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ALL VEHICLES > LARGE STRAIGHT TRUCKS

Large Straight Trucks

When up against ultra-critical delivery deadlines, choosing the right vehicle makes all the difference. Large straight trucks sit at a practical midpoint between sprinter vans and full tractor-trailers, making them a strong fit for same-day and overnight freight that exceeds van capacity. Our specialists will guide you through the selection process, but to help your decision-making, here is what to know about large straight trucks.

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What are Straight Trucks?

Large straight trucks are for bulkier freight, or larger quantities of small items. The enclosed cargo space protects loads from the elements while also providing security. These trucks are designed with the cargo floor at standard loading dock height and are accessed via rear doors, either the roller shutter style or, less often, swing out doors. Some have a liftgate for easy loading. Palletized loads must be moved in and out by pallet jack as fork trucks are too tall and too heavy.

In exclusive use trucking applications, these vehicles provide rapid expedited delivery over short and long range. While not the most maneuverable in confined spaces, they’re easier to navigate through city streets than semi-tractor-trailers. The high seating position gives drivers good visibility, helping them spot and adapt to traffic problems early.
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Designed to carry hefty cargos while retaining the agility to maneuver through confined areas.

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Cargo capacity 10-12 pallets, maximum payload 10,000–15,000 lbs.

Package tracking

Perfect for urgent transport of sizable freight pieces.

Hub to spoke

Floor level matches standard loading docks, simplifying manual loading tasks.

Large Straight Truck Cargo Capacity

Standard cross-section is 96” square and interior cargo area length is between 22’ and 26’. Two-axle trucks typically have a GVWR of under 26,000 pounds while a third axle allows total weight to go up to 54,000 pounds. (Note that when GVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds the driver requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) of the appropriate Class.)

Given that a standard pallet measures 48” x 40”, a large straight truck can take two rows of pallets. Shorter trucks will be full at a total of 10 pallets while longer models will accept 12. In urgent, “Line Down” freight applications, this is often enough to get or keep a production cell or plant running while a 53’ dry van is being loaded with a larger quantity.
 
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TYPES OF CARGO

These trucks are used for expedited delivery of larger quantities and larger items.
 
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While often used for just-in-time delivery of pallets, cages, and dedicated dunnnage, they’re just as effective for urgently needed and sensitive manufacturing and laboratory machinery and tools, test equipment, inspection tools and devices, and specialized analytical equipment.
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Whether it’s in cartons, hard-sided plastic cases, wheeled bins, or dedicated cradles, if it fits, a straight truck can carry it.
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Other cargo these trucks carry includes presentation and display equipment, urgently needed materials and subassemblies.
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On occasion, they’re even used for moving sporting equipment between venues (an application where late arrival is never, ever acceptable!)
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Range and Routes

Large straight trucks handle hot shot shipping needs throughout North America. While usable in metropolitan and urban areas, their forte is longer-distance expedited trucking between major hubs — from city-to-city service to interstate deliveries and even cross-border expedited shipments. Being smaller and lighter than 53-foot dry vans, large straight trucks can sometimes use routes with height and weight limits, saving vital minutes when the goal is the fastest delivery possible.

End to End Solutions

For companies needing direct delivery of medium-to-large shipments, large straight trucks provide significant advantages by reducing handling, cutting damage risk, and eliminating hub transfers. Equipped with real-time tracking, smart routing, and dedicated freight options, they boost supply chain transparency and dependability. These trucks also support just-in-time delivery approaches, helping firms reduce warehousing expenses and maintain smooth inventory flow across retail, healthcare, and manufacturing operations.

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum GVWR

54,000 pounds, but note that this requires a CDL driver. Non-CDL drivers are restricted to a maximum GVWR of 26,000 pounds. Straight trucks with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds usually have three axles.

Interior dimensions

Width: 96”, height: 96”, length: 22 to 26’. (This is enough for two rows of 6 standard pallets.)

Loading

Floor will be level with most loading docks.

Range

Can be up to 1,200 miles between refueling stops, depending on route, engine, and fuel tank capacity.

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Large Straight Truck Advantages

Large straight trucks offer significant advantages for expedited freight, especially when transporting medium to large-sized loads. Their spacious cargo areas can accommodate heavier and bulkier shipments, making them ideal for industries requiring rapid delivery of substantial goods. Additionally, large straight trucks often have the flexibility to access areas that might be challenging for full-sized tractor-trailers, making them a good choice for both urban and suburban deliveries. Their ability to operate over long distances further enhances their value in expedited logistics.

