What is a Box Truck vs. a Cargo Van?

Box trucks are one of the most popular vehicles for transportation of appliances or furniture. There are various manufacturers that have great box trucks in their offer, like Isuzu, with their NPR and NQR models, Mitsubishi Fuso, Chevy & GMC W-series, Nissan UD, Hino and numerous others. But there is much confusion as to how box trucks are different from cargo vans. 

The answer is easy, it all depends on a couple of features of these vehicles.

Box trucks often have their cargo area separated from the cab and attached to the frame, whereas in cargo vans the transporting area has connection to the car, making it a one piece machine. 

Numerous models of box trucks have a roll-up rear door. Cargo vans are often similar to family passenger vans, both in design and size. 

Box trucks are more often used by companies hauling furniture, large boxes or furniture, while cargo vans are most often used by companies dealing with plumbing, courier services or electrical repair services.

For those who aren't sure about the differences, here's some information to help you sort it out.

What Is a Box Truck?
There are several manufacturers who produce box trucks for the US market. While there are differences in each model, the trucks as a whole have many similarities.

• Box trucks have separate, box-like cargo areas that sit on the frame.
• The box on some trucks is totally separate from the cab. The cargo area if those trucks cannot be accessed from the cab.
• Some box trucks have a cargo area that is grafted to the cab. The cargo area in some box trucks built like that can be accessed from the cab.
• Most box trucks have a roll-up rear door that's similar to a garage door.
• Box trucks are generally used by companies that need to haul large items such as furniture, appliances, and large boxes.
• You probably see box trucks every day. They are frequently used as rental moving vans by companies like U-Haul and Ryder.
• Box trucks aren't all large. They come in all sizes.

What is a Cargo Van?

• A cargo van is a one piece vehicle.
• Many cargo vans do not have windows in the rear cargo area.
• Some cargo vans are similar in design and size to family passenger vans. Vans of that type may or may not have cargo guards to separate the rear cargo area from the cab.
• Some cargo vans are much larger, like the vans used by FedEx and UPS. Larger cargo vans often have roll-up rear doors, but unlike box trucks, they are still vehicles of one-piece construction.
• Cargo vans are commonly used by businesses such as plumbing and electrical repair services and courier services.

As you drive around during your daily routine, notice the different types of trucks you see, and try to identify them. It won't be long before you recognize the differences between box trucks, cargo vans, and other types of trucks.

3 Key Guidelines to Driving a Box Truck Safely

We know that it can take some getting used to driving your Isuzu NPR or NQR or Hino box trucks around. But knowing and keeping in mind these three essential guidelines can help you avoid some pretty big and some pretty common errors. First, be aware of your side mirror. Second, have someone next to you as you drive. And finally, make sure you are aware of the surroundings. While you read this article, you will learn why these three guidelines are key.

Side Mirrors

Most likely, using side mirrors can be awkward especially if you are accustomed to using the rear-view mirror. But when you are driving box trucks you must constantly check your side mirrors for approaching traffic. The design of these vehicles do not allow a rear-view window to be installed thus side mirrors are essential.
You must be aware that this is the only way of viewing traffic from the back and the sides. Driving this type of vehicle requires that you are comfortable with the mirror, that is why having a passenger beside if also helpful.

Using The Help Of A Passenger

Having someone beside you will help eliminate common errors. Your passenger serves as your co-pilot who can help you back out a large vehicle, check for oncoming traffic and determine safety of the automobile.
Driving a large vehicle can be risky as you have lots of blind spots. This is especially true if you are just adjusting to the controls. A passenger or a co-pilot beside you will certainly help fill up these blind spots. This is not always an option though, so sometimes you will have to rely on mirrors. Perhaps setting up a second set of mirrors can help you with visibility.

Staying Aware

Among all other driving guidelines, awareness of the surrounding is of utmost importance. Since you are driving a large vehicle, you must always be mindful of where you are at positioned the road. Failure to determine positions proves to be the main cause of many accidents.
In fact, over compensating can often lead to major errors. To prevent unnecessary accidents, you must take your time and follow traffic rules at all times. This makes driving a box truck a lot easier.
Using your side mirrors gives you an overall view of the traffic around you. Having someone as a co-pilot gives you extra safety and prevents any accidents. Being mindful of the surroundings ensures the safety of everyone in traffic. Remember these guidelines by heart and you are on your way to a safe drive.

If you are looking for a new or used box truck, visit our website for our list of inventory. We have USED Isuzu NPR, NQR, NRR, FRR, FTR, and FVR Truck Parts, UD Truck Parts, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Parts, GMC W3500, GMC W4500, and GMC W5500 Truck Parts.

Can it Get Any Hotter? Ways to Cool Off on the Road.

We're all trying to make it through the hottest time of the year, and when your job takes you all over the country you really feel the impact. The temperature outside doesn’t even compare to the temperature inside a cab that's been sitting off, or with a broken air conditioning unit.

Not to mention that many of you will be climbing in and out of the back of the trailer to help facilitate loading and unloading. The more you do, typically the better it is for you, but when it is one-hundred degrees out it becomes a safety issue.

Some quick tips to help cool yourself off:

Work with the heat. Like your truck, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat. 

• Drink water. It will replace the sweat and liquids you are losing to the heat and make sure you don’t pass out from dehydration. Take a cooler when you're on the road and stay hydrated!
• Buy a portable fan for both you cab and dry van. If your Isuzu or Hino trailer has electrical outlets it might be a good idea to move it out there when loading and unloading.
• Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. 

Depending on what part of the country you are in, the heat can have different affects on your body. Some people call it “dry heat” vs “humid.” One might feel a bit cooler with a dry heat but you are still losing water just as fast. Don’t forget to hydrate no matter what.