Used Freightliner Step Van Trucks For Sale in Missouri
Used Freightliner step vans in Missouri. Compare MT45 and MT55 specs, GVWR, engines, and bodies for parcel, food truck, and service fleet use.
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About Used Freightliner Step Van Trucks in Missouri
Powertrains are straightforward and durable. Most used Freightliner step vans run Cummins ISB/B6.7 diesels paired with Allison 1000, 2200, or 2500 automatic transmissions. Older ISB 5.9 platforms are common, while later B6.7 models add DPF and SCR aftertreatment. Some units were spec’d with GM 6.0 gasoline or propane for lower upfront cost and simpler emissions systems. GVWR typically ranges from 14,000 to 26,000 pounds depending on MT45 or MT55, with 19.5 inch rubber standard and 22.5 inch wheels found on heavier builds. Hydraulic brakes dominate under 26,000 GVWR for lower maintenance and easier licensing, while air brakes appear on heavier MT55 specs that carry more payload and see stop-and-go duty all day.
Bodies are usually 12 to 22 feet from builders like Morgan Olson and Utilimaster, with 78 to 85 inch interior heights, roll-up or swing rear doors, and bulkhead doors for safe cab-to-cargo access. Interior shelving, E-track, LED cargo lighting, fans, and non-slip flooring speed route work. Parcel ramps and tuck-under or rail-lift liftgates suit different stop profiles. Insulated panels, HVAC, or light reefer packages support bakery or produce delivery. Axle ratios in the 4.10 to 5.57 range trade highway speed for gradeability in the Ozarks, so match gearing to your route density and cruise speed. Leaf-spring rears are common; air ride improves ride quality and protects sensitive cargo at the cost of added complexity.
Buying used is about condition and configuration. Verify GVWR and brake type for licensing, and confirm payload with body weight and upfit installed. On 2010 and newer diesels, review DPF service history and forced regen frequency to avoid downtime on short-cycle routes. Check for step-well and subframe corrosion from winter road treatments, roof seam leaks above the bulkhead, rear door track wear, and liftgate or ramp operation. Engine hours matter as much as miles on routes with long idle times. In Missouri, CDL is generally required at 26,001 GVWR and above or when towing heavy trailers, so many buyers target 19,500 to 26,000 GVWR builds to balance payload and licensing. Freightliner’s service network in Missouri supports quick parts availability, which helps keep last-mile fleets on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Freightliner MT45 and MT55?
The MT45 typically covers GVWRs from about 14,000 to the low 20,000 pound range with 19.5 inch wheels and hydraulic brakes, ideal for parcel routes and city service. The MT55 is the heavier-duty sibling, commonly 23,000 to 26,000 GVWR or higher, with larger brakes, deeper frames, and sometimes 22.5 inch wheels or air brakes. MT55 units carry more payload and accommodate longer bodies but have a larger turning circle and higher operating costs.
What GVWR and payload can I expect from a used Freightliner step van?
Most used MT45 units fall between 14,000 and 19,500 GVWR and carry roughly 4,000 to 7,500 pounds of payload depending on body length, shelving, and options. MT55 builds commonly sit from 23,000 to 26,000 GVWR with 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of payload when properly spec’d. Actual payload depends on the curb weight of the chassis, body, liftgate or ramp, fuel, and any specialized equipment.
Which engines and transmissions are common, and what are the trade-offs?
Cummins ISB/B6.7 diesels paired with Allison 1000, 2200, or 2500 automatics are the most common and are valued for torque, longevity, and parts support. Diesel offers better fuel economy and gradeability but introduces DPF and, on later models, SCR systems that require DEF. Some units carry GM 6.0 gasoline or propane, which simplifies emissions components and can reduce upfront cost, though fuel consumption is higher and torque at low rpm is lower than diesel.
Do I need a CDL in Missouri to operate a step van?
In Missouri, a CDL is generally required for vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, combinations exceeding 26,001 GCWR with a trailer over 10,000 GVWR, or for placarded hazardous materials. Many step vans are spec’d at or below 26,000 GVWR to avoid the CDL threshold, but always verify the VIN tag, brake type, and any trailer plans before purchase.
What should I inspect on a used step van before buying?
Confirm service records and engine hours, then test cold start, shift quality, and exhaust aftertreatment operation. Inspect frame rails, crossmembers, and step-wells for corrosion, check roof seams and rivets for leaks, examine rear door tracks and rollers, and cycle liftgates or ramps under load. Verify tire condition and match, review axle ratio for your route speeds, and ensure the body and shelving layout fits your stop profile and cargo dimensions.