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Capabilities

A large straight truck features a sturdy, fixed frame with a boxy, solid-walled cargo compartment situated right behind the driver’s cab. Engineered for both efficiency and adaptability, these trucks are available in two-axle or three-axle versions, the extra axle boosting payload potential. With roughly double the capacity of a box truck yet half that of a semi-trailer, they hit a sweet spot between cargo space and agility. This makes large straight trucks an excellent fit for transporting hefty loads while still managing to weave through confined areas.
Long Distance Service

Long Distance Service

For long-distance hauls, straight trucks often outpace semis, leveraging their smaller, lighter build to travel direct routes that navigate under bridges with height and weight constraints. They offer superior handling and fuel efficiency compared to semi-trucks, while providing significantly more space than box trucks or Sprinter vans. For companies seeking a mix of payload capacity, speed, and adaptability, large straight trucks stand out as a prime solution for long-haul and time-sensitive freight demands.
Versatility

Versatility

Large straight trucks excel equally in long-haul journeys and bustling urban settings, proving their worth in both scenarios. They’re perfectly suited for urgent shipments of sizable freight, including loads that demand several pallets or containers. With various loading and unloading configurations, they offer impressive flexibility. This blend of versatility and performance positions large straight trucks as a trusted option for companies needing consistent, expedited freight services.
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Loading

Large straight trucks are designed with a floor height that matches standard loading docks, making manual loading and unloading—or the use of a pallet truck—straightforward and efficient. However, they aren’t built to accommodate forklift loading. Most forklifts are too tall to fit within the cargo space, and their weight often surpasses the floor’s load-bearing limit. There’s also a chance that the truck’s front end could lift as a forklift moves in, particularly since the rear extends past the axle. Thus, selecting loading equipment that aligns with the truck’s structure and capacity is crucial.
Safety

Safety

Large straight trucks bring significant safety benefits to expedited freight transport, safeguarding both cargo and drivers. Their solid, unarticulated frame delivers superior stability over jointed vehicles, lowering the chances of tipping or jackknifing during abrupt turns or stops. Outfitted with cutting-edge safety tools like anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability systems, and collision avoidance tech, these trucks boost driver command and cut down on crash hazards. The fully enclosed, sturdy cargo compartment protects shipments from weather and physical harm.
Technology

Advanced Tracking Technology

 When waiting on time critical shipping, confidence in it arriving when promised enables better resource coordination and activity planning. Expedited Freight supports this through the use of advanced tracking technology. Real-time updates on truck location let the customer know their express delivery is on its way, and they also let us reroute the driver if weather or traffic problems threaten delays.
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Large Straight Truck Freight for Manufacturers

Manufacturing operations depend on precise delivery schedules to keep production lines moving. When a critical component or raw material shipment cannot wait, a large straight truck provides the dedicated capacity and direct routing manufacturers need. ExpeditedFreight.com dispatches vehicles within hours, assigning a single point of contact to coordinate every leg of the move. From automotive parts to industrial equipment, our nationwide coverage ensures your manufacturing supply chain stays on schedule without costly production delays.

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Retail and Consumer Goods Delivery

Retailers facing tight replenishment windows or urgent store openings require a freight solution that moves at the speed of commerce. A large straight truck offers the payload capacity to handle full pallet loads of consumer goods while maintaining the agility of a dedicated vehicle. ExpeditedFreight.com operates 24/7 dispatch to respond immediately to time-sensitive retail freight requests anywhere in the continental United States, keeping shelves stocked and store launches on schedule.

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Expedited Freight for Energy and Utilities

Energy sector operations, from oil and gas sites to renewable installations, routinely face equipment failures that demand immediate freight response. A large straight truck is well suited to transport generators, control panels, piping assemblies, and other oversized components to remote or job-site locations quickly. ExpeditedFreight.com provides real-time tracking and dedicated vehicle service so energy operators can monitor every mile of a critical shipment and minimize costly downtime across their facilities.

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Large Straight Trucks for Temperature-Sensitive Freight

Pharmaceutical, food service, and specialty chemical shippers often need enclosed, climate-controlled transport on a tight schedule. Large straight trucks provide the enclosed cargo environment required to protect temperature-sensitive loads while still offering the speed and routing flexibility of an expedited dedicated vehicle. ExpeditedFreight.com coordinates 24/7 dispatch and real-time tracking so your cold chain shipment reaches its destination on time and within spec, whether you are moving across a metro area or across multiple state lines.

Why Work with ExpeditedFreight.com?

A Single Point of Contact

From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Multiple Options

We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.

Our Streamlined Process

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!
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shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.
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Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.
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real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

STRAIGHT TRUCK

Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, our straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Our large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

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SPRINTER VAN

FullTruckload.com's expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

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BOX TRUCK

We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from temperature-controlled vehicles to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Our box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

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HOT SHOT TRUCK

We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

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53' DRY VAN

Our fleet of 53-Ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

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FULL FLATBED

FullTruckload.com's full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, our fleet of full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

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STRAIGHT TRUCK
SPRINTER VAN
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53' DRY VAN
FULL FLATBED

THE EXPEDITED FREIGHT PROMISE

8 AM

10:30 AM

12 PM

1:30 PM

End to End Emergency Solutions with the Large Straight Truck Service

Some freight companies need the size and weight of what’s to be shipped before they can quote a price for an urgent delivery, and that can slow things down. Our approach is different: we focus on finding a solution to the problem.
 
