Top 5 Things to Know Before Ordering a Dumpster for Your Hook Lift Truck
Whether you’re expanding your dumpster rental fleet or making your first purchase, ordering the right dumpster is essential. Choosing the wrong size or poorly built container can lead to operational headaches, customer dissatisfaction, or even damage to your truck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five most important factors to consider before placing your dumpster order, helping you make smarter, long-lasting investments for your business.
1. Choose a Trusted Dumpster Builder
The first and most critical step is selecting a dumpster manufacturer with a reputation for precision and quality. This is not an area to cut corners.
Pay attention to:
Hook bar diameter and placement: The distance between the hook bar and the front of the container is crucial. If it’s off, your hook lift won’t function properly—too close, and the rear lifts during loading.
Correct hook height: Inconsistent hook heights across your fleet can cause major operational issues. A standard 54″ hook height is highly recommended—it’s the most versatile and commonly used size across small, medium, and even 40-yard dumpsters.
Tailgate performance: A poorly designed tailgate will sag or misalign over time. Look for smooth, secure locking mechanisms that will last for years.
2. Tub Style vs Rectangle Dumpsters: Which is Better?
This is a hot topic in industry forums, and the answer depends on your business needs. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Tub Style Dumpsters
Pros:
Shipping efficiency: You can fit 10 tub style dumpsters (16 ft) on one semi-truck, compared to only six rectangle styles.
Easier dumping: The tapered design helps debris slide out more easily at landfills.
Great for branding: The smooth side walls offer plenty of space for your company logo and graphics.
Cons:
Generally not as heavy-duty, making them less ideal for dense, heavy debris.
Need taller sidewalls to achieve full yardage (e.g., 20-yard capacity).
Rectangle
Style Dumpsters
Pros:
Built tougher: Rectangle dumpsters use heavier steel and include side posts (24” on center) and 4×4” reinforced rails, making them better suited for heavy, bulky materials.
Lower sidewalls: You can achieve the same capacity as a tub dumpster with shorter walls, making them easier to load.
Cons:
Heavier build cuts into your payload.
Harder to unload due to square corners that can trap debris.
Poor stackability: Only six per semi-truck, and loading them requires a forklift.
3. Get the Correct Yardage
Make sure the manufacturer is honest about the true capacity of the container. Some companies advertise a 20-yard tub style, but use rectangle dimensions, leading to a smaller actual volume. Be sure to:
Verify internal dimensions.
Account for taper in tub style builds.
Match the yardage to your customers’ needs and billing.
If you’re running an under-CDL (26,000 GVW) truck, a 16-foot dumpster is often the ideal size. While a 30-yard container can technically be used, it makes loading difficult and limits how much material you can legally haul.
4. Standardize on Hook Height
There are three common hook heights: 36″, 54″, and 62″. We strongly recommend standardizing at 54 inches.
Why?
It works with nearly every dumpster size—from small to 40-yard.
Avoids the hassle of constantly adjusting your truck’s jib.
Compatible with most modern hook lift systems.
While 62” can offer a better dump angle on larger containers, 54” has proven to be the most balanced and reliable option across the board.
5. Body Lock Compatibility
One overlooked feature when ordering dumpsters is body lock position. Different truck brands have different body lock placements—some inside, some outside, some further back.
If you operate a mixed fleet or plan to, you’ll want to avoid having to modify dozens of dumpsters. Universal hydraulic body locks, like the system from SwapLoader, solve this problem. They automatically adjust to lock in various positions and work with multiple rail heights. This saves time, labor, and headaches down the road.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality Over Cost
If you’re looking for a quick, cheap dumpster, there are plenty of low-cost manufacturers out there—but beware: poor welds, bad paint, and misaligned parts will cost you more in the long run.
Companies like Mac Corporation and Bucks Fabricating offer long-lasting, high-quality dumpsters that are engineered to perform and built to last 30–40 years. Matt Corporation focuses on standard builds, while Bucks Fabricating specializes in custom solutions like flatbeds and chipper boxes.
Ready to Order?
Before you make your next purchase, make sure your dumpster:
Matches your truck’s hook height
Is built by a reputable manufacturer
Is the right shape and size for your typical jobs
Comes with body lock compatibility for your fleet
Invest smart today to avoid expensive mistakes tomorrow.
