If it’s time to invest in a new work truck, it’s important to do your research and determine exactly what you need in a vehicle before purchasing one. As we’ve said before, choosing the right truck for your business is a big decision; remember, an efficient truck can significantly impact your earnings. Whether you’re in the construction business, or in landscaping, chances are your company vehicle is necessary to ensure your business can run smoothly on a daily basis. Explore the information and truck terminology below to better understand what you should look for in your next work truck.
A chassis, or a cab and chassis describe parts of the body style of your truck. Most work trucks do not come with a truck bed or flatbed manufactured onto the vehicle. End user flexibility is increased by leaving off the truck bed. Upfitters complete the vehicle to the specification of the buyer. This would include not only the bed/box but also items like plows, cranes, etc. So, a chassis is like a blank canvas. You get to add whatever truck body works for you industry.
Payload refers to the objects and amount of weight that a truck is hauling. An important calculation related to payload is a vehicle’s gross weight rating. According to “How Payload Works,” gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of an entire vehicle when it’s packed up and ready to go — that includes the weight of the vehicle itself, all of the necessary fluids for operation (gasoline, diesel, oil and so on) and any cargo, passengers and tools.
If you’re in an industry that requires you to consistently haul heavy materials, it’s important to understand the GVWR your job requires of a work truck. Truck manufacturers list the GVWR on the side of the vehicle door, within the owns manual or on their official website.
Keep in mind that consistently overloaded trucks can cause issues like premature tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and downtime due to engine or transmission repair (Automotive Fleet, 2016) as well as the risk of DOT fines.
Although many of our truck bodies can handle a range of applications for your industry – from farming needs to hauling various large equipment – each body specializes in a specific use. Explore basic information below on our platform truck bodies, dump truck bodies and service bodies:
Explore additional information on our Platform Bodies today »
Explore additional information on our Dump Bodies today »
Explore additional information on our Service Bodies today »
Are you or your company currently in the process of spec’ing out a new work truck or work van? If so, give us a call and our team can walk you through the best fit for your business. Our factory is open Monday–Friday at (207) 660-4700. We’re more than happy to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you invest in your next work vehicle.
Before committing to a new work truck for your business, understand how you’ll be using the truck on a daily basis and what specific needs you require from a vehicle. To get started, review basic information around a cab and chassis and hauling payload. Next, explore various truck body types. Choosing the right truck body for your business directly impacts the productivity of your company. If you have any questions, please give our experienced team a call.
Sources: Wikipedia, How Stuff Works, Automotive Fleet, DuraMag
The chassis is what determines the size of a commercial vehicle. Operating a large vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility and a classification designating how it should be safely operated. Keep reading to learn how your vehicle is classified according to its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) measures the vehicle’s curb weight combined with the weight of its cargo, fuel, passengers and any accessories. Manufacturers label vehicles based on their GVWR because of the government guidelines regulating public road safety standards. The manufacturer of your vehicle is required to clearly specify the GVWR, and this number is usually visible on the placard located in your driver-side door.
The GVWR is an important factor in roadway safety because a light-duty truck carrying two passengers drives very differently from a heavy-duty truck hauling thousands of pounds in products. This is why the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle is used instead of the weight of a vehicle without consideration for its payload capacity. The GVWR determines how much weight a vehicle in its respective class can safely transport.
The vehicle’s GVWR can determine many factors about driving a vehicle, such as whether you will require a commercial driving license (CDL). Operating a commercial truck might also require specific permits or stops at weigh stations. It’s important to understand how the classification system works as an industry professional.
The weight classification of your vehicle will determine:
When you drive a big truck that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you will require the appropriate license. To drive a vehicle below the commercial weight classification, you can use your regular license, but otherwise, you will have to go through the application process for a CDL. This involves completing testing and registering your license. What’s important is that some commercial drivers can work without a CDL.
If you need to get a CDL, your vehicle will be registered as one of three classes:
A CDL is a first step toward complying with the government standards for operating a large commercial vehicle, but you might also have to get permits. If you’re transporting hazardous wastes or working under another special circumstance, make sure you know all the requirements for your permits.
Vehicles that weigh more than 10,001 pounds must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regardless of whether you need a CDL. You have to have a DOT number for your commercial truck, which should be visible on either side.
You are required to use weight stations if your vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds. The majority of commercial trucks surpass this limit, so make sure you know if you have to stop.
Some auto repair shops lack the tools and equipment required for working on a higher-class vehicle. When you arrange for maintenance or other services, make sure you provide the proper class and other relevant information about your vehicle so the technician knows if they can perform the work. They might also need to make sure they have enough room for your truck.
If your vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds, you will need to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Hours of Service regulation. This law intends to prevent commercial drivers from working too many hours, which can lead to drowsiness on the road.
If you’re wondering what the three main classifications for trucks are, they fit into the following categories:
Light-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 1, 2 and 3. Class 3 vehicles are sometimes considered medium duty. Most non-commercial pickups are light duty.
Medium-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 4, 5 and 6. Many commercial vehicles are considered medium duty, but you will also find several full-sized trucks in this class that are built for non-commercial use.
Heavy-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 7 and 8. Drivers must have a CDL to operate a vehicle from either of the heavy duty classes.
Shop New and Used Trucks
If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned truck to use commercially, Custom Truck can help. We have several new commercial truck models available right now. We also have accessories for new trucks that you can order for your work vehicle or fleet. Contact Custom Truck for more information about our products.