Commercial Van Partitions & Bulkheads

Van Partitions and Bulkheads

Van partitions and bulkheads create a protective barrier between the cab and cargo area. Whether you’re outfitting a Transit, Sprinter, ProMaster, or other work van, a properly fitted partition protects occupants from shifting cargo while improving security and comfort.

Partitions also reduce noise and help maintain climate control within the cab. American Trucks & Vans supplies and installs partitions from leading manufacturers, with options including solid, windowed, mesh, sliding-door, and swing-door designs.

What Is a Van Partition?

A van partition, sometimes called a bulkhead, is a barrier installed between the cab and cargo area of a commercial van. Partitions help protect occupants from shifting cargo, reduce noise, improve climate control, and enhance security.

Common applications include:

Service vans
Contractor vans
Plumbing and HVAC
Delivery fleets
Utility vehicles
Telecommunications vehicles

Sortimo partition with sliding door from cab installed by American Trucks and Vans.

Benefits of Installing a Van Partition

Installing a van partition can improve worker safety, secure valuable cargo, reduce noise and distractions, and maintain a comfortable cab environment.

Safety

Protect Occupants from Shifting Cargo

Van partitions create a barrier between the cab and cargo area, helping protect drivers and passengers from tools, equipment, and materials during sudden stops, sharp turns, or collisions.

Security

Secure Tools and Equipment

Many partition systems feature lockable doors that help restrict access to the cargo area and protect valuable tools, inventory, and equipment from theft.

Climate Control

Improve Cab Comfort

Solid partitions help separate the conditioned cab from the cargo area, allowing heating and air conditioning systems to operate more efficiently while improving driver comfort.

Noise Reduction

Reduce Noise, Odors, and Fumes

Partitions help minimize noise from cargo and equipment while reducing the transfer of dust, odors, and fumes into the cab.

Types of Van Partitions

Van partitions are available in several panel designs depending on your needs for security, visibility, and airflow.

Solid Partition

Ranger Design composite-van-partition-installed-closeup-rear-view

Fully enclosed steel or composite/TPO design for maximum security, noise reduction, and climate control.

Window Partition

Kingpin Lighting in custom CSI van build with cabinet and task lighting

Solid steel partition with an integrated polycarbonate window for improved rear visibility and cab separation.

Mesh Partition

Ranger Shelving, Protective Bulkhead, Hang Hook, and Part Bins in Plumbing Van.

Steel mesh design for airflow and cargo visibility while maintaining cab separation.

Get Help Choosing a Partition

Contact American Trucks & Vans to explore Partitions for your work van. Our team provides expert fitting and professional installation to make sure your partition fits your van perfectly.

Get a Quote

Van Partition with Window Installed by American Trucks and Vans

Partition Door Options

Many van partitions can be configured with different door styles depending on how often you need access to the cargo area.

No Door

Work van interior with Ranger Design shelving, bins, locking cabinet, bulkhead, transport tube, and tool holders for organized storage.

Maximum separation and structural integrity for full cargo containment.

Sliding Door

Ideal for technicians who need frequent cab-to-cargo access.

Swing Door

Wider opening for easier movement of larger tools and equipment.

How to Choose the Right Van Partition

The right van partition depends on how your vehicle is used, the type of work you perform, and how often you need access to the cargo area.

Heavy trade use → prioritize steel partitions
Frequent cab access → sliding door
Noise-sensitive work → solid composite/TPO
Visibility needs → window partition

Popular Partition Features

Modern van partitions are available with a variety of features designed to improve comfort, accessibility, visibility, and security.

Security & Access

Lockable Doors

Wiring Pass-Throughs

Driver Comfort

Driver Comfort Bump-Outs

Grab Handles

Visibility & Integration

Polycarbonate Windows

Shelving System Compatibility

Partition Materials

Van partitions and bulkheads are available in steel, aluminum, and composite Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), each offering different advantages depending on vehicle type, trade, and duty requirements. Key factors include weight, impact resistance, noise reduction, thermal insulation, and cost.

Composite Partitions

Composite partitions are a strong choice for service vans where comfort and reduced noise are priorities.

Quiet operation
Smooth OEM-style appearance
Corrosion resistance
Improved thermal insulation

Best for comfort and insulation

Steel Partitions

Steel partitions are designed for maximum durability, making them ideal for commercial use and fleet environments.

Maximum durability
High impact resistance
Fleet applications
Long service life

Best for fleet durability

Aluminum Partitions

Aluminum partitions offer a lightweight solution that reduces weight while maintaining strength and corrosion resistance.

Reduced weight
Corrosion resistance
High strength-to-weight ratio

Best for weight savings

Installation of Van Partitions and Bulkheads

American Trucks & Vans provides professional partition installation and complete commercial van upfitting services including:

Shelving systems
Ladder racks
Storage solutions
Flooring
Insulation
Work lighting
Safety lighting & Beacons
Ramps
Workbenches

American Trucks and Vans technician installing Ranger Design shelving and partition.

Request a Quote for Installation

Whether you’re outfitting a single work van or an entire fleet, American Trucks & Vans can help you select the right partition for your vehicle, trade, and budget. Our team provides expert guidance, professional installation, and complete van upfitting services.

Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a barrier separating the cab from the cargo area. Some manufacturers prefer the term “bulkhead,” while others use “partition.”

Requirements vary by vehicle use, company policy, and local regulations. Many fleets install partitions to improve worker safety and cargo containment.

Sliding doors are popular for technicians who need frequent access to the cargo area. Swing doors often provide a larger opening and may be preferred for moving larger equipment.

The best option depends on your vehicle, trade, cargo, and desired balance of security, visibility, and accessibility.

Van partitions are often engineered in accordance with ISO 27956, an international standard for cargo securing in delivery vans. It specifies minimum requirements and test methods intended to protect vehicle occupants from injuries caused by shifting loads. While compliance requirements vary by application and fleet, the standard is widely used as a benchmark for partition system design.

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