Business is booming, and your fast-growing company is ready to conquer new markets. You may already know that renting a commercial truck from Penske is the best and most cost-effective way to keep up with demand. But with so many types and sizes of trucks available, how do you know which size rental truck you’ll need?
This ultimate guide to sizing a commercial rental truck breaks it down for you. Read on to learn about:
- The importance of choosing the right truck
- Popular options for small and mid-sized businesses
- Key factors to consider before renting
- Real-world scenarios you can use to find the best vehicle
Why Does Right-Sizing a Commercial Truck Matter?
Choosing the right type and size commercial rental truck will ensure you can deliver your products to your customers on time and on budget. If you choose a truck that’s too large, you’ll risk hauling half-truckload shipments and paying for payload space you don’t need. Choose a truck that’s too small and you could end up making multiple trips, consuming more fuel and frustrating your customers.
Yet the benefits of right-sizing go beyond cost savings. The right type of vehicle will help you accomplish your specific business goals. If you need versatile vehicles for local deliveries of small packages, a cargo van with shelves will work best. Hauling temperature-sensitive freight? Then a refrigerated rental truck is a must-have.
How Many Types of Commercial Rental Trucks Are There?
Commercial rental trucks come in various shapes and sizes, from light-duty box trucks to heavy-duty tractors. The good news: No matter which type of vehicle you need, Penske can provide you with some of the newest trucks in the industry across the seven most popular types of rentals. The full breakdown:
Cargo vans
Ideal for city deliveries, cargo vans are 11 ft. 11 in. long, with a payload of up to 3,500 lbs. Options include standard cargo vans, vans with high roofs, and delivery vans with shelves. Is your business committed to sustainable delivery? Penske also offers electric cargo van rentals.
Light-duty box trucks
They’re called box trucks because that’s exactly what they look like: a box that you can fill with inventory. These fuel-efficient vehicles range in size from 12 to 18 feet. Penske offers light-duty box trucks that carry as much as 7,200 lbs., including cabover trucks (with extra space atop the driver’s compartment) and delivery box trucks with shelves.
Medium-duty box trucks
Making larger deliveries? That’s where medium-duty trucks come in handy. Step vans are ideal for local deliveries. They range in size from 18 to 22 feet and can carry up to 19,500 lbs. Penske also offers 22 to 26 ft. extended-length box trucks. Some require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), others do not.
Heavy-duty tractors
Have trailers loaded but need the horsepower to get them to their destination? Single-axle and tandem-axle heavy-duty tractors can get the job done. Penske offers day cabs for regional deliveries and sleeper tractors for longer hauls.
Refrigerated trucks
Perishables like produce, frozen foods and some prescription medicines must maintain constant cold temperatures. Refrigerated trucks ensure the safety and freshness of your cargo. Options include a 16 ft. cabover truck and 18-26 ft. vehicles with CDL and non-CDL options.
Flatbed trucks
Jobs in industries like construction and farming require trucks that work as hard as you do. Penske offers stake-bed flatbed trucks — CDL and non-CDL — with payloads up to 18,000 lbs.
Semi-trailers
Already have tractors but need a trailer to complete the haul? Semi-trailers are perfect for high-volume transport needs. Options include 48 and 53 ft. dry van trailers, 53 ft. refrigerated trailers, and flatbed trailers measuring 40 to 53 feet.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Commercial Rental Truck?
Before sizing up your commercial rental, you need to answer these five questions:
1. What kind of cargo am I hauling?
If you’re transporting fragile, perishable or oversized goods, you’ll need a truck that will keep your cargo safe.
2. What is the total load size?
Add up the volume and weight of your anticipated shipments so you can calculate the appropriate payload size.
3. What’s the length of my route?
Local deliveries will need agile, fuel-efficient trucks. If it takes more than 24 hours to reach your destination and you’re moving heavy freight, a sleeper cab can bring your drivers comfort while keeping deliveries on time.
4. Will I need a CDL?
The requirement for a CDL is determined by your rental vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This article breaks down the details on CDL vs. non-CDL rentals.
