Comprehensive Box Truck Size Chart: Dimensions and Capacities

Introduction to Box Truck Sizes

Picking the right straight truck is all about fit: box truck dimensions (interior length/width/height), cargo capacity (cubic feet), and payload (how much weight you can legally carry). For quick comparisons, this guide breaks down moving truck sizes from 10′ to 26′, shows typical truck specifications from major rental fleets and body builders, and translates those specs into practical “how many pallets and how much stuff” guidance. You’ll also find notes on doorway height, rear door width, turning radius, and licensing, so what looks good on paper actually clears your dock and streets.

What you can expect at a glance (typical rental truck sizes):

10′ trucks are narrow, great for furniture and boxes, but often too tight for two standard pallets side-by-side.
15–16′ trucks are the small/medium sweet spot: ~760–800 cu ft of cargo volume and ~4,300–5,000 lb payload capacity depending on the fleet.
20–22′ trucks step up to ~1,000–1,200 cu ft and ~5,700–10,000 lb payload (fleet dependent).
26′ trucks top the rental class with ~1,680 cu ft, max load ~12,800 lb, and GVW 25,999 lb (strategically just under CDL threshold in the U.S.).

Detailed Box Truck Size Chart

Real trucks vary by body maker and year, so think in ranges. Below are representative specs from U-Haul, Penske, Morgan/Supreme bodies, and similar sources. Use them to sanity-check a specific unit’s placards.

How to read the chart: Interior dimensions = usable pallet space / deck space. “Pallet capacity” assumes standard 48×40 in pallets, straight loaded, with door/frame clearance respected (no sideways loading unless door is wide enough).

10–12 ft Box Trucks

Typical use: studio/1-bedroom moves, service calls, city delivery.

Example 10′ rental (U-Haul): Interior 9′11″ × 6′4″ × 6′2″, ~402 cu ft, GVW 8,600 lb (max). Door openings for small units vary by model. Note the narrow width (76″)—often too narrow for two pallets across.
Pallet capacity (48×40, straight): usually 2 pallets (1 across × 2 rows), because width < 80″ is common on 10′ boxes. (Calculated from published interior width.)
12′ rentals (varies by fleet): expect interior width closer to 90–96″, enabling 2 across; rows depend on exact interior length (often ~12–12.5′). Check the unit you’re renting for true interior length and rear door width. (Generalized from major rental spec ranges.)

When to choose: very tight streets, minimal truck length, lowest total truck weight and operating cost.

14–16 ft Box Trucks

Typical use: 1–2 bedroom moves, parcel/pallet mix, city routes.

Example 16′ rental (Penske): interior 16′ L × up to 7′7″ W × up to 6′6″ H, ~800 cu ft, payload up to ~4,300 lb, GVW up to 12,500 lb.
Example 15′ rental (U-Haul): 15′ × 7′8″ × 7′2″, ~764 cu ft.
Rear door width/height: varies by fleet; smaller trucks show ~5′11″ × 5′7″ up to ~7′3″ × 6′5″ on the 15′/20′ sizes (check your specific unit).
Pallet capacity (48×40, straight):
- 15′ interior length (180″) → 3 rows × 2 across = 6 pallets.
- 16′ interior (192″) → 4 rows × 2 across = 8 pallets.
Turning radius & wheelbase length: class-3/4/5 cab-overs (Isuzu NPR/NRR, etc.) offer tight turns; e.g., Isuzu N-Series lists wheelbases from 109–176″ for ~10–20′ bodies. Shorter wheelbases turn tighter.

When to choose: two to three stops, a mix of boxes + a few pallets, urban delivery where turning radius matters.

20–22 ft Box Trucks

Typical use: 2–3 bedroom moves, light LTL, multi-stop retail.

Example 20′ rental (U-Haul): Interior 19′5″ × 7′8″ × 7′1″, ~1,016 cu ft, door ~7′3″ × 6′5″, clearance height ~11′, payload ~5,700 lb.
Example 22′ rental (Penske): Interior up to 21′11″ × 8′1″ × 8′1″, ~1,200 cu ft, payload up to ~10,000 lb.
Pallet capacity (48×40, straight):
- 20′ interior ≈ 4 rows × 2 across = 8 pallets (remainder usually not enough for a 5th row).
- 22′ interior (263″) ≈ 5 rows × 2 across = 10 pallets (door opening almost always OK for straight load on these sizes).

When to choose: longer lanes, heavier freight where payload capacity and cubic feet capacity both matter.

24–26 ft Box Trucks

Typical use: largest non-CDL rentals and many private fleets; high cube freight, multi-stop routes.

Example 26′ rental (U-Haul): Interior 26′2″ × 8′1–8′2″ × 8′3″, door ~7′9″ × 6′10″, volume ~1,682 cu ft, max load ~12,859 lb, GVW 25,999 lb, clearance ~12′.
Example 26′ rental (Penske): Interior up to 25′11″ × 8′1″ × 8′7″ (fleet-dependent).
Typical 24′/26′ van bodies (Supreme/Morgan): interior widths ~97–98″, interior heights ~96–103″; rear door width ~94″; door height ~91–96″ (important for tall items).
Pallet capacity (48×40, straight): 12 pallets (2 across × 6 rows). Sideways loading to squeeze a 7th row requires a rear door width ≥ 96″, which many roll-up doors do not provide—so plan on 12. (Always confirm rear door width on the spec tag.)

When to choose: maximum box truck capacity without moving to a CDL tractor; best for high load volume and larger palletized consignments.

