The Complete Guide to Buying a Box Truck for Your Business
So you've decided to invest in a box truck to start your own delivery or transportation business - excellent! When buying a box truck for business use, careful consideration is required to choose a quality truck that meets your operational and budget needs. This comprehensive guide will walk through key factors to consider when purchasing the ideal box truck to enable your business goals.
What is a Box Truck?
A box truck refers to a type of commercial truck that has a driver's cab compartment and a cargo box attached to the same chassis. Unlike other types of commercial trucks, box trucks feature an enclosed cargo area versus a flatbed or trailer attachment. The single frame construction makes them highly maneuverable.
Box trucks are also referred to as cube vans, cube trucks, dry vans or straight trucks. They range in size from about 10 feet in length to over 26 feet. However, the most popular box trucks on the roads today run between 14 and 24 feet long. These mid-sized models offer the ideal blend of hauling capability and mobility for lighter-weight loads.
The key benefit of box trucks is their versatility in transporting a variety of cargo safely and securely. They are equipped with rear roll-up doors or hinged side doors for access, as well as built-in ramps for loading/unloading. Box trucks allow transporting items like commercial goods, furniture, appliances, supplies and more. Their popularity stems from convenience transporting lighter cargo locally and over shorter distances and the fact you typically do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a box truck.
Determine Your Operational Requirements
Before even beginning your search, clearly define how you intend to use your box truck or van. Consider important questions like:
- What cargo will you be transporting?
- Understanding the typical dimensions, weights and any special accommodations needed for your anticipated loads is crucial in narrowing down suitable vehicles. Measure the cargo you’ll regularly be shipping.
- Do you need lift gate access?
- Evaluate if having a lift gate would optimize deliveries and pickups. These can usually handle between 2,000 to 4,000 lbs.
- What are the ideal cargo area dimensions?
- Ensure there’s ample area to safely transport your goods while maximizing your available space. A truck that’s too small can limit growth over time.
- Will you need temperature control?
- For food deliveries or certain cargo, having refrigeration capabilities or other climate accommodations may be vital.
- What is your anticipated mileage?
- The routes and distances you’ll drive impact decisions on fuel efficiency, vehicle size, and customization needs. Analyze expected weekly/monthly mileage.
Clearly defining requirements allows you to search for vehicles specifically equipped for your delivery service, junk removal company, or other box truck business needs.
Assessing Your Budget
When researching vehicles, be sure to determine your overall budget. Prices can vary greatly depending on whether you buy new or used, financing terms, customizations, and more. Realistically assess how much you can spend on:
- Box truck purchase price or equipment leasing payments
- Registration, titling, and taxes
- Liability insurance (commercial plans required)
- Liftgates or other customizations such as shelving units or refrigeration
- Initial maintenance – like tune-ups or part replacements
Make sure to account for all one-time and ongoing ownership costs in your budget. Buying used trucks can provide substantial savings, but may also require more frequent maintenance and repairs. Leasing provides lower initial spend but less long-term value. Determine what aligns best with your capital and business goals.
Key Factors To Compare Different Box Truck Models
Once you’ve defined your needs and budget, researching specific makes and models will help determine the ideal choice. These key considerations can guide your buying decision:
Size, Weight, and Maneuverability
- Consider parking and route accessibility for different lengths/widths
- Balance cargo space with urban maneuverability needs
- Adhere to weight regulations based on licensing
- Measure storage access points at pickup/delivery locations
In general, smaller 16-ft to 20-ft trucks provide better mobility for cramped urban areas but less cargo room. Larger trucks maximize storage but are much harder to drive and park. Make sure to test different sizes thoroughly with your routes in mind when buying a box truck for business.
Vehicle Condition and Maintenance Records
If buying a used box of used, scrutinize both exterior and interior condition by:
- Checking for body rust/dents, leak stains, and accident repairs
- Inspecting the engine compartment for fluid leaks/damage
- Testing all electrical components and dashboard warning lights
- Assessing tire wear (will they need replacing soon?)
- Reviewing all maintenance logs to understand reliability and overall care
Ideally, have a trusted mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection before committing. This protects against buying someone else’s problems down the road.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG
Given high gas prices, maximizing miles per gallon is more vital than ever. When comparing vehicles, look for models providing:
- Higher MPG to minimize fuel costs over time
- Diesel options for increased economy on long routes
- Hybrid models to leverage gas and electric efficiency
- Ability to meet emissions standards for your operating zones
Remember to evaluate gross vehicle weight and MPG when empty AND loaded. Transporting heavier cargo impacts efficiency.
Customization Options to Enable Your Goals
- Adding lift gates accommodates self-loading/offloading
- Storage solutions like racks, hooks, and shelves organize cargo
- Graphics visually brand and promote your business
- Alarm and camera systems boost security and accountability
- Telematics aids in route optimization, compliance, and more
Factor in pricing for such customizations early, and ensure aftermarket add-ons properly integrate with existing vehicle systems. This avoids safety issues or damage down the road.
