Cubic Feet Averages Based On Truck Size For Beginners

Many consumers are confused in regard to what cubic feet looks like specifically inside of a box truck. This is because several long distance moving companies calculate costs based on how much cubic feet a load amounts to in a box truck.

This guide is beginner friendly. After this read, consumers will better understand cubic feet averages based on truck sizes. This is very helpful to avoid inaccurate estimates and/or deceptive price increases based on an alleged cubic footage increase.

How Much Cubic Feet Fits In A Truck

The content below shows cubic foot capacity averages based on truck sizes: 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 26ft and 53ft.

1. 10 Foot Truck

A 10 ft truck is one of the smallest vehicles and generally only holds between 250–350 cubic feet. Due to the small CF capacity, this truck is not a common vehicle for long distance movers.

• 10 foot trucks can be used for small studio moves consisting of mostly just boxes and 1–3 pieces of furniture at most.

2. 15 Foot Truck

A 15 foot truck is commonly used for short distance moves. A 15 foot truck generally holds an average of 415–575 cubic feet at most.

• Small long distance loads can use a 15ft box truck with a shipment consisting of a few pieces of furniture and 15–20 boxes.

  
  

3. 20 Foot Truck

20 foot trucks are common for large 1–2 bedroom apartments or a downsized 3 bedroom unit. A 20 foot truck holds 1,000 cubic feet, which is enough space for mid-sized shipments.

• You can fit a living room set, a bedroom set, dining room furniture, miscellaneous furniture pieces and boxes comfortably in a 20 foot truck. However, a 20 foot truck is not enough space for larger households with oversized furniture or for people shipping more than basic furniture.

 4. 26 Foot Truck

26 foot moving trucks are very common for most household goods long distance relocations. A 26 foot truck holds between 1,600–1,800 cubic feet and can load a 3 bedroom or a downsized 4 bedroom. However, an article we made indicates that a 26 foot truck may not be enough space for 4 bedrooms.

• You can fit 3 rooms of furniture and a living room set comfortably in a 26 foot truck. If you have several rooms consisting of a garage, office, den, basement and patio, a 26 foot truck will not fit your entire household. Consider two 26 foot trucks or relocating with a semi instead.

5. 53 Foot Trailer (18 Wheeler)

An 18 wheeler truck is often used for larger households such as 4+ bedrooms with several pieces of furniture and 100+ boxes. 18 wheeler trucks are superior to 26 foot trucks because they can hold up to 4,000 cubic feet and all of your items can be transported in one vehicle.

• An 18-wheeler truck can transport a 4–5 bedroom comfortably, consisting of several pieces of furniture ranging from basic, average sized and bulky. A household transporting furniture in a 53 foot trailer rarely has capacity issues, making it a go-to for larger than usual shipments.

Why Cubic Feet Matters On Your Estimate

Cubic feet is a space measurement, not a weight measurement. On interstate moves, federal rules under 49 CFR Part 375 require that when a carrier provides an estimate by volume and converts that volume to weight, it must give you a written explanation of the volume-to-weight conversion, and a shipment moving on a non-binding estimate that depends on weight must be weighed on a certified scale before any charges are assessed. If a company raises your price at pickup by claiming your cubic footage went up, ask for that written conversion and the certified weight ticket. Knowing the real capacity of the truck in your driveway is the fastest way to spot a number that does not add up.