Medium-duty trucks: basic types and options

One of the significant differences between buying a car and buying a commercial truck is that commercial truck dealers should work with you to design exactly the truck you want. Give them the details on the types of loads you need to carry, typical trips, and what frustrates you about your current trucks if applicable, and look for a dealer who can address these needs specifically.

Types of medium-duty trucks

Box trucks – basic enclosed boxes with roll-up rear doors – are the most common type of medium-duty truck, but there are many other types of bodies to choose from:

• Refrigerated trucks – If you need to keep your cargo cold, you'll pay more up front and in operating costs for a refrigerated truck.
• Flatbed trucks – Good for carrying larger items as well as loading and unloading with cranes, flatbed trucks can include fixed or dump beds.
• Utility trucks – Designed for mobile maintenance and tradesmen, utility trucks are lined with bins and racks for storing tools, spare parts, and other equipment.
• Landscape trucks – Partially open, with space to store mowers, bins, blowers, weed whackers, and more, landscape trucks often include sloped ramps and fold-down sides for easy access.

Box trucks are generally measured by the length of their cargo area. The most common sizes are from 14' to 24'. Both smaller and larger vehicles can be found, but they're rare – larger trucks are much more expensive and harder to drive, and smaller trucks don't provide the capacity most businesses are looking for.

There are two significantly different cab configurations for these trucks. Conventional high cabs sit behind the engine, providing better long-distance visibility and comfort for extended highway driving.

Low cab-forward designs put the cab over the front axle and in front of the engine, providing far better visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces. In these designs, the cab usually tilts forward to grant access to the engine.

Almost all box trucks have roll-up gates in the back – similar to garage doors. One option to consider is a liftgate, a powered platform that raises and lowers your cargo from the street to the back of the truck. If you'll be using your truck mainly at loading docks, you won't need one, but for on-street deliveries a liftgate is a huge time-saver.

Other extras in the cargo area can include translucent ceilings for light, electric lights, and rail systems along the walls that make it easy to secure cargo when necessary.

In the operator's cab, you have a range of familiar options to choose from. These include automatic or manual transmission, A/C, bucket seats, CD players, and other comfort and convenience options similar to those available in new cars. Some medium-duty truck models offer the choice of regular or crew cabs, which add an extra row of seating.

When evaluating the cost of these extras, keep in mind the amount of time your drivers will spend in the truck over its lifespan. A small additional expense now can mean increased comfort for your employees for years to come.