Choose body and dimensions for the cargo
Define the cargo, loading method, package dimensions, delivery locations and whether weather protection is needed. Compare flatbed, dropside and box-body options by useful internal dimensions, access, tie-down points and route restrictions. Confirm the body is compatible with the chassis and that modifications are documented.
Use vehicle documents for payload
Do not calculate legal payload from body volume alone. Request the registration or technical documents and confirm gross vehicle mass, axle limits and body tare against the target market's rules. A published HOWO product catalogue, for example, lists multiple cargo-truck configurations; the final values vary by model and build, so the exact unit documents remain essential.
Check frame, body and safety items
Inspect frame rails, cross-members, body mounts, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires. Look for cracks, deformation, corrosion, loose fittings and undocumented repairs. Ontario's truck handbook explains visual checks for frame and cargo-body damage; use the destination country's standards for the final inspection and roadworthiness decision.
Measure the load against the body
Create a simple loading sketch with the longest, widest and tallest cargo units, their weights and the loading method. Compare those measurements with usable body dimensions and door openings, then check axle loading and restraint points. Request separate chassis and body specifications so a body-volume figure is not confused with legal payload.
Sources and further reading
This practical guide is an original summary based on the references below. Rules and technical requirements vary by market; verify current local requirements before purchase or export.