If you run a mobile business such as a food truck, everything you’re going to need from equipment to the different supplies will be going in the back. However, just leaving it all on the floor of the truck or in different boxes in the back is neither the best nor the most efficient storage option. In fact, a lack of organization could start a domino effect leading to you running out of funds – and that’s one of the reasons mobile businesses fail.

In other words, it’s in your and your business’ best interest to keep everything neat and organized, and a shelving system is a good place to start for several reasons. First, just adding a shelving system will make the inside of your truck look more professional. Second, shelving is more efficient than, say, separate storage bins that may not properly display what’s inside. Third, shelving does a lot to help you see how much space you have to work with, and it’s easier to work around if you need to add more storage later on, especially if you have a modular shelving system

That said, here are the best truck shelving systems for you to choose from for your mobile business.

4 Best Truck Shelving Systems

Metal Shelving

Metal shelving systems made of steel, aluminum, or composites are more durable and easier to maintain compared to other types of shelving, which is ideal for a mobile business. There are many sizes available and are usually adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about it fitting into your truck. 

The material to choose will depend on your equipment, with traditional steel shelves being the go-to choice for carrying heavy-duty equipment. If your equipment is lighter, then aluminum or composites are both viable material choices; aluminum will help boost your truck’s fuel efficiency while composites help reduce noise. 

As to whether you should choose closed or open shelving, the former is preferred if you want to keep equipment from falling (and possibly breaking), while the latter lets you see what’s on which shelf so you can easily grab what you need. Of course, you could always mix closed and open shelving so you get the best of both worlds. 

Storage Modules

This kind of shelving system actually combines cabinets, drawers, and shelving in order to make the most of the available space while still providing as much storage as possible for tools and equipment. Like metal shelving, they come in different sizes and you can opt to install them on the interior walls or even on the inside of the truck doors (unless your truck’s rear door rolls up). In a way, this shelving system is a subset of metal shelving, since storage modules can be made of steel, aluminum, or composite materials.

Corner Shelving

Unless your business requires lots of floor space for materials you need to bring to a job site, you may not need to consider this shelving system option. Corner shelving can be installed on the floor or nearer to the ceiling of the truck, thus keeping a large portion of the floor open for bigger equipment and materials without leaving the smaller items scattered about.

Custom Shelving

If you can’t find a shelving system that you like, or you want to combine several systems, then a custom shelving system is the way to go. You’ll need to know how big your work area is, though, so you won’t have too much or too little storage space. You may have to get professionals to design and install the custom shelving system, but it’s worth it. After all, you’ll have full control over the layout. 

Custom shelving means you won’t have to struggle to make equipment fit, because each section is specially designed to hold what you need for your business. In a way, this system will allow you to bring your ideal workstation into reality, instead of having to shop for individual shelves and drawers and trying to find a way to arrange them while making the most of your truck’s interior. In addition, a custom shelving system will fit your truck better and may even save you money in the long run.

If you work in a more specific industry with unique needs and equipment, then custom shelving is one option to seriously consider. 

Parting Thoughts

At the end of the day, the shelving system you choose will depend on several things, including the kind of mobile business you have and the equipment you bring around for day-to-day operations. For instance, if you have a food truck that offers alcohol on the menu, you’ll need to add something to keep bottles from rolling around and smashing on the floor, so a custom shelving system may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you install flooring, then corner shelving is the best choice. 

That said, before you choose – let alone purchase – a shelving system, you need to take note of what your business needs, what equipment you carry, and the size of your truck’s interior. Then you can figure out what kind of layout will help you work more efficiently. Make sure to note what equipment or supplies you use most often, or what needs to be easily accessible. 

In other words, the shelving system you eventually choose isn’t just for proper storage and to maximize space; it should also help you work smarter, not harder.

Looking for pre-customized mobile business trucks with shelving? You might find one at UsedVending.