Brawny, but not too big

Mid-sized trucks have a lot to offer shippers that need heavy-duty capacity for shorter hauls.

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 4/1/1998

GMC/Chevrolet Truck offers identical models under both name plates. The 1998 "C" Series conventional trucks in classes 5 through 8 offer GVWRs ranging from 18,000 to 61,000 pounds. With their sloping hoods, these vehicles boast a 20-percent improvement in visibility over previous models. They are available with either gas or diesel Caterpillar or GM engines, and models with 6.0- and 7.0-liter engines are compatible with alternative fuels such as liquid propane gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). A variety of front multileaf and taperleaf suspension and rear multileaf, taperleaf, and air suspensions make the C Series flexible enough to handle almost any application.

The "T" Series of cab-over trucks, with GVWRs of 23,000 pounds and up, offers a wide range of wheelbases, axles, frames, and suspensions in easy-to-maintain tilt cabs. According to the manufacturer, the T Series vehicles offer several features that are unique to medium-duty tilt-cab trucks in North America. Those features include a 6.0-liter, fuel-injected V8, automatic-transmission engine and the most flexible choice of components in the industry. (Spicer 7-speed manual transmissions are optional.) Both series include many safety features that have been designed to assist non-professional drivers who are likely to drive medium-duty trucks.