10 Best Box Trucks to Buy for Business

If you run a box truck business or you intend to start one, then one of your major concerns is how you are going to maximize profits from the business.

Trust me, with the recent global increase in the price of fuel (gas), you would not want to buy a box truck that is a fuel guzzler and this is so because box truck fuel economy can greatly impact your moving budget, which is largely why fuel economy and miles per gallon have become bywords in the trucking and moving industry nowadays.

Although, there are certain factors you would need to look out for if you want to maximize fuel for your box truck business.

For example, box trucks with smaller engines tend to have better fuel economy than larger ones. This is because of the vehicle’s body weight. The smaller the engine, the smaller the box truck, the lighter the weight, and the less fuel required.

Having said that, considering the number of options on the market, shopping for the best box trucks for fuel economy and cost can be challenging and time-consuming. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best box trucks for fuel economy and cost that you can get in the market as of today (2022);

Best Box Truck to Buy With No Engine Problem, Good Fuel Economy and Affordable

1. The 2.8L Duramax Diesel Box Truck

The 2.8L Duramax diesel box truck has the best fuel economy with an impressive 30 miles for each gallon on the highway for two-wheel-drive models. The fuel economy half-ton pickup truck comes in three drivetrain options.

With a diesel fuel tank capacity of 57 gallons, it has average miles per gallon of about 8 -13 mpg. The 2.8L Duramax Diesel box truck receives high praise for its best-in-class diesel horsepower†, as well as its efficiency and smooth driving experience

2. Hino Box Truck

Hino is one of the best box trucks for fuel economy and costs in its class in the U.S., Canada, and other countries of the world. As a subsidiary of Toyota Motors Corporation of Japan, Hino trucks are built with the quality, toughness, and reliability that your business needs. This will ensure a continuous flow of goods and services at the right time and place.

Cost efficiency is the number one consideration any business would take when buying anything to sustain or augment its operations. Hino’s long-standing reputation for being excellent in fuel economy is what makes the truck known in the logistics industry.

It is important to note that Hino has as much desire to help the global environment as it wants to help you succeed in your business. In fact, its advanced engine and emission control technologies have made it a leader in compliance with strict industry standards.

One of Hino’s top contributions to the environment is its move to equip its trucks with a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR). This converts harmful emissions into environmentally friendly water vapor and nitrogen. Hino’s concern for the environment will allow you to travel hundreds of miles every day with a reduced environmental footprint.

3. Isuzu N-Series Box Truck

If you are an owner box truck operator or a delivery business in the trucking industry who’s involved in long and expedited freight projects, and you are looking towards cutting costs for fueling your truck, then you may want to consider the Isuzu N-Series box truck.

The Japanese automobile manufacturer, Isuzu, produces box trucks that are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability. In particular, the Isuzu N-Series, or NPR, is a perfect choice for those who value dependency and high performance.

The Isuzu NPR is outfitted with a 5.2L turbocharged diesel engine or 6.0L V8 gas engine, depending on your preference. Four wheelbase options are available, ranging from 109 to 176 inches. The truck’s body varies from 10 to 20 feet.

Space isn’t an issue since the Isuzu NPR offers both standard and crew cab configurations, seating up to 3 and 7 respectively. The gas-powered edition of the Isuzu straight truck can carry up to 12,000 pounds GVWR, while the diesel-based NPR-HD can tow and haul up to 14,500 pounds GCWR.

4. Freightliner M2 106

Another best box truck for fuel economy and cost that you should consider when shopping for box trucks is the Freightliner M2 106. The popular Freightliner trucks are some of the most powerful box trucks currently available.  They are commonly used by firefighters and referred to as emergency vehicles due to their proven toughness and consistency.

Specifically, the Freightliner M2 106 is an all-around workhorse that is perfect for long-distance hauling and delivering bulky loads. Aside from fuel economy and cost, the Freightliner M2 106 supports numerous customization options for avid truck owners. The M2 106 offers three engine choices: the Cummins B6.7, the Detroit DD5, and the Detroit DD8.

It can be equipped with both automatic and manual transmissions. Three cab configurations are available, including a day cab, extended cab, and crew cab. Depending on your setup, the M2 106 boasts an impressive GVWR of up to 66,000 pounds.

5. International RH Series

International RH Series is no doubt one of the best box trucks for fuel economy and cost out there in the market. This box truck is manufactured by American manufacturer Navistar International and the company hosts a variety of box truck models that offer versatility, maneuverability, and high productivity.

This includes the International RH Series, which possesses high capabilities that can meet the toughest of job demands. The International RH is geared with its own International A26 12.4L engine. Both automatic and manual options of up to 18-speed transmissions are available. Wheelbase lengths vary from 146 to 240 inches.

You can choose between a day cab or sleeper cab, offering comfort and convenience for long travels. With a GVWR of up to 60,000 pounds, you can count on the International RH to provide an array of benefits to help with your moving and delivery needs.

