Here’s a little-known leading indicator of small business economic activity: the monthly sales figures of full-size commercial vans. Higher sales suggest an uptick among small businesses that are plumbers, carpenters, food trucks and all sorts of companies that deliver people and products around town. September sales were up 11.5% over September 2012. Year to date, however, sales are up just 2.3%.

And what were the top-selling full-size commercial vans last month?

Drumroll, please:

(Source: Sales figures supplied by the manufacturers and collected by the website GoodCarBadCar.net.)

#8 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Ram Cargo Van

(Photo: PRLog.org )

425 units sold in September. 6,509 year-to-date.

#7 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Nissan NV200

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons )

475  units sold in September.  2,566 year-to-date.

#6 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – GMC Savana

(Photo:  GMFleet.com)

820 units sold in September. 11,558  year-to-date.

#5 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Nissan NV

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

945 units sold in September. 9,081  year-to-date.

#4 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

(Photo: Mediawiki Commons)

2,157 units sold in September. 14,940 year-to-date.

#3 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Ford Transit Connect

(Photo: Ford.com)

3,188 units sold in September. 30,444 year-to-date.

#2 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Chevrolet Express

(Photo:  Chevrolet.com)

5,235 units sold in September. 59,624 year-to-date.

#1 Best-selling commercial van in September 2013 – Ford E-Series

(Photo: Ford.com)

8,825 units sold in September. 93,243 year-to-date.

Featured photo: Ford.com