Freightliner MT45 P900 Spotlight
If you've spent any time around a FedEx Ground terminal, you've seen this truck before. The Freightliner MT45 paired with a 16-foot P900 body is one of the most common step vans on ISP routes nationwide, and it's the configuration that makes up the majority of what moves through Fleet Source. Here's a closer look at what the P900 actually is, why it's become the default choice for so many contractors, and what to check before you buy one reconditioned.
What Is a P900 Step Van?
“P900” refers to the cargo body, not the chassis — it's a walk-in truck body built to roughly 900 cubic feet of cargo capacity, typically in a 16-foot length. Pair that body (built by Morgan Olson or Utilimaster) with a Freightliner MT45 chassis, and you get the truck most people mean when they say “P900 step van.”
The naming convention runs in a family: P700 (smaller, 14 ft), P900 (16 ft), P1000 (18 ft), and P1200 (the largest common config, up to 22 ft) — each step up trading maneuverability for cargo room. The MT45 chassis itself is available across seven wheelbase lengths (138″–218″) and a GVWR range of roughly 14,140–19,500 lbs, so the same platform underpins everything from the compact P700 to the much larger P1200.
Freightliner MT45 Specs at a Glance
• Engine: Available in gas (6.0L V8) or Cummins turbo diesel (ISB, commonly 6.7L / ~200 hp / 520 lb-ft) configurations
• Transmission: Allison automatic
• GVWR: Up to 19,000 lbs depending on configuration
• Payload: Typically in the 9,000+ lb range on diesel configurations
• Cargo capacity: ~900 cubic feet on the 16' P900 body, with a flat floor and roll-up rear door
• Wheelbase: 138″–218″ across the MT45 platform, with shorter wheelbases favored for the P900's tighter turning radius
Freightliner has kept the MT45 in production through the current model year, so parts and service support remain widely available — one reason it's held up as the standard chassis for FedEx step van work for so long.
Why FedEx ISP Contractors Prefer the P900
Ask most multi-year ISP contractors why they keep buying P900s instead of stepping up to a P1000 or P1200, and the answer usually comes down to fit. The P900 is the sweet spot for dense residential and mixed commercial routes:
• Tighter turning radius for neighborhood stops, alleys, and tight commercial lots where an 18–24' body struggles
• Lower curb weight than the P1000/P1200, which helps fuel economy and reduces wear on brakes and tires over a full route day
• Enough cargo room for a standard route without the wasted space (and wasted fuel) of hauling an oversized body on a route that doesn't need it
• Broad parts and service availability, since it's one of the most common configurations on the road — fewer surprises when something needs a repair mid-route
That combination is exactly why P900 makes up the bulk of Fleet Source's inventory: it's what the majority of contractors actually ask for.
P900 vs. P1000: Which Do You Need?
The short version: if your routes are dense with frequent stops, the P900's maneuverability usually wins. If you're running longer routes with fewer, larger drops — or routes that regularly max out cargo space — the extra two feet and ~100 cubic feet on a P1000 can be worth the tradeoff in turning radius and fuel economy. Most contractors running standard residential/mixed routes are better served by the P900; it's worth checking your actual load patterns before sizing up.
What to Check Before Buying a Used MT45 P900
A P900 that's been well maintained can run reliably for years — but condition varies a lot between trucks that look similar on paper. Before buying one, check:
• Engine hours and mileage relative to age — a truck that's spent years idling on short routes wears differently than one on long highway legs
• Frame and undercarriage condition, especially rust in trucks that have run northern winter routes
• Reconditioning history — was it inspected and serviced by a shop that specializes in step vans, or bought as-is from an auction?
• FedEx-compliance details — correct white paint, required camera systems, and shelving/decal specs if you're buying for ISP use
• Cargo box condition — floor wear, roll-door function, and roof seals, since box damage is often the most expensive thing to fix after the fact
Why Fleet Source's Reconditioned MT45 P900s Are Different
At Fleet Source, the P900 isn't a side offering — it's the core of what we do. Every truck we sell is:
• Professionally reconditioned and sourced from fleet-maintained commercial leases, never a truck run hard on prior ISP routes
• Backed by a 90-day limited warranty, included on every truck, no upsell required
• Priced 30–40% less than new, with no hidden fees
• Route-ready on delivery — inspected and serviced before it ever reaches your lot, not after
If you're comparing a P900 against a P1000 for your route mix, or just want to see what's currently reconditioned and ready to go, browse our current step van inventory at fleet-source.com or reach out to our team at sales@fleet-source.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “P900” mean on a step van?
P900 refers to the cargo body size — roughly 900 cubic feet of capacity, typically built on a 16-foot body from Morgan Olson or Utilimaster and mounted on a chassis like the Freightliner MT45.
Is the Freightliner MT45 still in production?
Yes. Freightliner has continued building the MT45 through the current model year, so parts and service support remain strong for both new and reconditioned trucks.
Should I buy a P900 or a P1000 step van?
It depends on your routes. The P900's tighter turning radius and lighter weight suit dense, stop-heavy routes, while the P1000's extra cargo room fits longer routes with fewer, larger drops.
What engine options come on the Freightliner MT45?
Most MT45 step vans run either a 6.0L gas V8 or a Cummins turbo diesel (commonly the 6.7L ISB), paired with an Allison automatic transmission.
What should I check before buying a used Freightliner MT45 P900?
Engine hours relative to age, frame and undercarriage condition, cargo box wear, and whether the truck was professionally reconditioned or sold as-is.