5. What type of fuel will I need?
Smaller vehicles, such as cargo vans, can run on regular unleaded gasoline. Larger trucks, such as semi-tractors, will require diesel. Electric vans are also an option. In any case, make sure your route includes enough fuel stops and charging stations to keep your vehicle running. When you rent from Penske, you can find stops on your route easily with the Penske Driver™ app.
When you match the right-size vehicle to your unique needs, you can keep business moving. Use these real-world scenarios to discover the best-fit vehicle for your industry.
How To Match a Truck to Your Industry Needs
Automotive
A fast-growing dealership group needs to shuffle vehicles, engines and parts between locations.
Best fit: Flatbed trailers for moving bulky equipment and large engines, plus light-duty box trucks for bulk parts and smaller shipments. Learn more about commercial rental for the auto industry.
Beverage manufacturing
A craft brewery expands distribution to nearby towns. They need to keep their products cold and move larger volumes of alcohol.
Best fit: A refrigerated cabover truck for kegs and bottles. Learn more about commercial rental for the beverage manufacturing industry.
Farming and agriculture
A local farmer needs to transport produce to regional markets and occasionally haul heavy equipment between fields.
Best fit: A flatbed truck for equipment, hay bales and oversized loads, and refrigerated trucks for produce and dairy products. Learn more about commercial rental for the farming industry.
Grocery and supermarket
A neighborhood supermarket launches a home delivery program. Volume starts small, then ramps up during peak seasons.
Best fit: A cargo van for small deliveries; refrigerated trucks for larger, store-to-store transfers. Learn more about commercial rental for the grocery industry.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
A regional pharmacy chain needs temperature-controlled transport for medications and vaccines, along with general supply runs.
Best fit: A light-duty box truck for supply moves and a refrigerated cabover truck for temperature-sensitive loads. Learn more about commercial rental for the healthcare industry.
Hotel and lodging
A hotel chain is refurbishing rooms across several locations and needs to transport furniture, linens and supplies.
Best fit: Cargo vans for day-to-day supply runs and medium-duty box trucks for furniture and bulk orders. Learn more about commercial rental for the hotel and lodging industry.
Museum, arts and entertainment
A traveling exhibit needs to move delicate artwork and stage materials to multiple cities.
Best fit: A box truck for fragile items and a step van for staging or touring equipment. Learn more about commercial rental for the arts and entertainment industry.
Retail
An online furniture store handles local deliveries of bulk items but doesn’t need a permanent fleet.
Best fit: Medium-duty (non-CDL) box trucks for sofas, beds and large boxes; cargo vans for smaller items. Learn more about commercial rental for the retail industry.
Transportation and logistics
A logistics startup is filling last-mile gaps for larger carriers and needs a variety of vehicles.
Best fit: Day cabs for regional hauls, sleeper cabs for long-distance deliveries and dry van trailers for bulk goods. Learn more about commercial rental for the transportation and logistics industry.
Let Penske Help You Find the Right-Size Commercial Rental
Have more questions about finding the truck that meets your business needs? We’re here to help. We deliver personalized service, helping you choose from our well-maintained fleet of more than 79,000 commercial rental vehicles.
Ready to make your choice? Reserve a truck today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a box truck and a cargo van?
A cargo van is smaller than a box truck and easier to maneuver. It’s also ideal for city deliveries or lighter loads. A box truck offers more space and a higher payload capacity. Box trucks also often include liftgates for heavier, bulkier items.
Can I rent refrigerated trucks for perishable goods?
Yes. Penske offers refrigerated commercial rental trucks and trailers in multiple sizes, including CDL and non-CDL options. These trucks maintain reliable temperature control for businesses hauling groceries, beverages and pharmaceuticals.
Why should I rent instead of lease a truck for my business?
Commercial rentals from Penske give growing businesses the flexibility to scale their fleet up or down and match seasonal demand. Renting also helps companies avoid the long-term cost of ownership. And because you only pay for the truck when you need it, your business can save money, too. If you’re looking for something long-term, leasing a truck (or a fleet) may be the way to go.