Zipcar expands into Zipvan

Zipcar expands into Zipvan

Zipcar, the car sharing network, is branching into the truck sharing business. In this connection, the company is running a pilot program in San Francisco that includes full size cargo vans through a new offering called Zipvan. The vans will allow consumers to transport items too bulky for cars or pickup trucks, and gives small businesses a new and more affordable option for transporting goods. This pilot program is similar to van service currently being offered by Zipcar’s UK operations and a Zipcar member survey indicating that nearly 40 percent would be likely to use Zipvan if available.

The company is using Ford E-150 cargo vans for hourly or daily use with rates starting from $14.75 per hour and $99 per day, which include gas, insurance, parking, roadside assistance and up to 180 miles of driving per day. Access to the vans is self-serve, just as it is for members signed up for the car program.

Zipcars cargo van service in London has been operating for more than three years and proven to be very popular. The company says it expects similar results in San Francisco and will likely launch the service in select U.S. and Canadian markets during 2012.