6 PROFESSIONAL CARGO VAN SHELVING IDEAS

1. Metal Shelving Systems

Metal shelving systems come in many sizes and are often adjustable, so they can easily fit into a wide variety of vans. They are also more durable and easy to maintain than other types of shelving, such as wood, for example. That’s why the vast majority of cargo vans incorporate this first type of shelving.

Different materials can be used for metal shelving; these are most commonly steel, aluminum or composites. Traditional steel shelves tend to be more cost-effective up front and are very durable. Steel is the preferred choice for those carrying lots of heavy-duty equipment. 

For those who frequently drive on roads that aren’t in such great shape, it will keep your equipment and drivers protected. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter-weight and can help improve gas mileage and fuel efficiency. If you require lots of drawers and shelving to carry small parts, keeping the load light with aluminum or composites may be best. Composites are sometimes favored because of their noise-reduction capabilities. Metal shelving can either be closed or open. While closed shelving units prevent items from falling and breaking, opened shelves allow you to quickly grab what you need.

2. Custom Shelving Systems

Custom van shelving systems for your cargo van provide an organization system tailored exactly to your needs. You get to create your own idea about what you want and then leave it up to the professionals to put together, to save you time and hassle.

These benefits of custom shelving include:

• Optimized your van space according to your specific needs.
• Specially-designed spaces custom made for your tools to keep them from falling or crashing around.
• The results will be more professional and fit perfectly to your van.
• Once installed, they can save you time by maximizing efficiency.
• A customized shelving system also offers you a safer drive and saves you money in the long run by building the storage customized for the equipment it will hold.

Custom shelving is great for those working in more specific industries, such as electricians, plumbers, or pest-control workers, with unique equipment and needs.

3. Corner Shelving Systems

If you lay flooring, install siding, or work any other profession that often requires large, free spaces for materials, you may find corner shelving most useful. You can choose to install them on the floor or up at the ceiling. This type of shelving maximizes space for larger items while keeping your tools organized.

4. Durable Storage Modules 

Storage modules combine drawers, cabinets, and shelving all in one unit to maximize the space and provide plenty of storage for a wide-range of tools and equipment. They come in many sizes and can be installed on the van interior walls, the inside of the van doors, a van partition, or even in a cargo trailer behind the van. As with metal shelving, they are usually made of either steel, aluminum or composite materials, each with their own pros and cons.

5. Homemade Cargo Van Shelving: DIY Wooden Shelves

Deciding to make your own shelves will require more of your time and may appear less professional, but can save you money.

If you have the time and know how to build shelves in a cargo van, you can use plywood to make DIY custom shelving. One neat idea to try: build cabinets into the shelving for stuff you want to keep covered while you drive. Once you learn how to build van shelves yourself, you open the door to all sorts of conveniences.

Another convenient shelving trick is to build a shelf that runs the length of the van, like a false floor. This works for organizing large amounts of carpet, siding, or other long materials, that you do not want to stack.

If you aren’t 100% confident in your skills or want to ensure optimal results, you may want to leave the van shelving installation to the professionals.

6. Finishing Touches for Your Shelving Systems

Many businesses can benefit from organizing with more than simple van shelving. Little van storage tricks will make a huge difference with staying organized.

If you go the DIY route, consider building drawers into the unit, to keep tools and blueprints. For basic shelving, use milk crates to organize materials and keep them from tumbling around. Also, you can add hanging units to the top of the van and use clips to keep drawers closed. 

If you’d rather purchase professional cargo shelving accessories, below are a few great add-ons to consider:

• Shelf dividers and doors.
• Drawers or shelf bins for smaller tools.
• Cases for organization.
• Hooks to add on to the sides of your shelving.
• Bottle restraints to keep bottles securely in place while on the road.