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.