6 Key Differences Between Box Trucks and Semi-Trucks

Box trucks and semi-trucks are the most popular trucks used to haul freight.

Despite that, these two types of trucks are different on many levels.

What is the difference between a box truck and a semi-truck?

The main difference is how the cargo trailer is attached to the driver's cabin. 

• Semi-trucks attach semi-trailers at one location and may drop them at another destination. Semi-trucks have a fifth wheel on their back that can attach semi-trailers to them. 

Note:

Often, when people see a tractor-trailer combination down the road, they call it a semi.

But, in the trucking industry, 18-wheelers aren't referred to as semis. These are known as tractors and their main feature of using detachable trailers is known as a "tractor-trailer" combination.

• Box trucks don't use detachable trailers. Instead, their trailer is permanently attached to the same chassis as the driver's cabin.

The box truck and semi-truck feature differences 

1. Gas consumption

In most cases, box trucks have better fuel consumption than semi-trucks. 

2. Driving areas

• Box trucks

Since the box truck has the cab, the sleeper, and the cargo box attached to the same chassis, it is more maneuverable for local runs.

• Semi-trucks

Due to their bigger size, tractor-trailers are perfect for driving the US highways on long distances.

3. Versatility

• Box trucks

Box trucks are not as versatile as semi-trucks.

You can choose between a box truck, a cargo van, or a refrigerated box truck. And that is it.

When it comes to cargo and niches, there is not much flexibility.

• Semi-trucks

With semi-trucks, you got flatbeds, reefers, step decks, car hauling, etc.

With so many trailer types, you can tap on into other different niches like reefers or flatbeds.

The superior flexibility in cargo room and higher trailer capacity bring higher chances for higher payloads.

4. Operational cost

• Box trucks 

The box truck has better fuel efficiency. It has fewer tires to wear out. The maintenance cost is lower than that of larger trucks.

All this means the box truck is perfect for those looking for less of an investment.

• Semi-trucks

The maintenance expenses are not cheap with semi-trucks.

Because of that, tractor drivers are envious of the box truck drivers and owners.

5. Capacity and CDL

• Box trucks

Also, box trucks are a lot smaller than semi-trucks. The 26 and 28 feet are the biggest sizes.

Generally, box trucks don't exceed the GVWR of 26,000 lbs. That means that the drivers don't need a CDL to drive it.

In some cases, box trucks can be rated up to 33,000 lbs on GVWR, which puts it at Class 7 of vehicles that require a CDL.

• Semi-trucks

Semi-trucks classify as Class 8 vehicles. That means that they can run up to 80,000 GVWR or more!

The higher loads are, the more certification they need.

6. Workload

• Box trucks

There is not a lot of freight for box trucks compared to semi-trucks. 

To give you an example. 

After putting your information on the load board, you'll find fewer available loads for a box truck than someone who looks for loads for a semi-truck.

Let's say that you and me are in the same place. You have a box truck, and I have a semi-truck.

I might have 1000 loads available for a semi-truck, and you may have only 40 loads available for a box truck.

That's a huge difference. 

Now, let's say that we are in Michigan, and we got a load from Michigan to OH of 300 miles for $1000. 

So you have money to go there, but now you don't have money to go back to where you needed to. So you think that you just made money, but the reality is that you just lost money because now you got to drive a bunch of empty miles to get somewhere to pick another load.

• Semi-trucks

There are more available long runs for semi-trucks on the load boards. 

With semi-trucks, there are loads all the time. There are loads everywhere. There is a surplus of loads. 

Conclusion

Some people need a tractor, while others plan to start box truck business.

A box truck is cheaper to operate, and the payloads are cheaper.

If your business can support the higher operating costs of a semi, then that may be your best option.

Choose what your business needs.