18 tonne lorry or 2 x 3.5 tonne vans

[colinrob]

Looking at comparing the cost of running 2 vans or an 18 tonne lorry

If I get an 18 tonne lorry it will be used to make 2 trips to stoke on trent a week and two maybe three trips to North London (I am based in Bedford) Obviously we will be able to use it for other trips as the business expands but I juust need some idea of the running costs of a second hand 18 tonne refridgerated lorry. doing approx 800 miles a week have about £20,000 to spend on the lorry or £20,000 to spend on a second van.

If I run vans I will only need to go to Stoke on trent 3/4 times a week but London 6 to 8 times

Insurance

MPG

Likely maintenance bills

Hourly rate for driver

I have a price for the 6 weekly check

And anything else I may have missed

I am leaning towards the two van route, I would need one full time driver, plus I could drive when required and also work in our unit when not driving if I go the van route

Thanks in advance Colin

[colinrob]

Trouble with 7.5 tonne is it can only carry about 3 tonne so it def better having the vans