This attitude let us establish a lasting relationship with the Brooklyn Nets NBA team. Here’s what they needed and how we came to the rescue.

Back in 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, the NBA decided the only way to keep the basketball season alive was by bringing 22 teams together in a quarantined environment. They chose to do this at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Buena Vista, Florida. For the Brooklyn Nets’ equipment manager, this meant getting team uniforms, equipment, supplies and players' personal belongings from New York to Florida as quickly as possible.
 
Plus, given the speed with which everything had to happen, there was no time to determine sizes and weights of each item of freight. He called us and we sprang into action. We decided a 26’ straight truck would be the optimal vehicle, and gave the Nets exclusive use. The truck arrived in Brooklyn on June 19th, and was at ESPN’s facility in Florida just a few days later, with everything the team needed for six weeks of quarantine.
 
Since then, the Nets have used our expedited trucking service to support their participation in the NBA’s Summer League. This takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s an even longer drive than from New York to Florida, but we get everything there when it’s needed. So here’s the bottom line: If you need white glove deliveries, a platinum level service, or complete shipment flexibility, we’re the people to call.
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Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every minute a commercial airliner is grounded costs airlines money. ExpeditedFreight.com helps get flights back in the air with fast delivery of parts and equipment across North America, using a nationwide carrier network and dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers to provide reliable, aviation-specific transportation solutions.

Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is ExpeditedFreight.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.

Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.

Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.

Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as ExpeditedFreight.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.

Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!

Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.

3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.

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We provide freight transport services by ground and air for businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. We tailor our express delivery services to meet your specific needs. Enjoy premium customer service with a single point of contact for support during the standardized shipping process. Wherever your business takes you, we’re with you—mile after mile.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Large Straight Trucks

What distinguishes a large straight truck from a sprinter van or a 53-foot dry van?

Large straight trucks occupy the middle tier of the expedited fleet. They carry significantly more freight than a sprinter van — typically up to 10 to 12 standard pallets — yet they remain more maneuverable and can access routes with height and weight restrictions that a 53-foot dry van cannot. That balance makes them the go-to choice when a sprinter van is too small and a full tractor-trailer is more capacity than the shipment requires.

How much weight can a large straight truck carry?

Two-axle large straight trucks generally have a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,000 pounds. Adding a third axle raises the allowable total weight to approximately 54,000 pounds. Keep in mind that any configuration exceeding 26,000 pounds GVWR requires the driver to hold a Commercial Driver's License of the appropriate class, a compliance point ExpeditedFreight.com coordinates on your behalf.

Are large straight trucks available for long-distance or cross-border shipments?

Yes. While these vehicles excel at regional and metropolitan runs, ExpeditedFreight.com also deploys large straight trucks for long-distance interstate corridors and cross-border expedited shipments into Mexico and Canada. Dedicated drivers stay with the load from origin to destination, eliminating hub transfers and reducing transit time on time-critical freight.

Can a large straight truck accommodate freight without a loading dock?

Many large straight trucks are available with a liftgate, which lowers cargo to ground level for facilities that lack a standard loading dock. The cargo floor is also designed to align with dock height for locations that do have one. When booking, let your ExpeditedFreight.com coordinator know your origin and destination facility types so the right equipment is dispatched from the start.

How quickly can ExpeditedFreight.com dispatch a large straight truck?

ExpeditedFreight.com operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once you provide shipment details, our team identifies available large straight trucks in your area and confirms dispatch quickly — often within the hour for urgent or line-down situations. Same-day and overnight service options are available depending on origin, destination, and current capacity in the network.

What real-time visibility does ExpeditedFreight.com provide during transit?

Every shipment moves with real-time GPS tracking and a dedicated single point of contact who monitors progress from pickup through final delivery. You receive proactive updates rather than having to chase status. This level of transparency is especially valuable for time-critical B2B freight where supply chain disruptions carry real operational consequences.

Does ExpeditedFreight.com handle freight across all 48 contiguous states?

Yes. ExpeditedFreight.com provides expedited ground and air freight services across the contiguous United States, as well as service into Mexico and Canada. Our nationwide network means that whether your shipment originates in a major metro hub or a smaller regional market, we can coordinate the right vehicle and routing to meet your deadline.

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

At the heart of ExpeditedFreight.com is a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every shipment arrives on time, and in optimal condition, at its final destination. We offer the fastest ground and air transportation options for B2B customers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Get peace of mind with a dedicated single point of contact. We're with you along every mile of your journey. 

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