Publish Date
October 2, 2024
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Commercial Vehicle Definition
Generally, a commercial vehicle is any motorized transportation used to provide mobile services, move cargo and/or carry passengers on behalf of a business, organization or government agency. Legally speaking, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for the United States defines them more specifically as “any motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers” when it:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,0001 lbs. or more
- Transports more than 8 passengers (including driver) for compensation
- Transports more than 15 passengers (including driver) without compensation
- Any sized vehicle transporting hazardous materials that require federal placarding
Although it may be used for work purposes, the law would classify it as a non-commercial vehicle unless the mentioned criteria were met.
Commercial Vehicle Types
Chassis Cab
These light, medium or heavy-duty trucks or vans consist of an enclosed cabin with a bare rear frame for applying an aftermarket bed or cargo area.
Chassis Cutaway
For this configuration, the rear section of the cabin is open, allowing passengers to move freely between it and the added aftermarket enclosed body.
Stripped Chassis
These vehicles include essential mechanical components, a cabinless front end and a bare rear frame for mounting a variety of custom bodies.
Semi-Trucks
These heavy-duty commercial trucks, also called tractors, feature an enclosed cabin and a rear coupling system for connecting fifth-wheel trailers.
Cargo Vans
These fully enclosed vehicles have a cabin that opens into an empty, fully customizable rear interior and typically include sliding or swing-out side and rear doors.
Passenger Vans
These modified cargo vans have rows of seating for up to 15 passengers, side and rear windows in place of solid panels, and other safety and comfort features.
Pickup Trucks
These compact or full-size commercial trucks with factory beds can vary greatly in size, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, versatility and payload/towing capacity.
SUVs & Cars
Although usually marketed alongside personal rather than commercial vehicles, these may be adequate for operations depending on their intended use.
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Custom Upfitting
Commercial vehicles may be used as-is or serve as a foundation for building something more specialized. That’s where vehicle upfitting, the process of modifying or equipping a vehicle to meet the user’s needs, comes in. Commercial vehicles can be upfit in the following ways:
Chassis Bodies
These aftermarket additions for stripped, cab or cutaway chassis or bed removed trucks may provide storage, organization and protection of cargo and/or essential functionalities for an operation. These can transform an ordinary commercial vehicle into the ultimate work truck or van. A body manufacturer may offer both pre-made models or custom-made solutions, including, but not limited to a:
These open beds for chassis cab feature built-in side compartments designed to hold, secure, and provide better access to work tools, equipment, parts and miscellaneous supplies.
Similar to a service truck body, these enclosed cargo areas are built for cab or cutaway chassis, with the latter enabling passengers to pass between the cab and rear cargo area as needed.
These versatile open flatbeds may include fixed, folding, or removable sides, load securing systems and cab-protecting bulkheads for safe and efficient hauling and handling of irregularly shaped, large or bulk cargo.
These fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch integrated open flatbeds allow compatible trailers to be towed and may come with built-in storage compartments along the side skirts and cab-protecting bulkheads.
These open truck beds include a towing apparatus that lifts the front wheels or axles of another vehicle onboard because it is either immobile, damaged, or needs removed from a location.
These structurally reinforced open beds, available in a range of carrying capacities, are designed for hauling bulk loose materials or debris and usually tilt to allow quick offloading of contents.
These specialized beds with high sides, overhead roof, and rear gate, are designed to collect shredded trees and plant debris in the cargo area, with dumping functionality being an often-requested option.
These large, enclosed bodies are for hauling bulk freight and protecting it from weather, theft or vandalism and may be outfitted with roll-up or swing-out rear access doors and temperature regulating or cargo loading features.
These compact, enclosed bodies feature a walk-in cab with sliding doors and open access to the rear cargo area, an ideal layout for entering and exiting the vehicle when frequent stops along a route are necessary.
These specialized, cylindrical tank bodies are used to transport large volumes of liquids, gases, or dry goods and often include pumping or releasing systems, pressurization, grounding, and emergency safety features.
These large, enclosed bodies usually include seating for transporting passengers, but their interiors may alternatively be outfitted to serve as mobile educational, healthcare, retail, recreational or servicing spaces.
These open beds include a hooklift arm or roll-off system to hoist different types of containers or truck bodies onboard and unload as needed without external supporting equipment such as cranes or forklifts.
For operations requiring more specialized solutions, manufacturers like Knapheide can either customize bodies from their catalog or design and build something unique.
Auto Accessories & Equipment
A vehicle, even with an aftermarket body applied, may meet all the demands of an operation, while at other times, it may fall short. A body manufacturer may offer these as customizable options for their models or source vehicle equipment and accessories from other suppliers to upfit the best work truck or van. These enhancements may be important for several key reasons including:
Enhance your vehicle’s durability and safeguard it and its contents from theft, vandalism, weather, debris, and damage caused by use or impacts.
Examples: Key/Power Locks, Bed Liners, Truck Caps, Grill Guards
Improve the aesthetic appeal, project a positive public image, promote your operation, and even shield against wear and tear and filth.
- Examples: Custom Paint, Graphic Wraps, Mud Flaps
Better store, organize and access tools, equipment and supplies and/or prevent them from ejecting or shifting and causing damage or accidents.
- Examples: Drawers, Toolboxes, Van Shelving, Material Racks, Tie-Downs
Reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, boost productivity, while enhancing job satisfaction for a healthier, more efficient work environment.
- Examples: Seat Covers, Steps, Grab Handles, Interior Lighting
Get assistance with lifting, pulling, positioning, loading or unloading of contents off or onboard the vehicle or around the jobsite.
- Examples: Cranes, Dump Hoists, Liftgates, Ramps
Prevent accidents, reduce risks, provide warning, and efficiently respond to emergencies impacting the driver, crew, pedestrians, and other road users.
- Examples: Backup Cameras, Emergency Supplies, Beacons, Van Partitions
Whether placed onboard or attached, a variety of specialty tools or devices may be essential for completing tasks in the field.
- Examples: Air Compressors, Power Generators, PTOs, Welders, Trailers
