Diesel Box Trucks vs Cargo Vans

Companies that haul longer types of cargo – such as furniture or rolls of carpet – depend on commercial transportation like diesel box trucks or cargo vans. But what are the main differences between these two vehicles? Before you upgrade your business, read our comparison guide to learn more about the pros and cons of each option.

Differences in Body Style

In diesel box trucks, the cargo hold is physically separate from the cab. That is, you can’t access the cargo hold directly from the cabin. However, these trucks typically feature a roll-up rear cargo door, making it easy to access the large cargo hold. With its high ceiling, the cargo hold is appealing to companies that haul major cargo, like stacks of boxes or a room’s worth of furniture.

Cargo vans, on the other hand, offer one long body – a cabin connected to the cargo hold, with nothing to separate them. As far as body style is concerned, cargo vans are similar to passenger vans, except without any rear seating. Cargo vans are an appealing choice for anyone who needs constant, quick access to tools, such as electricians or plumbers who make house calls.

Benefits of Diesel Box Trucks

The box truck’s separate, box-like cargo hold is perfect for companies who need to move large cargo items that simply won’t fit in a cargo van. These trucks come in many different sizes, so you can tailor your equipment to suit your company’s needs. Although most cargo boxes aren’t accessible from the cabin, some models have a cargo area that is grafted to the cab, so you can access supplies without walking around to the rear door. Under the hood, the diesel engine specializes in torque, giving you the output you need to move heavy loads.

Benefits of Cargo Vans

Inside, cargo vans generally don’t have guards to separate the cab from the cargo bay, giving you quick access to smaller cargo items, like tools or small delivery items. They also tend to be smaller than diesel box trucks, so you can leave less of a footprint on the environment – and on your company budget–in terms of fuel economy. Although some models are very large, with wide wheelbases and high ceilings, box trucks are almost always larger. Therefore, cargo vans are the right choice for companies with reduced hauling requirements, such as around-town courier services or home repair businesses.