Home » FAQ » General » Are there 30 foot box trucks?

Are There 30-Foot Box Trucks?

Yes—30-foot box trucks do exist, but they are uncommon compared to the widely available 26-foot models. They’re typically built on heavier Class 7 or Class 8 chassis, often require a CDL due to higher GVWR, and are more likely found in commercial fleets or for custom order than in consumer rental inventories. Below is a closer look at where they fit in the market, who builds them, and what to consider if you need one.

What “30-Foot Box Truck” Usually Means

In industry terms, a 30-foot box truck is a straight truck with an enclosed dry-van body that’s approximately 30 feet long. Unlike a tractor pulling a 28-foot “pup” trailer, the box (cargo body) is permanently mounted to the chassis. Overall vehicle length for a 30-foot body typically lands in the 36–40 foot range depending on cab design, wheelbase, bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) dimensions, rear overhang, and liftgate configuration.

Who Builds Them

Several medium- and heavy-duty truck makers support 30-foot van bodies through their dealer/body-builder networks. Body manufacturers then pair the appropriate wheelbase and frame specs to the cargo box. The examples below illustrate common platforms and body options you’ll see in the new and used market.

  • Freightliner M2 106 or 108SD paired with 30-foot dry van bodies from builders like Morgan or Wabash (Supreme).
  • International MV or HV series with 30–32 foot dry van bodies, often used in furniture and high-cube freight operations.
  • Hino L7/L8 (formerly 268/338) configured for long wheelbases to accept 28–30 foot boxes.
  • Isuzu FTR (Class 6/7) set up for high-cube applications; commonly spec’d for bodies up to about 30 feet.
  • Ford F-750 with extended wheelbase options that can accommodate a 30-foot van body.
  • PACCAR medium-duty platforms such as Peterbilt 537/548 and Kenworth T380/T480, which can be upfitted with long high-cube bodies.
  • Body manufacturers like Morgan, Wabash (Supreme), and Marathon offering high-cube dry freight bodies in the upper-20s to roughly 30-foot range.

While 30-foot configurations are available, they’re not a stock item at every dealer. Most are built to order or found in the secondary market where fleets dispose of specialized units after service cycles.

Availability in the Rental Market

If you’re looking to rent one for a day or a week, options are limited. Consumer-facing rental fleets usually top out at 26 feet because it fits the broadest regulatory and driver comfort window.

  • U-Haul, Penske, and Budget typically max at 26-foot box trucks for standard retail rentals.
  • Commercial leasing providers may source 28–30 foot straight trucks for business accounts, but these are generally contract leases rather than walk-in rentals.
  • Refrigerated straight trucks with longer bodies are also more common in corporate fleets than in consumer rental channels.

For occasional use, a 26-foot rental remains the most practical path. For frequent, high-cube needs, a dedicated lease or purchase of a 30-foot straight truck is more realistic.

Licensing, Weight, and Legal Considerations

Most 30-foot box trucks will be spec’d with a GVWR above 26,000 lb to carry meaningful payload safely. That pushes them into CDL territory in many cases. Length rules also vary by state, though single-unit trucks with a 30-foot body generally fall within state limits when properly spec’d.

  • CDL threshold: In the U.S., a CDL is typically required at 26,001 lb GVWR or higher (or for certain cargo/passenger cases). Many 30-foot builds are Class 7 (e.g., 33,000 lb GVWR) to maintain usable payload.
  • Non-CDL builds: A 30-foot body on a sub-26,000 lb chassis is sometimes possible but usually impractical, offering very limited payload and tighter axle-weight margins.
  • Length limits: Single-unit truck length rules are state-specific (often around 40–45 feet overall). Proper wheelbase and rear overhang management are critical.
  • Axle weights and bridge laws: Even as a straight truck, axle loading must meet state and federal weight limits. Body length, liftgates, and cargo distribution affect compliance.

