If they feel confident operating large vehicles and handling heavy cargo, truck drivers can choose from a variety of careers. Despite the size similarities between straight trucks and tractor-trailers, the jobs that people may hold while operating them can differ. You can decide which of these two truck driving positions is best for you by finding out more details about them. In this article, we’ll explain what these truck types are, who operates them, and some advantages and disadvantages of driving a straight truck as opposed to a tractor-trailer.

A Straight Truck: What Is It?

The term “straight trucks” is sometimes used in conjunction with discussions of box trucks or pickup trucks.

That double meaning confuses people and brings up the question “what is a straight truck?” Why is it acceptable to refer to these kinds of medium-heavy vehicles as straight trucks? What do they have in common? Find out what a straight truck is below, along with some additional details.

The word “straight truck” is used as an umbrella name for a group of certain types of medium-heavy trucks.

After researching and writing for a while on this topic, here is my definition of a straight truck:

A straight truck is a medium-heavy vehicle with one frame supporting all of its axles.

For instance, the main distinction between a straight truck and a semi-truck is the latter’s ability to detach its cargo area.

The meaning on the FMCSA website is identical, aside from the fact that straight trucks are half as big and capable as tractor-trailers.

A Straight Truck’s Size Is What?

There will be a range in the size of straight trucks. Most straight trucks are constructed with their intended use in mind. For instance, a moving truck might be smaller than an ice cream truck, and a caterer truck is probably going to look like a cake delivery truck. However, they were all constructed with specific purposes in mind.

A Tractor-trailer Is What?

The container of a tractor-trailer, which is also a sizable truck used for cargo transportation, is not attached to the truck’s frame. The fifth wheel used to connect these trailers to the tractor is located behind the driver’s seat, allowing for easy turning and maneuvering. Drivers may transport and leave entire containers at specific locations rather than emptying them because the containers are detachable.

Straight Trucks Are Driven By Who?

Straight truck drivers have particular responsibilities. You can drive a variety of sizes for various purposes since straight trucks are frequently used for delivery and drop-off of goods. For instance, drivers for manufacturers or appliance retailers may use a straight truck to deliver appliances to customers, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Similar to this, moving businesses may use straight trucks to transport furniture or boxes for people or businesses moving.

Who Is The Tractor-trailer Driver?

When delivering goods, tractor-trailer drivers frequently tow heavier loads and may abandon the entire trailer. These drivers can pursue careers as dry haulers, freight haulers, or refrigerated haulers, among others. Dry haulers frequently transport common goods that you might pack into large boxes or on pallets. While refrigerated haulers move goods at particular temperatures, typically within a certain time period to preserve the cargo, freight haulers may move more hazardous materials, large cargo, or liquids.

Straight Truck Vs. Semi Truck: Cost, Maintenance, Profit Margins

Because of its simplicity in design, the straight truck will have:

• Lower start-up and operational costs
• Less moving parts
• Having a fixed cargo box
• Lower maintenance costs

All of this indicates that the straight truck is ideal for those seeking a lower investment. Since learning to drive and use one is frequently simpler as well, this lower investment occurs in both time and money. This can grow into a significant expense if you are training employees.

Nevertheless, the semi-truck vs. straight truck comparison, keep in mind that the superior flexibility in cargo room and trailering capacity of a semi-trailer truck will bring higher yields per load. That might be your best option if your company can afford the higher operating costs of a semi.

Semi Truck Vs. Straight Truck: Capacity

The straight truck’s single chassis is typically capable of a Class 7 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 33,000 pounds. Although this is adequate for the majority of jobs, Class 8 vehicles are more effective and have a higher GVWR capacity of 80,000 or more! Higher loads do necessitate more certification for the truck and the driver, which can add to the extra costs we talked about earlier. For the best understanding of what the semi truck vs. straight truck comparison means for you.

Is A Cdl Required To Operate A Straight Truck?

The GVWR of the straight truck, which stands for the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, holds the key to answering this query.

The GVWR number is written on the driver-side door sticker. So, a non-CDL driver may operate a straight truck if its GVWR is 26,000 lbs or less.

The driver needs a CDL to operate this kind of vehicle though if the GVWR of the straight truck exceeds the 26,001 lbs threshold.

Find out whether you require a CDL to operate a straight truck if you own a box truck, as well.

Is The Pay Comparable Between Operating A Straight Truck And A Tractor-trailer?

When most people think of trucking, they don’t typically picture straight-truck driving. If you’re not interested in the larger trucks, you can choose to drive a straight truck instead. Depending on how you intend to use the straight truck, you might be paid a very different amount that can range from high to low. You probably won’t make as much money if you decide to make deliveries instead of shipping them, as a tractor-trailer can’t transport as many goods. Tractor trucks are the best option for most businesses because they can typically transport four straight truckloads in a single drive.

It’s interesting to note, however, that some businesses only need smaller loads delivered, and they frequently keep a straight truck on hand to save money and gas. When it comes to running your business more efficiently and saving money, sending out a big semi for a small load is not a good idea. In that case, the pay might be the same, but because the straight truck isn’t used as frequently, the money you’d make by driving only a straight truck might not be worthwhile for you unless you can find numerous businesses that need a straight truck on hand. In which case, you’ll be able to realize a sizable profit.

Pros And Cons Of Driving A Tractor-trailer

There are several advantages and disadvantages of careers in tractor-trailer driving:

Licensing

Most drivers must obtain a class A CDL (CDL-A) in order to operate a tractor-trailer. You get a license to drive larger trucks that can carry heavier loads, but it might require additional training. You can drive tankers, livestock trailers, double or triple trailers, double or triple trailer trailers, double or triple trailer trailers, as well as flatbeds for carrying machinery other than trailers, with this license.

Capacity

Drivers of tractor-trailers frequently have more cargo space than drivers of straight trucks. Up to 80,000 pounds can be transported by tractor trailers. The loading and unloading of tractor-trailers might take longer even though it might mean you can make fewer trips to deliver more items.

Costs

A CDL-A and CDL-B may have comparable licensing fees. A CDL-A, which covers how to handle larger trucks and loads, may cost more depending on where you plan to take your truck driving course. The costs of any repairs you need to make are frequently covered by trucking companies since they frequently own the equipment you drive. These expenses might go up if you start a tractor-trailer driving business because they might be more expensive to repair than regular trucks.

Conclusion

Driving a straight truck offers the most consistent home time. In contrast to OTR trucking, drivers are rarely if ever gone for more than a day at a time. In addition to receiving regular business hours for delivery, they typically also receive nights and weekends off.

It’s a great job for drivers under 21 who want to gain valuable driving experience before they can do OTR work and cross state lines because Straight Truck Drivers rarely need to travel across state lines. Additionally, classes to earn your CDL B will typically cost less than those to earn a CDL A, making it a good option for drivers looking to start earning without making such a significant investment.