Medium-duty trucks are important assets across various industries. They bridge the gap between light- and heavy-duty vehicles, making them versatile for handling diverse commercial tasks like deliveries, construction work, emergency response, and utility services.
These trucks are designed with customizable and adaptable features, providing a reliable transportation solution for moderate loads. In this article, we cover the basics of medium-duty trucks, including their types and key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your business.
WHAT ARE MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS?
Medium-duty truck is an umbrella term used to refer to different types of vocational trucks that fall within the medium-weight section of the commercial vehicle classification. Commercial vehicles are classified by their gross vehicle weight rating, ranging from light duty to heavy duty, as distinguished by the Federal Highway Administration. They are divided into 8 classes, with classes 1-3 falling in the lightweight category and class 7-8 falling in the heavy-duty category. The middle classes, namely classes 4 to 6, encompass vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ranging from 14,001 to 26,000 pounds
Medium-duty trucks are used for various purposes and are common within the waste, construction, delivery and utility industries. They also come with customizable features like cab configurations, making them versatile. Popular medium-duty trucks include the MD Mack series and the Freightliner’s M2 106.
COMMON TYPES OF MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS
Medium-duty trucks comprise different types ranging from box trucks to dump trucks. Let’s take a look at some of the common types.
- Box Trucks: Box trucks come with an enclosed cargo area that helps to protect goods from damage. They are ideal for transporting furniture, appliances and other items
- Refrigerated Trucks/Reefers: These are temperature-controlled vehicles for storing and transporting perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
- Tow Trucks: Tow trucks are used to recover damaged, stalled or impounded vehicles.
- Fire Trucks: Used by emergency services with various firefighting apparatus such as ladders, and hoses.
- Flatbeds: They have an open bed, ideal for moving large materials like equipment, machinery and other vehicles.
- Dump Trucks: Dump trucks are built with a hydraulic lift that aids in unloading loose materials such as sand, gravel, snow and waste.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCK
There are a couple of factors you must consider before choosing a medium-duty truck. We have selected some of the factors for you to consider below:
CARGO TYPE AND SIZE
Before going for a type of medium-duty truck, evaluate the functions the truck will perform. What service and industry do you want to serve? Are you looking into delivery, or towing? Dump trucks, flatbeds and tow trucks are examples of medium-duty trucks, but they all serve different purposes.
Once you have got this figured out, then determine the size of cargo you plan to transport plus the weight dimensions. Simply evaluate your business and choose the right truck based on the type of cargo you want to transport.
AREA OF OPERATION
Some trucks are built for different conditions, while some are not. Ensure you assess the driving conditions such as climate and terrain to know if the truck is built to operate efficiently in these environments. If you are looking for a vehicle that can withstand different road conditions and is made for public roads, you want to go for tougher trucks. On the flip side, if you do door-to-door deliveries, then you can opt for trucks built for city rides. Also determine the truck’s maneuverability, whether or not the truck can operate in urban or rural areas.
BUDGET AND FINANCING
Medium trucks do not come cheap. And if you are looking for one with the best mechanical capacity that will serve you for the long haul, be ready to spend some money. Also, balance upfront costs with features and capabilities offered. Estimate fuel costs, insurance maintenance costs and the truck’s resale value before paying for one.
Regardless, a lack of funds should not discourage you from getting the right truck. You can always check out for multiple commercial truck financing options available to help to handle financing so that you can get the best for the business.
WARRANTY
Aside from the cost of the truck, you should look out for vehicles that have a warranty. Warranty can help to cover the cost of maintenance such as repairs during downtimes at no extra cost to your pocket. A great warranty not only helps to reduce costs, but it guarantees that your truck gets expert care when necessary.
MILEAGE
You should consider the mileage of your truck before buying one. For businesses with high travel demands, ensure you select a truck with high mileage. For shorter routes, go for truck with moderate mileage.
PAYLOAD CAPACITY
A truck’s GVWR is estimated by calculating the truck’s weight at maximum capacity. This helps to show the highest of weight a truck can operate at optimally without causing mechanical problems. Choose a truck with the right payload capacity that can handle the weight expected of it without developing mechanical problems.
SAFETY FEATURES
Trucks are built differently and some prioritize safety features over others. If you are very particular about safety, then consider trucks with collision warning systems, lane departure warnings, and backup cameras. Similarly, check out for trucks with customized comfort features for drivers such as ergonomic seats and easy-to-use controls.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Ensure the selected truck complies with local weight restrictions, emissions standards, and other regulatory requirements pertinent to your area of operation.
CONCLUSION
As you have read, medium-duty trucks cover a wide selection of trucks categorized majorly by their weight. These trucks are versatile and essential for businesses across multiple industries. The different types include box trucks, dump trucks, and tow trucks among others.
To choose the right medium-duty truck, you need to assess your operational needs, budget and finance, compliance factors and warranty. Before you buy one, ensure you consult with a professional to help you make the right decision.
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