A van breakdown is rarely just a vehicle problem. There are jobs booked, tools on board, and often a load that has to reach a customer the same day.
Recovery for commercial vehicles works differently from cars in three ways: weight, load and continuity.
Weight decides the truck
A standard car flatbed is not always suitable for a long-wheelbase, high-roof or Luton-bodied van. Gross vehicle weight, wheelbase and body height all determine which truck can legally carry it.
Give the operator the model and body type — 'Transit LWB high roof' or 'Luton with tail lift' — rather than just 'a van'. It is the difference between one journey and two.
What happens to the load
- Goods normally travel with the vehicle, secured as loaded.
- Recovery goods-in-transit insurance usually covers the vehicle, not high-value cargo — check the limit if you are carrying stock.
- Perishable or time-critical loads may justify a separate transfer vehicle.
- Remove tools where practical if the van is going into unattended storage.
Reducing downtime
- Recover direct to your own garage or fleet workshop rather than the nearest one — parts and history are already there.
- Book the repair slot while the van is still being loaded.
- Ask whether a roadside fix is possible first; many commercial breakdowns are fuel, battery or AdBlue related.
- Keep a note of your fleet policy limits so the driver does not have to authorise anything at the roadside.
Accident recovery for commercial vehicles
After a collision the priority is clearing the carriageway and securing the load. Damaged commercial vehicles often need sheeting, spill containment and a secure storage yard rather than a return to base.
Photograph the scene and the load before anything is moved — it materially helps the insurance claim.
