Motor Road Transport For Commercial Purposes
(Liquid Fuel, Steam, Electricity)

28 MOTOR ROAD TRANSPORT Determining Factor in Selection. The peculiar conditions and nature of the trader’s own particular service must be the determining factor in his selection of a suitable type of van. The maxi- mum load and class of goods which it is desired to carry: the kind of body which is to be fitted to the chassis (with regard to bulk, advertisement, loading level, weather protection, etc.) : the amount of time during which the machine will be standing idle : the traffic to be encountered on the daily journeys : the gradients and state of the roads : the facilities for repairs and, in the case of an electric, for charging, or in that of a steam wagon, the opportunities for watering and so on—all these are points which must be thought out in order to arrive at a right decision. Danger of Overloading. With regard to capacity, it is well to make sure that both body and chassis are designed to take the maxi- mum load that the trader requires to be carried, for though this seems an obvious consideration, it should be borne in mind that the weight of the bcdy is some- times included in the maker’s estimate of the loading capacity of the van. This will also tend to obviate the evil and costly habit of overloading. It is sur- prising how often a body capable of carrying a net load of 30 cwt., is put on to a chassis designed for carrying 15 or 20 cwts. only. This mistake will not be so likely to occur in the present day if intending owners deal direct with any of our firms well-known for reliable commercial vehicle construction. But in the case where the chassis is bought and then transferred to a body-builder who does not profess to be a Consulting automobile engineer, the trader may give way to the temptation of over-loading. ■■■ra