Are Pickup Trucks Considered as Cargo Trucks Now?
3 Answers
Pickup trucks are now considered as cargo trucks, typically referring to light trucks with an open cargo area. The body shape of a pickup truck can be clearly divided into three sections: the engine compartment, the cab, and the cargo hold. The load capacity of a pickup truck is around one ton, while larger models like the Ford F350 can reach nearly 3 tons. Pickup trucks can be simply categorized into three types: compact pickups, mid-size pickups, and full-size pickups. Compact pickups generally feature four-cylinder gasoline engines and use a dual-axle heavy-duty truck frame structure. Mid-size pickups are powered by V6 or V8 engines, with cargo bed sizes up to 48 feet and a load capacity of no less than one thousand pounds. Some pickups can even handle loads up to 6,000 pounds.
I heard friends discussing this topic. In many places, pickup trucks are still classified as commercial vehicles, especially under traffic regulations where they are categorized as light-duty trucks, so they face restrictions when entering cities. For example, certain cities don’t allow them to move freely and only permit travel on designated routes and during specified times. However, policies have recently changed. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, pilot programs have been introduced to relax these rules, allowing pickups to be registered as passenger vehicles, which grants them similar privileges to regular family cars. The key factor is the vehicle’s design purpose: pickups have a cargo bed at the back, making them inherently suitable for hauling goods, which is the core reason they’re classified as commercial vehicles. But in reality, many people buy pickups not for transporting goods but as off-road tools or family SUVs, finding them convenient for trips like outings. In short, the classification isn’t entirely uniform yet, so it’s important to check local regulations to avoid penalties. This dual nature makes pickups more popular—they can handle work tasks while also serving as family adventure vehicles. It’s advisable to consult traffic authorities for details before purchasing one.
From my experience using vehicles, pickup trucks are now basically classified as commercial vehicles, which is a regulation by traffic management authorities. The root cause lies in their cargo-carrying capacity—the truck bed can hold various items, unlike sedans which are only for passengers. Therefore, there are common usage restrictions, such as requiring special permits to enter cities or having to detour in restricted zones. However, in recent years, policies have been loosening. In rural areas and towns, pickups are increasingly seen as multi-purpose tools—some use them to haul crops, while others use them for daily tasks like dropping off kids, so the classification isn’t as strict as before. The advantages of pickups are obvious: strong off-road capability, adaptability to complex road conditions, and relatively low fuel costs, making them popular among small business owners. Regarding policy changes, the country is promoting urban-rural integration, so it’s likely that classifications will become more flexible in the future, with pickups possibly moving closer to passenger vehicles. If you’re buying a pickup, pay attention to different annual inspection requirements, as being classified as a commercial vehicle makes the process more cumbersome.
