Cargo van (standard / mini cargo van)
Examples: Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, Mercedes Metris.
Spec | Typical |
Payload | 1,500–2,500 lbs |
Cargo volume | 100–150 cubic ft |
Length | 15–18 ft total |
Fuel economy | 18–25 MPG |
Best for: Light, small parcels (1–3 pallets). Same-day local and regional expedited. Lower volume but lower operating cost.
Sprinter / high-roof cargo van
Examples: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit (high-roof), Ram ProMaster.
Spec | Typical |
Payload | 3,000–4,000 lbs |
Cargo volume | 400–530 cubic ft |
Length | 22–25 ft total |
Fuel economy | 14–18 MPG |
Best for: Most expedited freight. Can stand up inside, can handle up to ~4 pallets, fits in tight loading docks. This is the workhorse of expedited freight.
Box truck — 16 ft
Spec | Typical |
Payload | 4,000–7,000 lbs |
Cargo volume | ~800 cubic ft |
Length | ~25 ft total |
Fuel economy | 9–12 MPG |
Best for: Heavier expedited freight, palletized goods, regional runs.
Box truck — 24 ft / 26 ft
Spec | Typical |
Payload | 8,000–14,000 lbs |
Cargo volume | 1,400–1,700 cubic ft |
Length | 28–35 ft total |
Fuel economy | 8–11 MPG |
Best for: Larger expedited and partial LTL loads. With a liftgate, opens up a huge range of B2B deliveries to docks AND non-dock locations.
Important: 26-ft box trucks at the 26,001-lb GVWR threshold may avoid CDL requirements (depending on state and exact GVWR). Just over that line, CDL Class B is required. Confirm with your state DMV.
Side-by-side
| Cargo Van | Sprinter | 16' Box | 24'-26' Box |
Payload | 1.5–2.5K | 3–4K | 4–7K | 8–14K |
Best load size | 1–3 pallets | 3–4 pallets | 4–8 pallets | 10–14 pallets |
Typical RPM | $1.25–$2.50 | $1.75–$3.00 | $1.50–$2.75 | $1.75–$3.25 |
CDL required | No | No | No | Maybe (26'+) |
Fuel cost | Lowest | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
Insurance cost | Lowest | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
How to choose
Run cargo van if:
You're new and want lowest-risk entry
You'll focus on local/regional same-day work
You don't want CDL or want to avoid heavier vehicle compliance
Run a Sprinter if:
You want the most versatile rig in expedited
You're willing to drive long hauls
You want the broadest range of available loads
Run a 16' box truck if:
You're moving up from a Sprinter and the freight you book is heavier than your van can carry
You're in a market with a lot of palletized expedited
Run a 24'-26' box truck if:
You want maximum revenue per load
You're comfortable with the higher operating costs
You can install a liftgate (huge premium loads available)
Useful add-ons (premium-rate loads)
Liftgate — opens up grocery, retail, residential deliveries
Pallet jack — almost mandatory for boxed freight
E-tracks / load bars — keep freight from shifting
Reefer / temp control — pharma, food, biotech loads (highest rates)
Air-ride suspension — sensitive freight premium
TSA STA / TWIC — airport and port loads