Best Box Trucks of 2023 for Fuel Economy and Cost
For anyone running a box truck business or planning to start one, maximizing profits is a major concern.
Especially with the recent global increase in fuel prices, it’s crucial to avoid buying a fuel-guzzling box truck. Fuel economy and miles per gallon have become key factors in the trucking and moving industry.
To optimize fuel efficiency for your box truck business, consider the engine size. Smaller engines tend to offer better fuel economy as they reduce the overall weight of the box truck. Lighter trucks require less fuel to operate.
Let’s take a look at some of the best box trucks for fuel economy and cost available in the market:
The 2.8L Duramax Diesel Box Truck
The 2.8L Duramax diesel box truck stands out as a leader in fuel economy, achieving an impressive 30 miles per gallon on the highway for its two-wheel-drive models. This fuel-efficient half-ton pickup truck offers versatility with three drivetrain options.
Equipped with a diesel fuel tank capacity of 57 gallons, it maintains an average miles-per-gallon range of approximately 8 to 13 mpg. The 2.8L Duramax Diesel box truck is highly acclaimed for its exceptional diesel horsepower, delivering top-notch performance, efficiency, and a smooth driving experience.
Hino Box Truck
Hino stands out as a top choice among box trucks for fuel economy and overall costs, not just in the U.S. and Canada, but also across the world. Being a subsidiary of Toyota Motors Corporation of Japan, Hino trucks are engineered to deliver the quality, toughness, and reliability essential for the success of your business. This ensures a seamless flow of goods and services at the right time and place, meeting your operational needs efficiently.
For any business, cost efficiency is a paramount consideration when making purchases to sustain and enhance operations. Hino has garnered a long-standing reputation for its exceptional fuel economy, making it a well-known player in the logistics industry.
Beyond commercial success, Hino also exhibits a strong commitment to the global environment. Their advanced engine and emission control technologies have placed them at the forefront of complying with stringent industry standards. A notable contribution to environmental preservation is the implementation of a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) in their trucks. This innovative system effectively converts harmful emissions into eco-friendly water vapor and nitrogen, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of your travels.
By choosing Hino, you not only secure a reliable and cost-effective business partner but also contribute to a greener and sustainable future for the planet.
Isuzu N-Series Box Truck
Isuzu is world renowned for producing box trucks that excel in reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability. Among their impressive lineup, the Isuzu N-Series, or NPR, stands out as an ideal choice for those who prioritize dependability and high performance.
The Isuzu NPR comes equipped with either a 5.2L turbocharged diesel engine or a 6.0L V8 gas engine, depending on your preferences and operational needs. With four wheelbase options available, ranging from 109 to 176 inches, you can select the right fit for your specific requirements. The truck’s body size varies from 10 to 20 feet, offering ample space for cargo.
Whether you need standard or crew cab configurations, the Isuzu NPR has you covered, accommodating up to 3 and 7 occupants, respectively. When it comes to carrying capacity, the gas-powered edition of the Isuzu straight truck can handle up to 12,000 pounds GVWR. The diesel-based NPR-HD boasts an impressive capability of towing and hauling up to 14,500 pounds Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). With such versatility and performance, the Isuzu N-Series proves to be an excellent choice for your business’s needs.
Freightliner M2 106
Another excellent option for fuel economy and cost is the Freightliner M2 106. Known for its durability and reliability, Freightliner trucks are commonly utilized by firefighters and serve as emergency vehicles, highlighting their proven toughness and consistency.
The Freightliner M2 106 is an all-around workhorse, perfectly suited for long-distance hauling and transporting bulky loads. Beyond its impressive fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the Freightliner M2 106 offers ample customization options. You have the choice of three engine options: the Cummins B6.7, the Detroit DD5, and the Detroit DD8, providing flexibility based on your specific needs.
The Freightliner M2 106 comes with both automatic and manual transmission options, allowing you to select the one that aligns with your driving preferences. The truck is available in three cab configurations: day cab, extended cab, and crew cab, providing comfort and convenience for various operations. Depending on your chosen setup, the M2 106 boasts an impressive GVWR of up to 66,000 pounds, making it a reliable and robust choice for demanding tasks.
International RH Series
The International RH Series stands as one of the finest box trucks for fuel economy and cost availability on the market. This truck is proudly manufactured by Navistar International, known for its wide range of box truck models that offer exceptional versatility, maneuverability, and productivity.
Among their impressive lineup, the International RH Series shines with its outstanding features, making it capable of meeting the most challenging job demands. Powering the International RH is its own robust International A26 12.4L engine, ensuring top-notch performance and efficiency. Whether you prefer automatic or manual transmission, the International RH Series offers options of up to 18-speed transmissions to suit your driving needs.
For enhanced comfort during long travels, you can select between a day cab or sleeper cab configuration, catering to the needs of both drivers and passengers.
With a commendable GVWR of up to 60,000 pounds, you can trust the International RH to deliver an array of benefits, making it an ideal choice for your moving and delivery needs.