Quick Reference Table (typical ranges)

Class	Interior length × width × height	Cubic feet capacity	Payload (approx.)	Rear door width × height	Pallet capacity (48×40 straight)
10′	~9′11″ × 6′4″ × 6′2″ (3.02 × 1.93 × 1.88 m)	~402 cu ft	— (GVW ~8,600 lb)	varies	2 (narrow width limits 2-across)
12′	~12–12.5′ × 7.5–8′ × ~7′	~500–600 cu ft	—	varies	4–6 (width permitting)
15–16′	15′ × 7′8″ × 7′2″; 16′ × 7′7″ × 6′6″	~764–800 cu ft	~4,300–5,000 lb	often ~7′3″ × ~6′5″	6–8
20′	19′5″ × 7′8″ × 7′1″	~1,016 cu ft	~5,700 lb	~7′3″ × ~6′5″	8
22′	up to 21′11″ × 8′1″ × 8′1″	~1,200 cu ft	up to ~10,000 lb	~8–9′ × 8–9′	10
24–26′	24–26′ × ~8′1–8′2″ × ~8–8′7″	~1,400–1,700+ cu ft	~10,000–12,800 lb	many bodies ~94″ × 91–96″	12 (door rarely allows sideways)

Note on metrics: 1 ft = 0.3048 m; 1 in = 25.4 mm. Convert payload: 1 lb ≈ 0.4536 kg.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Box Truck

Cargo Volume vs. Payload

Cargo volume (aka load volume) tells you how much deck space and ceiling height you get for boxes, furniture, and freight. Example: U-Haul lists ~764 cu ft for 15′ and ~1,682 cu ft for 26′.
Payload capacity limits how heavy you can go (truck + fuel + people + cargo ≤ gross vehicle weight). A 26′ rental commonly shows GVW 25,999 lb, curb weight (empty) near 13,100 lb, yielding ~12,800 lb payload; a 16′ rental lists payload ~4,300 lb. Always confirm the truck’s placard.

Practical tip: heavy, dense freight (tile, beverages) will hit truck weight limits long before you run out of pallet space.

Use-Case Scenarios

Residential moves: prioritize interior height for wardrobes/sofas; 20′ and 26′ models include “Mom’s Attic” for fragile items.
Retail/parcel routes: 15–16′ cab-over models balance truck width and turning radius for alleys and curbs.
Palletized loads: 20–26′ sizes with rear door width ≥ 88–94″ make dock work faster and reduce hang-ups at the jamb. Typical 24–26′ bodies show ~94″ clear width.

Height and Width Considerations

Door vs. interior: Rear doorway height is often lower than interior height. Example: 26′ rentals list interior height ~8′3″ but door around 6′10″; 20′ doors around 6′5″. Know the tallest piece you’re moving.
Loading dock dimensions: North American dock height typically 48–50″ (range 44–55″). Common dock doors are 8–9′ wide and 8–10′ high; many spec 9′×10′ to accommodate 102″-wide trailers. If your dock is smaller, plan for off-center truck parks and tighter angles.
Exterior height/clearance: 20′ rentals list ~11′ clearance; 26′ list ~12′. Watch signs, tree limbs, and low bridges.
Turning radius & wheelbase length: Longer wheelbase = wider turns. Isuzu’s medium-duty line shows curb-to-curb turning diameters from ~33–66 ft as wheelbase spans 109–212″ (including EV spec), while Ford F-650 data shows to-curb turning radii from mid-20s to mid-30s ft depending on wheelbase/cab style. Tighter sites favor shorter wheelbases.

Licensing and Regulations

In the U.S., CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) thresholds hinge on GVWR/GCWR:

Class B CDL is required for a single vehicle with GVWR ≥ 26,001 lb (or towing ≤ 10,000 lb). The Federal rule is codified in 49 CFR Part 383 and summarized on FMCSA’s site.
That’s why many 26′ rentals list GVW 25,999 lb—to stay non-CDL. (Hazmat/passenger exceptions aside.)
Combination/towing rules vary with GCWR and trailer GVWR; consult FMCSA guidance for edge cases.

Compliance reminder: GVWR and curb weight are on the driver door placard. Local/state rules can be stricter—verify before you book.

Conclusion

Choosing the right box truck is a trade-off between interior length (how many rows you can stage), interior width (whether pallets fit two-across), interior height (tall items/stacking), and the payload capacity that keeps you legal. As a rule of thumb:

10–12′: light, nimble; often 2–4 pallets depending on width; best where space is tight.
14–16′: the urban workhorse; 6–8 pallets, ~760–800 cu ft, ~4,300–5,000 lb payload.
20–22′: mid-large; 8–10 pallets, ~1,000–1,200 cu ft, payload typically ~5,700–10,000 lb; good for two- to three-bedroom moves or light LTL.
24–26′: max non-CDL cube; 12 pallets straight load; ~1,400–1,700+ cu ft; watch rear door width for oversized items.

Next steps for your spec sheet:

Measure your box truck measurements (inside & door), not just brochure numbers.
Confirm gross vehicle weight vs payload on the placard; don’t guess.
Check loading dock dimensions at both ends (door width/height and dock height).
If you’re moving pallets, test a doorway fit with two 48×40s before committing to a sideways row.

Sources & Notes

Rental spec references for moving truck dimensions and volumes: U-Haul size charts and model pages (10′ / 15′ / 20′ / 26′).
Penske specs for 16′, 22′, and 26′ interiors, payloads, and GVW guidance.
Body maker data for rear door width/doorway height on 24–26′ van bodies (Supreme/Morgan).
Turning circles & wheelbases: Isuzu N-Series (diesel and EV spec), Ford F-650 reference tables.
Dock height and dock door norms: industry guides and suppliers (48–50″ typical height; 8–10′ tall doors; 9′ width common for 102″ trailers).
CDL thresholds and classes: FMCSA and 49 CFR §383.