Straight Truck Freight Shipping: What It Is & How It Works

When you need freight shipped, you want it to be reliable, on time, and handled by someone who knows what they’re doing. But before choosing a carrier, it helps to understand what type of vehicle is right for the job. One of the most common and practical choices in freight transportation is the straight truck.

What Is a Straight Truck?

A straight truck is a type of vehicle where the cab and the cargo area are built on a single frame. This means the entire unit is one connected piece, unlike a tractor-trailer, which has a separate cab and trailer.

Straight trucks are commonly used for short-haul or regional freight deliveries. They can be loaded from the back or side, and many have roll-up doors similar to those on a garage. These trucks are ideal for transporting goods that don’t require an entire trailer’s worth of space.

Common Names for Straight Trucks

• Box truck
• Cube van
• Delivery truck
• City truck
• Parcel van

Licensing Requirements

Many straight trucks fall under the Class B commercial motor vehicle category, which means the driver must have a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). This allows straight truck drivers to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, without a trailer.

For lighter straight trucks (under 26,000 lbs), a standard driver’s license may be enough, depending on the weight and what’s being hauled.

View Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws

Straight Truck Dimensions and Cargo Capacity

Straight trucks come in various sizes, typically falling into Class 3 to Class 7. Here’s what that means:

Truck Class	Length	Height	Width	Cargo Capacity	Typical Use
Class 3-5	14-20 ft	8-10 ft	6-8 ft	3,000-6,000 lbs	Urban & light delivery
Class 6-7	22-26 ft	8-10 ft	6-8 ft	6,000-10,000+ lbs	Heavier regional freight

Cargo space typically ranges up to 1,800–2,000 cubic feet, making straight trucks ideal for palletized freight and other mid-sized loads.

What Types of Freight Are Typically Shipped with Straight Trucks?

Straight trucks are widely used in commercial freight shipping, especially for items that need to be delivered directly to retail locations, distribution centers, warehouses, and construction sites.

Common cargo includes:

• Palletized products: Bulk goods ready for forklifts and dock deliveries
• Appliances and electronics: Refrigerators, washers, office equipment
• Retail goods: Packaged products destined for stores or pop-ups
• Construction materials: Lumber, drywall, fixtures, tools
• Furniture and home goods: From sofas to mattresses
• Parcels and general merchandise: Ideal for last-mile delivery
• Trades equipment: HVAC units, electrical supplies, plumbing fixtures

Advantages of Using a Straight Truck for Freight Shipping

1. Faster Loading and Unloading

With lower deck heights and roll-up doors, straight trucks simplify dock-to-dock or curbside delivery. Many include lift gates to handle heavy items; no forklift or loading dock needed.

2. Better for Urban and Regional Deliveries

Straight trucks are more maneuverable than tractor-trailers, making them ideal for city deliveries, narrow roads, and areas with limited access.

3. No Trailer Detachment Needed

Since the cargo and cab are on the same frame, drivers don’t have to deal with hooking or unhooking a trailer. This saves time and simplifies operations.

4. Lower Cost for Smaller Loads

For companies that don’t need a full trailer, straight trucks provide a more cost-effective way to move freight without paying for unused space.

Straight Truck vs. Other Freight Vehicles

Straight Truck vs. Box Truck

These terms are often used interchangeably. A box truck is a type of straight truck, so the difference is more about naming conventions than actual features. However, some refer to smaller models as box trucks and larger ones as straight trucks.

Straight Truck vs. Tractor-Trailer

Tractor-trailers (or semi trucks) consist of two separate units: a tractor and a trailer. These are designed for long-haul freight, large volumes, and heavy-duty loads. While they offer more capacity, they’re less practical for shorter or regional hauls and harder to maneuver in city settings.

Straight Truck vs. Flatbed

Flatbed trucks have open beds and no enclosure, making them best for oversized or irregularly shaped freight. Straight trucks, on the other hand, have an enclosed cargo area that protects goods from the elements and adds security.

How to Know If a Straight Truck Is Right for Your Freight

Before booking a shipment, ask yourself the following:

What’s the size and weight of your freight? If your freight fits comfortably within the dimensions of a straight truck, you may not need to pay for a full tractor-trailer.

Is your delivery within a local or regional area? Straight trucks are ideal for regional hauls and last-mile delivery.

Does your delivery location have loading docks or tight access points? Straight trucks offer more flexibility when it comes to navigating tight spaces.
Do you need enclosed transportation? If your freight needs to be protected from weather or tampering, straight trucks are a better choice than flatbeds.

Limitations to Consider:

• Limited cargo space compared to tractor-trailers
• Not ideal for long-distance hauls
• May not accommodate specialized or oversized freight

If you’re unsure, a professional freight carrier can help match the right equipment to your load. That’s where working with an experienced logistics provider makes a difference.

Straight Truck Freight Shipping FAQ

Do I need a CDL to drive a straight truck?

Yes, for trucks with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds, a Class B CDL is required.

How much can a straight truck carry?

Between 3,000 and 10,000+ pounds, depending on size and class.

Can a straight truck be used for long hauls?

Technically yes, but they’re not optimized for cross-country or high-mileage routes.

Is a box truck the same as a straight truck?

Yes. “Box truck” is a common term for smaller straight trucks.

Straight Truck Shipping with Mercer Transportation

When you’re looking to ship freight, whether it’s across town or across the region, Mercer Transportation brings the experience, equipment, and support to get the job done right.

As a trusted name in the transportation industry since 1977, Mercer offers:

• Large Network of Equipment: From Class 3 box trucks to heavy-haul rigs
• Owner Operator Model: Trusted drivers who take pride in their work
• Real-Time Tracking & Communication: Know where your freight is, always
• Flexible Delivery Options: Same-day, next-day, scheduled — whatever works for you