Find out whether the route runs out of space or payload first
Light, bulky waste may fill the body before it reaches the mass limit. Dense or wet waste can do the opposite, leaving unused space when no more mass may be carried. Measure both quantities on representative days, including the busy ones.
Use compaction evidence for the intended waste stream rather than a general headline ratio. Include crew, fluids, the lifter and options in the chassis mass review. A larger body can change access and axle loading as well as the amount of loose waste it appears to hold.
Compare candidate sizes against the same route samples
An average day is a useful reference but a poor description of every collection. Keep the variation visible, then check usable volume, permitted waste mass and vehicle access together. The limiting condition determines when a disposal trip is needed.
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| Decision | What to establish | Condition or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Route volume | Use measured loose volume and variation. | A single average can miss peak-day overflow. |
| Waste mass | Check density and legal payload for each scenario. | The body may reach mass limit before full volume. |
| Compaction | Use stream-specific, verified operating evidence. | A headline ratio is not guaranteed route performance. |
| Vehicle fit | Check body length, wheelbase, axle loads and access. | Larger volume can reduce maneuverability or payload margin. |
Estimate loose route volume, then check mass and cycles
Estimate the body volume from measured route waste, then check whether the truck can carry that mass and complete the disposal trips.
The example suggests enough geometric volume for one cycle, but no body size is approved until measured density, payload, reserve, liquids and discharge access are checked.
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| Step | Calculation or condition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Loose route volume | 120 × 0.12 | 14.4 m³ |
| Illustrative compacted volume | 14.4 ÷ 3 | 4.8 m³ |
| Mass check | Expected collected mass ≤ legal payload and each axle limit | Must be calculated separately |
- Collection points: 120 stops
- Average loose volume per stop: 0.12 m³
- Illustrative measured volume reduction: 3:1 for the defined waste sample
The 3:1 input is an illustrative route measurement, not a universal compaction ratio or a KEEYAK performance claim.
Check whether the route fits into the shift
Use a time log from representative collection days. Separate travel between stops, bin handling and packing, travel to the disposal point, queueing, discharge and the return journey. A body that carries the whole route by volume may still be too slow to finish it in the available shift.
For each candidate size, estimate disposal trips from both usable body volume and permitted waste mass. Use whichever constraint is reached first, and allow for peak days rather than the average alone. Ask for cycle-time evidence for the selected lifter and compactor under a stated load; a catalogue hydraulic pressure does not tell you how long a stop takes.
Ask for a route estimate with its assumptions attached
Send measured quantities and a representative time log. The proposed body should be accompanied by completed mass, axle and access checks, with disposal trips based on whichever limit is reached first. Review peak-day assumptions explicitly rather than treating spare cubic metres as a guarantee.
Information to prepare for this review
- Measured loose waste volume by route
- Measured waste mass and density variation
- Collection days, stops and seasonal peaks
- Bin or loading interface
- Trip and disposal-site cycle time
- Chassis tare, body tare and axle limits
Records to request and keep
- Route sampling record with volume and mass
- Body and loading-system specification
- Completed tare and axle-load calculation
- Discharge-site compatibility review
Common mistakes and what to check instead
- Multiplying bin volume by stop count: Account for actual fill, waste mass, repeat lifts and route variation.
- Using maximum compaction as routine performance: Use conservative evidence for the actual waste stream.
- Ignoring chassis tare changes: Recalculate payload when body, lifter or options change.
Scope of this guide
A final size requires measured local route data.
Compaction behavior varies with waste composition and operation.
Do not approve a size that lacks legal payload, axle or access verification.
Sources and applicability
Controls the project-input, quotation, approval and inspection workflow described in this guide.
Provides public checklists and worksheets; the signed project documents remain controlling.
Defines the relevant product family and published configuration boundaries. Project-specific ratings require the selected OEM documents.
Official U.S. reference distinguishing roll-on/roll-off and hook-lift containers and requiring suitable securement. Destination rules may differ.