What size is a standard box on a truck?

There isn’t a single universal standard size. For pickup trucks, the “box” (also called the bed) typically comes in three common lengths: short, standard, and long. For box-style delivery trucks, sizes span a spectrum from compact to large, depending on the job. This article breaks down the typical dimensions and what they mean for use and capability.

Pickup trucks: bed size options

To understand everyday pickups, it helps to know the usual bed lengths that buyers encounter. The following sizes are commonly offered or found in many popular models, though exact measurements can vary by cab configuration and model year.

• Short bed: about 5 feet 8 inches long (roughly 68 inches). This size is popular for crew cab configurations where rear-seat space is prioritized and maneuverability matters.


• Standard bed: about 6 feet 4 inches long (roughly 76 inches). A balanced option that suits both passenger and cargo needs.


• Long bed: about 8 feet long (roughly 96 inches). Maximizes cargo length and is common on work-oriented or single-cab configurations.

In practice, exact bed lengths vary by model and year, and some trucks offer additional or alternative bed configurations beyond these three. Always check the specific specifications for the exact pickup you’re considering.

How bed size affects daily use

Bed length influences payload capacity, payload geometry, and how easily you can haul long items or fit a sheet of material. Short beds fit tighter spaces and city driving; long beds maximize cargo length but can be less nimble in tight parking or urban settings. If you frequently carry long loads or plan to tow, a longer bed may be advantageous.

Box trucks: cargo box sizes for commercial use

Box trucks used in delivery and moving services come in a broad range of lengths to accommodate different loads, routes, and insurance requirements. The sizes below reflect typical categories seen in the market today, with exterior dimensions that influence storage capacity and maneuverability.

• 12–16 feet: compact to mid-size box trucks used for local deliveries and small moves. Easy to maneuver in urban areas and fits in standard loading docks.


• 18–20 feet: mid-size box trucks common for regional deliveries and small-to-mid scale moving jobs. A good balance of cargo space and driveability.


• 24–26 feet: large box trucks used for bigger moves and higher-volume deliveries. Maximum cargo capacity in many local and regional fleets, but requires more space to operate.

Box trucks also vary in width and height. Exterior widths are typically around 8 feet (about 96 inches), and interior heights often range from about 7.5 to 8 feet, though exact figures depend on the chassis and body design. Always verify specs for a given truck model or rental fleet.

Choosing the right box size for your needs

When selecting a box size, consider the typical cargo you’ll carry, access constraints at your destinations, and the road or city environments in which you’ll operate. For local deliveries, a smaller box may be easier to navigate and more fuel-efficient. For moving large households or bulky items, a larger box offers more volume but requires careful planning for parking and turning radius.

What to check when reading specs

Regardless of whether you’re evaluating a pickup bed or a box truck, key measurements matter: bed length (for pickups), cargo box length, overall vehicle width, height, and payload capacity. Some models also specify interior width at floor level and the distance between wheel wells, which can affect what you can fit inside.

Summary: Standard pickup truck boxes typically come in three lengths—short (about 5'8"), standard (about 6'4"), and long (about 8')—with variations by model. Box trucks used for deliveries span a broader range, commonly from 12–16 feet, 18–20 feet, to 24–26 feet. Always confirm exact dimensions for the specific vehicle you’re considering, as measurements can differ by make, model year, and configuration.

What size bed is a Chevy Silverado 1500?

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is available in three bed lengths: Short (69.9269.9269.92 inches), Standard (79.4479.4479.44 inches), and Long (98.1898.1898.18 inches). The specific length you can choose depends on the cab and trim level of the truck.
 

• Short Bed: 69.9269.9269.92 inches (approximately 5 feet, 10 inches), typically available with the Crew Cab.
• Standard Bed: 79.4479.4479.44 inches (approximately 6 feet, 7 inches), available with the Double Cab and Crew Cab.
• Long Bed: 98.1898.1898.18 inches (approximately 8 feet, 2 inches), typically available with the Regular Cab.

What is the standard truck bed size?

There is no single "standard" truck bed size, as it depends on the truck's category, such as full-size or mid-size. However, a common standard for full-size trucks is the standard bed, which is approximately 6.5 feet (79.4 inches) long. For full-size heavy-duty trucks, an 8-foot bed is often standard, while mid-size trucks typically have shorter standard beds of around 5 to 6 feet. 
Common truck bed sizes by category

• Full-size trucks (e.g., Ford F-150, Ram 1500):
  • Short Bed: Around 5.5 to 6.5 feet (67 to 78 inches). 
  • Standard Bed: Approximately 6.5 feet (79.4 inches). 
  • Long Bed: Around 8 feet (97.6 inches). 
• Heavy-Duty trucks (e.g., Silverado 2500 HD):
  • Standard Bed: Often around 6.5 to 8 feet (82.3 inches). 
  • Long Bed: Around 8 feet. 
• Mid-size trucks (e.g., Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado):
  • Short Bed: Approximately 5 feet (69.9 inches). 
  • Long Bed: Around 6 feet. 

Other factors to consider

• Cab Configuration: The available bed size can be influenced by the truck's cab size (e.g., Regular, Crew, SuperCrew). 
• Intended Use: If you need to haul long items, such as 4x8 sheets of plywood, a longer bed is often necessary. For daily use in urban areas, a shorter bed offers better maneuverability. 

What does standard box mean on a truck?

Beds/Box Sizes
Generally there are 3 different sizes for pickup truck beds. Short, Standard, or Long. Generally a short bed is approximately 5'8” long, a standard bed is 6'5” long, and a long bed is 8' long but these numbers vary by a few inches from manufacturer to manufacturer.

What is the size of a standard box truck?

Standard box truck lengths range from 10 to 26 feet or more, with common sizes being 16, 22, and 26 feet long, each with varying interior dimensions and cargo capacity. A 16-foot truck is suitable for moving a two-bedroom apartment, while larger trucks like the 26-foot model can handle the contents of a large home.
 

Truck Size	Typical Interior Dimensions (L × W × H)	Typical Payload Capacity
16′ Box Truck	16′0"×7′7"×6′6"16 prime 0 " cross 7 prime 7 " cross 6 prime 6 "16′0"×7′7"×6′6"	~4,300 lbs
22′ Box Truck	21′11"×8′1"×8′1"21 prime 11 " cross 8 prime 1 " cross 8 prime 1 "21′11"×8′1"×8′1"	~10,000 lbs
26′ Box Truck	26′2"×8′1"×8′3"26 prime 2 " cross 8 prime 1 " cross 8 prime 3 "26′2"×8′1"×8′3"	~12,859 lbs

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Common box truck sizes and their uses

• 16-foot: Good for moving the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or a small house.
• 20- to 26-foot: Suitable for larger moves, typically housing the contents of a three- to five-bedroom home.
• 26-foot: Often the largest size available for DIY moving rentals, capable of carrying a large home's worth of belongings. 

Factors to consider

• Payload capacity: This is the maximum weight the truck can carry. Ensure it is sufficient for your belongings. 
• Interior space: For moving, the length, width, and height are crucial for fitting furniture and boxes. A higher ceiling allows for more items to be stacked. 
• Driving difficulty: Longer trucks have wider turning radiuses and are harder to maneuver than smaller trucks. 
• Overhead clearance: Be mindful of low bridges, parking garage entrances, and other overhead clearances, especially with taller trucks. 

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