How to Buy a Box Truck
Many larger routes, especially bread/snack/tortilla routes, will require a vehicle larger than an SUV or pickup truck. These types of businesses can deliver thousands of items per week and need a truck that can handle that workload. The most common vehicle for these types of routes is the box truck. Some routes may include a truck in the purchase price but others will require the new owner to find and purchase their own vehicle.
Factors to Consider
Box trucks come in a variety of sizes that range from 10′ to 26′. The average sized box truck in this business is somewhere between 14-17′. That size truck will be adequate for almost any route that does under $10,000 per week in sales volume. Some owners that have very high volume routes will purchase trucks that are 20′ or larger.
Other items to consider when looking at trucks is if you will need a ramp or a lift. If your products will be delivered on pallets (for example in the dairy or drink business), you will want a liftgate to lower down your delivery. Most route owners will be fine with a simple ramp system. Owners that have a ramp will keep wheels or dollies on their truck which they place their delivery on. Once the order is picked they simply roll it down their ramp and into the store.
Where to Find a Box Truck
You can find new and used box trucks through a number of sources. First, feel free to check with other route owners to see if they know of anyone trying to sell an extra truck. It is not uncommon for an owner to end up with multiple trucks and they are typically willing to sell them at a very fair price.
Companies such as U-Haul and Penske also sell their used trucks. These vehicles are typically well taken care of and have great maintenance records since they have to ensure customer safety on their rentals.
Of course you can also check local car dealerships for box trucks as well. Most dealerships have a wide array of both new and used trucks that will fit any budget. You may even find that there is a local business that specializes in selling work trucks ranging from 10′ box trucks to semi trucks and other equipment.