distribution - Vehicle Options Advice

[norfolk_guy]

We are planning our start-up and we would like to self distribute. *With limited budget we are trying to figure out what type of delivery vehicle options we can seriously consider to start delivering kegs and packaged beer locally. *Could a Panel Van or Diesel Dodge Sprinter do the job for sales calls and small amount of deliveries? *What's the next size up from this?

Thanks and cheers!

Norfolk_Guy
Dreaming2BBrewing

[callmetim]

Weare using a Ford Transit connect. nice little vehicle with a payload of 1400 with teh drivers and gets 25 mpg or more. so we can fit 20 or so 1/6th for a delivery.

[Thirsty_Monk]

Four door 11 years old Pontiac Grand Prix did a fine job to start with.

[Beer_Nut]

We've used both a ford van and a diesel sprinter. The Sprinter is definitely a good option if you can afford one. But our old v6 van did surprisingly well loaded with kegs, and you can buy those types of vans pretty cheap. I knew a brewer who used to buy old Verizon work vans. Apparently they had a pretty good maintenance routine and kept them in good shape. But it all depends on your budget. The next step up is probably a small boxtruck, but that would probably be overkill unless you are taking pallets of product to distributors.

[redlodgesam]

one ton dodge, international 4600

We have a one ton dodge dually with a 10 ft box and liftgate. We also have an international 4600 with a 24 foot box and liftgate. It's dock height for costco and sam's club.

Get bigger than what you think you will need. Nothing is worse than investing a bunch of money in a vehicle and then outgrowing it quickly.

sam