Ford E-Series Cutaway
In addition to their excellent fuel economy and cost-effectiveness, the Ford E-350 boasts a noteworthy feature—the choice between single or dual-rear-wheel cutaway options. Both the E-350 SRW and DRW Cutaways are equipped with powerful engine choices, including the 6.8L Triton V10 or the 6.2L flex-fuel V8 gas engine.
The engines are paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a seamless driving experience. The E-350 SRW Cutaway offers a remarkable GVWR of 10,050 pounds, accompanied by a max payload rating of 5,190 pounds. On the other hand, the E-350 DRW Cutaway features a cutaway chassis that can handle up to 12,500 pounds GVWR, with a max payload rating of 7,560 pounds.
For those seeking even greater carrying capacity, the E-450 serves as an excellent alternative. Similar to its single-rear-wheel counterpart, the E-450 DRW Cutaway boasts a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers two engine choices: the robust 6.8L V10 or the efficient 6.2L flex-fuel V8 gas engine.
The E-450 DRW Cutaway impressively supports a maximum GCWR of 22,000 pounds, making it ideal for heavy towing requirements. Moreover, it delivers a substantial max payload rating of 9,040 pounds, further enhancing its capabilities for various hauling needs.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Another outstanding choice for fuel economy and cost efficiency is the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This half-ton pickup truck, designed for exceptional fuel efficiency, comes with three drivetrain options, ensuring versatility to meet various transportation needs.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasts an impressive blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features. With its remarkable carrying capacities, this box truck enables you to tackle heavy loads with ease, making your transportation tasks a breeze.
According to its reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks 5th out of 17 for full-size trucks, a testament to its dependability and performance.
GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 undeniably stands out as one of the finest box trucks for fuel economy and cost available on the market today. This light-duty pickup truck is equipped with five capable powertrains, including the fuel-efficient 3.0 Duramax engine.
With a highway mpg rating of up to 33, the GMC Sierra 1500 is a great economical choice for businesses and drivers seeking fuel efficiency. In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the Sierra 1500 excels in its cargo-hauling capabilities, making it ideal for transporting goods.
Its spacious cabin ensures a comfortable and convenient driving experience, while a wide range of available engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a robust 6.2-liter V8, offers options to suit various performance needs. With its combination of fuel efficiency, hauling capabilities, and modern features, the GMC Sierra 1500 proves to be an exceptional choice for any box truck fleet.
Chevrolet Express Cutaway
The Chevrolet Express Cutaway small box trucks have been bestselling units across the US for years, proving their reliability and popularity among business owners.
The Chevrolet 3500 Express Cutaway offers three wheelbase options, measuring 139, 159, and 177 inches, providing versatility to meet different transportation needs. For larger and more capable requirements, the 4500 Express box truck is available with 159 and 177-inch wheelbases.
The Chevrolet 3500 Express Cutaway also offers two engine options. The standard engine is the 4.3L V6, while the available option is the powerful Vortec 6.0L V8. The V6 engine provides 276 HP and 298 lb.-ft of torque, while the robust V8 delivers an impressive 341 HP and a torque of 373 lb.-ft. These engines work in harmony with 6 and 8-speed automatic transmissions, ensuring a smooth and efficient driving experience.
With a commendable GVWR of up to 12,300 lbs, the Chevrolet 3500 Express Cutaway is a reliable and capable choice for various business operations.
Ford Transit Cutaway
This compact yet capable vehicle boasts a maximum payload capacity of up to 6,200 lbs and offers a GVWR range from 9,000 lbs to 10,360 lbs, making it a logical and practical option for various delivery businesses.
The 2018 Ford Transit box truck comes equipped with a small but efficient 3.7 V6 engine which perfectly suits the needs of many delivery-oriented businesses.
With numerous official upfitters available, it is effortless to upfit the Transit with various vocational packages, tailoring the box truck to meet specific business requirements. For instance, the Transit can be easily upfitted with a box cargo body ranging from 10 to 18 feet in length, depending on the wheelbase chosen.
The wheelbase of the Transit plays a crucial role in determining the cargo body’s size. The short wheelbase of 138 inches can comfortably accommodate a 10 to 12-feet-long body, while the 156-inch wheelbase can accommodate a 13 to 15-feet-long body. The longest 178-inch wheelbase perfectly matches a 16 to 18-feet-long cargo body, providing ample space for transporting goods efficiently and effectively.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Box Truck
- Engine Capacity: Consider the engine capacity to ensure high performance and efficiency.
- Load Capacity: Determine the load capacity that aligns with your business needs.
- Brand and Manufacturer: Opt for reputable brands and manufacturers known for their quality and reliability.
- Safety Features: Review the available safety features to ensure proper protection in case of accidents.
- Financing Options: Evaluate various financing options to make an informed decision based on your financial situation.
- Condition of the Box Truck: Assess the condition of the truck, especially if it’s used, to avoid potential maintenance issues.
- Second-Hand Value: Consider the second-hand value of the box truck for future resale opportunities.
- Gas Consumption: Opt for box trucks with excellent fuel economy to save on fueling costs.
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