Buyer’s Guide To Box Trucks

A box truck has a cab and a cube-shaped cargo container, and is a very affordable and versatile option that many different businesses depend on to move their goods. These vehicles are used to move items from warehouses to stores, deliver goods to customers, move equipment and so much more.

We at Tri-County Truck & Equipment have written the following piece to help you select the right box truck for your needs. Read on and then head to our dealership in Pompano Beach to check out our selection of box trucks for sale. We’re proud to serve the areas of Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Cities, Florida!

The Size

You might think the best option will be to get a huge truck that can handle all the things you’ll ever need to haul. Keep in mind that a bigger truck will cost more to purchase, maintain, license and operate. A smaller truck will require you to burn more fuel by making repeated rounds. That’s why it’s best to get a size that suits your business for the most part. 

The Weight

Truck size and weight aren’t interchangeable, though many new buyers think so. You’ll need to get a box truck that can handle the weight of your cargo. Make sure that the chassis can take the full weight of your typical cargo. A lightweight chassis might have a big cargo hold because it’s used to transport light materials. A big size doesn’t always mean a strong chassis. 

The Length

When buying a box truck, ensure that the box length matches the chassis. If it doesn’t fit properly on the chassis, you could end up with improper weight distribution relative to the rear axle. If the box is bigger, it’ll end up hanging past the rear wheels. This not only affects the box but also the tires, which wear out faster and start cupping under the uneven weight. 

The Height

If you’re looking to buy a box truck, you’re probably going to use it to transport cargo, which means your truck will be plying on roads with height clearance issues. You’ll need to find out if there are any low bridges, overpasses or tunnels on the routes your truck will take. The height should also be compatible with the warehouse ━ low ceilings and hanging conduits need  shorter trucks. 

The Floor

The type of box truck floor you’ll get depends on the cargo you’ll be transporting. If you’re hauling anything that can leak or is very heavy, or if you plan to wash the floor with water, don’t get a hardwood or pine floor. Aluminum is more expensive but more suitable for cargo that can create a problem. A steel floor is also good but it requires more care than an aluminum one.

The Door

Most buyers don’t pay much attention to the type of door they’re getting but it can save you a bunch of hassle later on if you get a door that suits your cargo needs. When unloading goods at a higher height (like a dock), a roll-up door will work better for you. Light box trucks with smaller tires usually have swing-out doors because they sit low and make it easier to load/unload cargo. 

The Tie-Downs

Once your box truck is on the road, its movements will cause the cargo to sway (even fall!). This can end up damaging the cargo. To keep it secure, decide how many rows of E-tracks or tie-downs you’ll need to keep the cargo secure. Determine the type of tie-downs as well as the distance you want between each to make sure your cargo reaches its destination safely.

The Fuel

Gas box trucks are cheaper than diesel ones and cost you less to maintain, but diesel trucks are more durable and have better fuel economy. To make the selection easier, think of where you’ll be using your box truck and how heavy the cargo will be. Gas ones will suit lighter loads transported across shorter distances while diesel ones will be better for heavy loads and long hauls.

We hope these tips help you purchase the right box truck for your business needs! If you’re looking to get a reliable box truck for yourself, visit us at Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach. We also serve the areas of Fort Lauderdale and Tri-Cities, Florida!