What are the dimensions of a short box truck?
Short box trucks typically come with cargo boxes of 12, 14, or 16 feet. Inside, they offer about 8 feet of width and roughly 8 feet of ceiling height; the exterior length rises with the box size, and the roof height varies by model. This article explains the common dimensions you will encounter and how to use them when planning moves or deliveries.
Common short-box lengths
The following sizes are the most widely offered by rental fleets and moving companies for the “short-box” category.
- 12 feet (box length)
- 14 feet
- 16 feet
These lengths cover a range of small to mid-sized loads. A 12-foot box is suitable for studio apartments, while 16 feet is commonly used for two-bedroom moves or larger deliveries. Always verify the exact internal space with the provider.
Interior dimensions
Interior width and height determine how much you can load through the door and into the space without tilting or bending. The interior width typically ranges from 7 feet 9 inches to 8 feet (93–96 inches), while interior height ranges from about 7 feet 8 inches to 8 feet 2 inches (92–98 inches). The interior length equals the box length (12, 14, or 16 feet).
- Interior width: about 93–96 inches (7 ft 9 in to 8 ft)
- Interior height: about 92–98 inches (7 ft 8 in to 8 ft 2 in)
- Interior length: equals the box length (12', 14', or 16')
When planning, consider whether you can fit tall items or furniture through the doorway and into the space without removing doors or framing, and account for wheel wells that can steal usable width.
Exterior and overall footprint
Exterior dimensions affect parking, aisle clearance, and turning radius. The exterior width (excluding mirrors) is typically about 8 feet (96 inches). Roof heights vary by model, but a common range is roughly 9 to 10.5 feet tall (about 108–126 inches). The overall length of the vehicle depends on the box size, with typical overall lengths around 23–28 feet for 12–16-foot boxes.
- Exterior width (excluding mirrors): about 8 ft (96 inches)
- Exterior height: roughly 9–10.5 ft (108–126 inches), varies by roof
- Overall length: about 23–28 ft, depending on box size
Keep in mind that including mirrors and aftermarket add-ons increases the total width, and some fleets use higher-roof configurations that push the height toward the upper end of the range.
Choosing the right size for the job
Before you lock in a rental or purchase, consider your cargo volume, doorway access, and delivery routes. The following guidelines help match a box size to typical move profiles.
- 12-foot box: ideal for a small apartment, studio, or light deliveries with limited space
- 14-foot box: fits a modest one-bedroom or a small two-bedroom with careful packing
- 16-foot box: commonly used for larger two-bedroom moves or bulky items
- Verify doorway width and tight spaces on driveways; measure the opening and plan for appliance loads
Also check payload capacity and curb weight, since larger boxes with higher roofs can add weight even before loading. Always confirm exact dimensions with the vehicle provider.
Roof height variants
Note that height differences occur due to standard vs high-roof configurations. If you need to maximize cargo volume in a tight space, you may consider a high-roof option, but it increases exterior height and may limit clearance under garages or bridges.
Summary
In brief, the standard “short box” category is dominated by 12-, 14-, and 16-foot cargo boxes. Expect about 8 feet of interior width and around 8 feet of interior height, with exterior width near 8 feet and exterior height typically between 9 and 10.5 feet. Overall vehicle length will generally fall in the mid-20s to upper-20s feet, depending on the box size and roof height. Always verify exact dimensions with the rental company or manufacturer, as specifications can vary by model.
