If you are reading this, chances are you are in the market for a Box Truck. Since there are many types of box trucks for a wide range of uses, you must first decide what your needs are. Here are a few of the things you must decide on before you make a purchase that you could regret:
- Truck size
- Diesel or gasoline
- Air brakes or hydraulic brakes
Truck Size
Box trucks come in an array of sizes. They range from twelve feet to twenty eight (box length). You must think of the cargo you will be hauling in order to decide which size works best for you. Are you the owner of a moving company? If so, you would probably be in the market for something larger, such as a twenty six or twenty eight foot truck, seeing as how you will have a large amount of cargo.
A smaller size, such as a twelve or sixteen, would mean you will need to make two or more trips to move the amount of cargo that one trip with a larger truck could handle. Are you the owner of a catering company? If you are, you would probably need a smaller truck since your cargo is usually smaller than the cargo of a moving company.
Diesel or Gasoline
First let me get one misconseption out of the way, todays diesel engines do not pollute more then gasoline engines. In fact, they are now just as clean and safe for the environment. As of January 1, 2010, all large trucks must run cleaner then their predecessors.
This is accomplished by an upgraded E.G.R. system (exhaust gas recirculation) or by using a D.P.F. (diesel particulate filter) and D.E.F. (diesel exhaust fluid). Both systems almost guarantee that no new trucks will be putting off big black clouds of smoke that most people think of when hearing the word diesel. One other way that insures a clean diesel engine is the mandatory use of fuel containing a maximum sulfur rating of 15 ppm (parts per million) compared to 500 ppm prior to the new law.
Diesel engines work at lower R.P.M.'s (revolutions per minute) than gasoline engines, which in turn usually means less wear and tear on parts. They also are very powerful, and power may be just what you need if you are hauling heavy cargo. On the downside, diesel is more expensive than gasoline and in most cases, harder to find at your local fueling station.
Gasoline engines tend to run smoother and quieter as opposed to diesel engines. They are also typically easier to find fuel for. A gasoline engine would be better for a person in the market for a smaller truck carrying lighter cargo.
Air Brakes or Hydraulic Brakes
Most people think that if a box truck has air brakes, you must have a C.D.L. (commercial drivers license). This statement is absolutely false. You would only need a C.D.L. if your truck weighs 26,001 lb. or more. Any weight under that, you would not need a C.D.L.
Air brakes are typically for larger box trucks but could be ordered on a smaller truck if wanted. They have far superior stopping power over hydraulic brakes, which would be good for larger and heavier cargo. Hydraulic brakes are a better choice for someone who is new to driving a large truck because most people are already used to using them in their own personal vehicles.
You Are Almost Ready!
The most important thing you should think about before your purchase is the type, size and weight of your cargo. You need a truck large enough for safe transportation yet small enough to do so in the most economical fashion. Choose what best suits you and your needs, not what a sales person says would be best for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and voice your opinion on things that concern you. Good luck on your purchase.
Domenic Albanese Jr - Hello! My name is Domenic. I am a 24 year old husband and father of three beautiful daughters. I have always had an interest in mechanis ...
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