Box Truck Dimensions, Sizes & Liftgate Specs (Complete Buyer’s Guide)

If you’re buying, renting, or upfitting a box truck, size is the first decision that matters.

Box truck dimensions typically range from 10 to 26 feet in length, with interior heights, door openings, payload limits, and liftgate fit varying by body size and chassis. This guide breaks down box truck sizes, height, weight limits, GVWR, and liftgate dimensions so you can match the right truck to the job without costly mistakes.

Box Truck Specs by Size (12ft, 16ft, 26ft Measurements)

Not all trucks are built the same. Each truck size comes with different weight limits, dimensions, and best uses.

Here’s a breakdown of common box truck sizes and how each performs in real-world jobs.

Box truck dimensions vary significantly by body length. A 10-foot box truck is common for urban deliveries, while 16-foot and 26-foot box trucks are used when payload, pallet count, or liftgate capacity become critical.

👉 Pro tip: A 26 feet box truck with liftgate and shelving often tips 14k–17k curb weight. That leaves closer to 9,000 lbs of usable payload.

What is a Box Truck? (Straight Truck Definition + Body Types)

A box truck—sometimes called a straight truck—is a cab and chassis with an enclosed cargo box (10–26 ft). They’re a staple for contractors, delivery trucks, and service fleets across the country. Common types of box trucks include dry vans, reefers, and utility builds. Most are customized through upfitting: shelving, E-track, ramps, or liftgates for last-mile delivery, trades, or temperature-sensitive loads.

Box Truck Weight Capacity by Class (Light, Medium, Heavy Duty)

Payload comes down to math: curb weight + upfit weight = total vehicle weight, which determines how much you can legally haul.

Each class offers a different payload capacity, which directly affects profit and compliance.

Payload is the amount of cargo you can legally carry after the truck, body, liftgate, and upfit are already on the chassis.

Payload = GVWR − (curb weight + body + liftgate + equipment + fuel + driver)

Here’s how box truck weight capacity breaks out by truck size and duty truck class:

A 26-ft medium duty box truck with liftgate usually carries 8,000–9,000 lbs of payload, depending on body material and liftgate type.

Payload is often misunderstood because two box trucks with the same length can have very different legal limits depending on axle ratings and upfit weight.

For a full breakdown of GVWR, axle limits, and how payload is actually calculated, see our detailed guide.

Dimensions & Door Heights (Length & Height)

Typical dimensions range from 10–26 ft in body length. Interior widths are usually 96–102 inches, while rear box truck door height runs 72–91 inches (smaller trucks at the low end, larger trucks with liftgates up to 96 inches).

Overall truck height can be 10 ft on compact builds or up to 13 ft 6 in for large, high-roof configurations.
These box truck measurements matter: docks, warehouses, and cargo bins don’t always line up. A mismatch in door height or dock height slows loading and risks damage.

How Much Do Box Trucks Cost? (New vs Used Pricing)

Budgets change with truck dimensions, duty class, and upfits:

• New light-duty: $40k–45k

• Used light-duty: $20k–36k (50–60% of new)

• New medium duty: $65k–105k

• Used medium duty: $32k–63k

• New heavy-duty: $90k–200k+

• Used heavy: $45k–120k

• Upfit add-ons: $8k–20k (liftgate, reefer, shelving, insulation, lighting)

Pro tip: Don’t just look at sticker price. Upfits add 2,000+ lbs and $8k–20k to the cost, so run ROI numbers before signing.

What Loads Can You Haul in a Box Truck?

Every load is shaped by box truck specs: flooring, body material, and upfits.

• Wood floors: <3,000 lbs per axle

• Steel floors: handle more, but check the axle rating

• Add-ons (shelving, e-track, tie-downs) eat into payload

Example:

• 8,000 lb GVWR truck – curb weight 5,000 lbs (with upfit) = only 3,000 lbs left for cargo.

Typical box truck loads:

• HVAC gear & tools

• Palletized freight

• Furniture or bulky parts

• Temperature-sensitive goods (reefer)

• Municipal & utility equipment

Box Truck Rental Rates & Fees by Size

Renting instead of buying? Here’s what you’ll pay:

Most rentals include 100–150 free miles. Many fleets now rent box trucks with liftgates for non-dock jobs.

👉 Smart choice: renting more than 12 times/year? Buying often pays for itself.

Box Truck Liftgates: Types, Dimensions & Capacity

A liftgate is a powered platform that raises and lowers cargo between the ground and truck bed. If your operators deliver to homes, jobsites, or non-dock facilities, a liftgate is essential.

Liftgate selection depends on box length, rear door height, and remaining payload capacity. A liftgate that works on a 10-ft box may be undersized on a 26-ft body.

We break down liftgate types, capacities, and body fit in our dedicated guide.

Common Liftgate Types

By duty class:

• Light duty: 1,000–2,000 lbs, 36–42" platform

• Medium duty: 2,000–4,000 lbs, 42–60" platform

• Heavy duty: 4,000–6,600 lbs, 60"+ platform

👉 Well-spec’d liftgates increase safety, cut downtime, and raise resale value.

FAQ

1. How Much Does a 26-Foot Box Truck Weigh?
With shelving and a liftgate: ~14k–17k curb weight, ~9k payload max.

2. How Much Payload After Upfit?
Payload = GVWR – curb weight. Most 26k GVWR trucks carry ~8,000–9,000 lbs after upfit.

3. Do You Need a CDL for a Box Truck?
Only if GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.

4. What Are the Best Box Truck Body Brands?
Morgan, Utilimaster, US Truck Body, DuraMag.

5. Can You Finance a Used Box Truck with Upfit?
Yes — lenders often bundle chassis + body.

6. What Is Liftgate Delivery?
A box truck with liftgate makes freight delivery possible at sites without docks.

7. What Are Standard Liftgate Dimensions?
Most liftgates: 36–84 inches wide, 1,500–6,600 lbs. Always confirm with your upfitter.

8. What Are Typical Box Truck Measurements?
10–26 ft long, 96–102 inches wide, 72–91 inch door height.

Key Takeaways for Fleet Buyers & Upfit Pros

• Don’t spec by length alone — payload matters.

• Upfits add 2,000+ lbs and $8k–20k to total cost.

• Rentals work short-term, but ownership builds equity.

• A box truck with a liftgate resells faster and for more money.

• Always confirm dimensions and door height before buying.

Wrap Up

Most box truck mistakes don’t come from bad pricing — they come from wrong dimensions, misunderstood payload limits, or liftgate choices that don’t match the job.

Once the truck is built, those decisions are locked in. Fixing them later costs time, money, and uptime.

That’s why fleets that spec trucks correctly upfront almost always spend less over the life of the vehicle — even when the initial quote is higher.

So here’s the real question:

—
Leyhan
Founder, The Upfit Insider