6. Ford E-Series Cutaway

Since box trucks are highly suitable for furniture transportation service, then it means you should look towards purchasing the Ford E-Series Cutaway. The Ford E-Series Cutaway vans are one of the most versatile vehicles you can buy, delivering a wide array of light-duty to medium-duty commercial and recreational applications.

Apart from fuel economy and cost, another great feature of the Ford E-350 is the option for a single or dual-rear-wheel cutaway. Both the E-350 SRW and DRW Cutaways are equipped with either a 6.8L Triton V10 or 6.2L flex-fuel V8 gas engine.

These engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmission. The E-350 SRW Cutaway offers a GVWR of 10,050 pounds, with a max payload rating of 5,190 pounds. The E-350 DRW Cutaway is available in cutaway chassis that can hold up to 12,500 pounds (GVWR), with a max payload rating of 7,560 pounds.

For added carrying capacity support, the E-450 is a great alternative. Similar to its single-rear-wheel counterpart, the E-450 DRW Cutaway holds a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers two engines: the 6.8L V10 or 6.2L flex-fuel V8 gas engine.

The E-450 DRW Cutaway has a maximum GCWR of 22,000 pounds for heavy towing, along with a max payload rating of 9,040 pounds.

7. The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Another best box truck for fuel economy and cost is the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The fuel economy half-ton pickup truck comes in three drivetrain options.

The is one of the best box trucks are designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety, while simultaneously offering stellar carrying capacities. With our compilation of these top box trucks to purchase, you’ll be on the road and ready to lift and carry the heaviest of loads in no time.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 17 for full-size trucks. The average annual repair cost is $714 which means it has average ownership costs.

8. GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is beyond every reasonable doubt one of the best box trucks for fuel economy and cost that you can get out there. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty pickup truck with five capable powertrains and a fuel-efficient 3.0 Duramax engine.

When driving on the highways, it can achieve a miles-for-every-gallon of up to 33. Like all modern trucks, the Sierra 1500 is just as good at hauling goods. It has a spacious cabin, a full complement of driver aids, and a wide range of available engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a muscular 6.2-liter V8.

9. Chevrolet Express Cutaway

Another best box truck for fuel economy and cost is the Chevrolet Express Cutaway. The Chevy small box trucks are for years bestselling units across the US. With so many engines and wheelbase combinations, Chevrolet’s engineers know how to touch the heart and needs of the business owner.

Chevrolet 3500 Express Cutaway is produced in 3 wheelbases: 139, 159, and 177 inches. Bigger and more capable 4500 Express box truck comes as 159 and 177 wheelbases. Good enough, there are two engines to choose from. Standard is 4.3L V6, but available is Vortec 6.0L V8.

Less muscular V6 offers 276 HP and 298 lb.-ft. Beefy V8 is capable of delivering 341 HP and torque of 373lb-ft. The engine works hand in hand with 6 and 8-speed automatic transmissions. Chevrolet 3500 Express can hold up to 12,300 lbs. GVWR.

10. Ford Transit Cutaway

Lastly, if you just need a box truck with fuel economy and cost and not powerful engines from E-Series, but admire Ford dependability, then you should go for the 2018 Ford Transit box truck. With maximum payload capacity up to 6,200 lbs. and GVWR range from 9,000 lbs. to 10.360 lbs. small 3.7 V6 engine Transit becomes a logical choice for many delivery businesses.

With so many official upfitters, Ford vehicles are easy to upfit with many vocational packages. Transit is possible to upfit with box cargo body from 10 to 18 feet. Determining factor here is the wheelbase. Short wheelbase 138-in. can accommodate 10-12-ft length body, 156-in wheelbase 13-15 ft, and longest 178-in wheelbase match 16-18 ft cargo body.

In conclusion;

It is important to state that the quality of fuel used is a major factor that can affect the box truck’s fuel mileage. Good quality fuel will reduce engine friction and effectively improve the truck’s gas performance.

For example, fuel octane rating (the number that tells the rate at which the engine burns the gas based on the ratio of fuel reduction to addictive) determines fuel efficiency. A high-octane rating simply means less burning and better fuel efficiency.

It is the norm for players in the moving and storage industry to consider very important factors before investing their money in purchasing box trucks. The fact that box trucks are the major working tool in a box truck business means that you must get it right, if not, you would forever regret your decision.

There are several factors to be considered when buying a box truck, and some of these factors may be location-based, universal, or just personal, but the bottom line is that when you get the right box truck for your business, it would be easier for you to run the business and break-even within the shortest time frame.

Having said that, here are some of the factors to consider when buying a box truck for your business.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Box Truck for Business

1. The Engine Capacity of the Box Truck

You will agree that the engine capacity of a box truck is a key factor that must be considered when shopping for a box truck. The truth is that, if you want high performance from your box truck, then, you must be ready to invest in engines with high capacity.

For example, Ashok Leyland 2516 IL is a truck with a gross vehicle weight of 25000 kg. The engine powering this Ashok Leyland truck is 5660 cc H Series 6 ETI3KI, Turbocharged, Intercooled, producing 160 HP of power and 550 Nm of maximum torque. A V8 engine usually has a volume of 5.3-6.7 liters. The larger the number, the larger each cylinder is.