Before ordering or buying, confirm your target routes’ length and weight rules, and align chassis specs with your expected cargo density, liftgate needs, and dock conditions.

Capacity, Dimensions, and Use Cases

A 30-foot high-cube body significantly increases volume over a 26-footer, but the practical payload depends on chassis and upfit.

  • Volume: Roughly 1,800–2,200 cubic feet, depending on inside width/height (common inside widths near 100 inches and heights from ~97 to 110 inches).
  • Payload: On a Class 7 chassis (e.g., 33,000 lb GVWR), expect approximately 13,000–16,000 lb payload after accounting for curb weight and upfits like a liftgate.
  • Turning and access: The longer wheelbase increases turning radius, complicates tight urban deliveries, and may require more space at docks and alleys.
  • Common uses: Furniture and appliance delivery, store replenishment, high-cube nonperishable freight, regional distribution where a tractor-trailer isn’t ideal.

If your freight is “light and bulky,” a 30-foot body can be a strong productivity upgrade versus multiple trips in a 26-footer—provided your routes, drivers, and facilities can accommodate the added length.

Buying and Spec’ing Tips

Because 30-foot straight trucks are niche compared with 26-foot models, take extra care with specifications to avoid costly rework or performance shortfalls.

  • Wheelbase and axle placement: Ensure the wheelbase supports the body length and keeps axle loads compliant when fully loaded.
  • Body construction: High-cube dry van bodies vary by wall material (composite, aluminum sheet/post), which affects weight and durability.
  • Liftgates and doors: Larger liftgates improve efficiency for bulky items but add weight and length; choose rail or tuck-under based on dock mix.
  • Powertrain: Match engine torque and transmission to route terrain and stop-start duty cycles; consider retarder/brake spec for urban work.
  • Licensing and insurance: Confirm CDL requirements, driver availability, and insurance implications of the GVWR you choose.

Work closely with a dealer and body builder to model your cargo, routes, and facility constraints; it’s the best way to ensure your 30-foot configuration delivers the intended gains in capacity and productivity.

Bottom Line

Thirty-foot box trucks are real, but they’re specialized. You’ll see them in commercial fleets and custom builds far more often than at the rental counter. Expect CDL requirements, careful spec work, and operational trade-offs in exchange for a meaningful jump in cubic capacity over the ubiquitous 26-foot class.

Summary

Yes, 30-foot box trucks exist—primarily as Class 7/8 straight trucks built by major OEMs and upfitted by leading body manufacturers. They’re rare in consumer rentals, often require a CDL, and demand careful spec’ing for wheelbase, axle loading, and liftgate needs. For high-cube, relatively lighter freight, they can enhance efficiency if your routes and facilities can handle the added length.

What’s the largest box truck size available?

26′
Small box trucks are ~10–15′ long, medium are ~16–22′, and the largest is 26′ (Super Mover).

Is there a 30 ft box truck?

For larger loads, the 14-30 ft. box trucks provide up to a 17,000 lb. payload capacity. These trucks can be spec’d with cargo tie rails, E-track, rear roll-up doors, translucent roofs, cargo lighting, and liftgates capable of handling up to 3,000 lbs. to ensure efficient and safe operations.

How many feet is a typical box truck?

North American usage
The boxes on box trucks are typically 10–26 ft (3.0–7.9 m) in length (the overall length of the box plus cab is even longer) and can range from Class 3 to Class 7 (12,500 lb. to 33,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating). They often have a garage door-like rear door that rolls up.

Do they make 28 foot box trucks?

Whether you need a lightduty van body for parcel delivery, a cargo truck for boxed product, or a 28-foot box truck to move furniture of every configuration, Morgan truck bodies provide design and material options to make it easier to overcome the challenges you face every day.

T P Auto Repair

Serving San Diego since 1984, T P Auto Repair is an ASE-certified NAPA AutoCare Center and Star Smog Check Station. Known for honest service and quality repairs, we help drivers with everything from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics.

Leave a Comment