Brand Reputation and Reliability Rating
When making a major investment, carefully research how specific models rate in terms of:
- Overall dependability and longevity
- Frequency/cost of repairs and issues
- Customer satisfaction and recommendation levels
- Safety and performance testing results
- Strength of warranties and brand support
Platforms like Consumer Reports provide model-specific reliability data to inform your choice beyond just brand identity alone.
Test Driving Your Top Contenders
Once you’ve researched makes/models and narrowed options:
Schedule lengthy test drives for each top contender, encompassing a variety of real-life conditions:
- Parking/maneuvering in tight spaces
- Loading/unloading cargo at docks
- Merging and changing lanes at highway speeds
- Driving surface streets and uphill sections
When test driving, pay attention to:
- Pickup, handling, and acceleration (especially when loaded)
- Braking distance and pedal feel Visibility and blindspots
- Seat comfort and cabin noise
- Any warning lights or strange sounds
Bring along your dimensions/weights to load the vehicle and experience performance when transporting realistic cargo. Don’t commit until driving all top options – subtle differences can hugely impact satisfaction once purchased.
Financing Considerations Before Deciding
With an ideal make and model identified, investigate potential:
- Financing – Taking out a loan allows you to keep the truck long-term while paying over time. Consider the length of the loan term and interest rates from various lending institutions. Financing may make sense if you anticipate keeping the vehicle for 5+ years.
- Leasing – Leasing doesn’t provide ownership, but offers lower monthly costs and risk. You pay only for the vehicle’s depreciation during your lease term. Certain tax write-offs also exist. Leasing can allow upgrading more frequently as your business evolves.
Compare all proposals and run the numbers before making your final purchase decision. Having a rock-solid budget and business plan will inspire financing/leasing provider confidence too. We have compiled a guide to business credit for how to access business credit which is a vital for financing a box truck business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types and sizes of box trucks?
Non-CDL Box trucks typically range from 12-ft to 26-ft lengths. Smaller trucks allow easier parking/access but limit cargo space. Popular configurations include:
- 12-16 ft trucks – Best for tight spaces with max 1-1.5 ton payload
- 16-20 ft trucks – Balance maneuverability with > 2-ton payload capacity
- 20-26 ft trucks – Maximize cargo box room and weight allowance
You’ll also see options like cargo vans, commercial trucks, refrigerated trucks, flatbeds, and more to suit different business needs.
What Size Box Truck Should I Buy?
Here are some examples of typical box truck size recommendations for different types of clients.
- Small businesses: 12-16 ft box trucks allow easy access for local parts/supplies delivery. Can transport 1-2 pallets.
- Online retailers: Larger 20+ ft trucks are needed for residential furniture deliveries. Accommodate bulky items.
- Household moves: 16-26 ft trucks with liftgates provide flexibility for loading household contents efficiently.
- Trade companies: 20 ft trucks allow ample cargo space for transporting multiple tool sets, equipment, and building materials.
- Event services: 12-20 ft trucks to carry catering supplies, and lighting/sound gear. Depends on event size.
- Government agencies: Typically 20-26 ft box trucks are requested to handle bulk items like seating, equipment, portable infrastructure installs, etc.
Matching your box truck cargo capacity and liftgate/ramp access to common cargo sizes maximizes efficiency across varying client needs. Understanding typical delivery load requirements for each customer type assists in selecting the optimal box truck investment.
What Size of Box Truck Requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?
In most states, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate any straight box truck over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This includes truck tractor/trailer combinations as well.
As long as you choose a box truck under 26,001 pounds GVWR, you likely don't need a CDL. Many 16ft, 20ft, and some 24ft models fall into this non-CDL weight class depending on chassis specs and cargo capacity.
However, some states may have additional requirements even for non-CDL box trucks. When selecting a vehicle, verify license type regulations based on federal and your state's commercial motor vehicle laws to choose an optimal legal size.
What is the Average Cost to Buy a Used Box Truck?
A new 16-24 ft box truck costs $50,000-$80,000 on average. Used trucks can range from $10,000 for older, high mileage models up to $60,000 for nearly-new condition. Customization and add-ons increase cost.
How many miles can I expect from a box truck?
Properly maintained diesel trucks can log 500,000+ miles over a lifetime. Many gas trucks reach 250,000-350,000 miles if well cared for. Buying used a commercial box truck under 150,000 miles helps maximize the remaining mileage capacity.
What MPG is realistic for a box truck?
Fuel economy ranges widely, but averages 10-15 mpg when unloaded, and 8-12 mpg when transporting hefty cargo. Larger truck engines, frequent stopping/starting, and payloads all impact efficiency. Monitor your own real-world MPG closely.
Should I Buy or Lease a Box Truck?
Buying allows keeping the asset long-term - ideal if using 5+ years. Leasing provides flexibility to upgrade more often as your business scales and offers tax write-off benefits. Compare the total cost of ownership and cash flow timing to decide what works best.
Investing in the right box truck lays the foundation for your business’ success from day one. Define your needs, create a budget, thoroughly compare options, and test drive top choices before committing. If buying a used box truck, have a mechanic inspect it or take along an experienced friend. And don’t forget to explore financing and leasing alternatives too. With this comprehensive guide, you'll select an ideal solution to confidently transport goods while satisfying customers.