Please note that the 13L engine is the most popular option and is found inside many trucks.  Freightliner engines produce up to 600 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft of torque. A 4×4 costs more than a traditional two-wheel-drive truck. However, if you’ll frequently be driving in bad weather, you may consider purchasing a 4×4.

2. The Load Capacity of the Box Truck

Another key factor you should consider when shopping for a box truck is the load capacity of the truck. Interestingly, box truck sizes can range from 10 – 26 feet. The type and size of the loads you want to be moving, the distance you want to be covering, the amount you are expected to spend and other factors should determine the load capacity of the box truck you should go for.

We have light-duty box trucks and medium-duty box trucks;

• Light-Duty Box Trucks

A light-duty box truck has a load capacity of 8,500 to 14,500 pounds. These trucks feature a front that looks similar to a cargo van; however, they are equipped with a box cargo area. A light-duty truck offers better fuel economy than higher capacity options and often features a smaller build, making it easier to navigate for less experienced drivers.

• Medium-Duty Box Trucks

A medium-duty box truck has a capacity of 15,000 to 33,000 pounds, making this the ideal choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. These trucks often feature durable diesel engines, designed for long-term commercial use. Medium-duty trucks can be purchased with greater body lengths, allowing for ample storage space.

3. The Brand and Manufacturer

No doubt, if you want to buy any equipment or machine, one of the factors you should consider is the brand and manufacturer of the product. This also applies to anyone who wants to buy box trucks for your business.

You will agree that some brands and manufacturers (such as Freightliner, GMC, and Ford) are leaders in the industry and their box trucks are highly regarded even though they are known to be more expensive than the average box truck. So, if you have the finance, then you should consider known and leading brands and manufacturers when shopping for box trucks for your business.

4. The Safety Feature of the Box Truck

It is the norm for box trucks to come with at least safety features like front airbags and seatbelts. Some high-end box trucks also come with premium safety features. You should not settle for a box truck without taking time to review the available safety features that come with the truck.

Please note that safety features in box trucks are designed to perfection to offer proper protection in case of an accident. Also, go through its regulatory compliance and safety standard guidelines.

5. Available Financing Option

Another very important factor you should consider if you want to buy box trucks for your business is the financing options available to you. Financing options are essential when making a big purchase like buying a fleet of box trucks.

Therefore, weigh the various prospects like cash purchase, partial payment purchase, a business contract hire, and credit purchase carefully. For example, you can settle for a box truck lease purchase program. A box truck lease purchase program is an agreement that offers drivers the opportunity to purchase a box truck without a down payment.

This purchase program remains one of the most viable ways a company driver can improve in their career and become an owner-operator. It also allows drivers to make more money, own the box truck they drive and be a little more flexible with their schedule.

6. The Condition of the Box Truck

The condition of the box truck is yet another key factor you should consider when shopping for a box truck for your business. When we talk about the condition of the box truck, we are talking about new versus used box trucks.

Yes, because of finance, some people start their box truck business with used box trucks while those who have the financial muscle can go for brand new ones. If you decide to start your box truck business with fairly used trucks, then you should consider the condition of the box truck.

The mileage, the body, and engine condition among other factors will determine if you should settle for the box truck or look for another one. Remember, if you get it wrong when choosing a fairly used box truck, you will spend more money and more time at the mechanic workshop than on the road working.

Please note that taking a look at the box truck’s history can give you a lot of information, including the number of checkups, past owners, accidents, and any repair history that has been reported. You can use services like CARFAX and AutoCheck to look up a particular car by its VIN and view the history.

7. The Second-Hand Value of the Box Truck

If you are buying a brand new box truck to start your business, one of the factors you should consider is the second-hand value of the box truck. Trust me, there will come a time in the life of your business when you would want to sell-off your box trucks and replace them with latest models.

This is where second-hand value comes in. If you buy a box truck that doesn’t have second-hand value, then you must be ready to sell them off at a give-away price. But if you buy a truck with good second-hand value, then you will be smiling to the bank when you sell them after you are done using them.

8. Gas Consumption

Lastly, another key factor that you should consider when shopping for box trucks is the gas consumption of the truck. With the increase in the pump price of gas not just in the United States but all across the globe, you will save your business some monies by settling for box trucks that have excellent fuel consumption.

Trust me, if you purchase a box truck with poor fuel economy, you will spend more on fueling and that will impact negatively on your profit. There are certain factors to look out for if you want to maximize fuel consumption for your box truck business.

For example, box trucks with smaller engines tend to have better fuel economy than larger ones. This is because of the vehicle’s body weight. The smaller the engine, the smaller the box truck, the lighter the weight, and the less fuel required.

In Conclusion,

Once you decide on what type of box truck you want, the factors listed above will serve as a guide to help you make the right decision. Just make sure you make a list of what you need in a box truck such as safety, good gas mileage, etc., and focus your search on box trucks that meet those needs.