Box Truck Buyer’s Guide: Box Truck Dimensions, Specs, Costs & Liftgates

If you’re buying, renting, or upfitting a box truck, the details matter.
Box truck dimensions, liftgate specs, cargo capacity, and door height decide if your truck makes money or bleeds it. This guide breaks down real costs, box truck weight limits, liftgate dimensions, and key measurements so you can match the right truck to the job.

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 fleets, and service pros.
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 = less available GVWR.
Here’s how box truck weight capacity breaks out by truck size and duty 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.

Box Truck Dimensions & Door Heights (Length & Height)

Typical box truck 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.

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:

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

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.

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.

Looking for More Liftgate Specs?

This guide gave you the essentials. But if you want side-by-side liftgate dimensions, capacities, and brand comparisons, check out the Ultimate Box Truck Liftgate Guide.

FAQ (Box Truck Buyers Ask This Stuff):

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 box truck dimensions and door height before buying.

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