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Ford Commercial Truck Glossary

If you’re new to commercial trucking, your search might turn up unfamiliar terminology and jargon. When you shop for Ford commercial trucks, we’ll keep things simple to ensure you get what you need, know what you’re getting, and can be confident it suits your needs. Here are a few common terms you’ll encounter courtesy of O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville. 


Commercial Vehicle 

Let’s start with the biggest question: what’s a commercial vehicle? It probably won’t surprise you that the United States Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the IRS all have differing definitions and requirements depending on how, where, and how often a vehicle is used for commercial purposes. Your Ford dealer and tax professional can help. 

Owner-Operator 

Entrepreneurs who hope to launch an enterprise one day often shop for commercial vehicles at our Shelbyville, KY, Ford dealership. Some entrepreneurs are solopreneurs when they first start out because they can’t afford to hire employees or contractors. If you’re a solopreneur who drives your own commercial vehicle, you’re the owner-operator of that rig. 

Towing vs. Payload 

Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are well-known for their exceptional tow ratings, with the Ford F-450 able to tow up to 40,000 lbs with the appropriate equipment. Those same pickups deserve equal praise for the payloads they can transport. When it’s appropriately outfitted, the Ford F-350 can haul as much as 8,000 lbs in its bed, which is the truck’s maximum payload rating. 

Peddle Run 

A peddle run is a delivery route that includes frequent stops. This type of route is common for tasks like delivering flowers, catered food orders, and the mail. While you can certainly complete peddle runs in Ford commercial trucks, you may prefer to do so in a work van like the Ford Transit. 

Upfit 

A cab-chassis truck, a stripped chassis, and several types of Ford vans are intended to have items added to them for specific use cases. These are called “upfits” and can range from service bodies to bus and ambulance builds. They’re typically performed by builders experienced with a particular OEM’s vehicles and upfit solutions.  

CDL 

A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is only required for certain weight classes. Other business considerations – passenger transport, using air brakes, or transporting hazardous materials – can require either a CDL or an endorsement, regardless of your vehicle’s weight class. 

Test-Drive Ford Commercial Trucks in Shelbyville, KY 

Are you ready to start a fleet or add Ford commercial vehicles to an existing one? Apply for Ford financing to purchase a Ford commercial model. Then, join us for a road test in the vehicle of your choice or to discuss upfit options. 


Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.