Behavioral Distinctions: the Use of Light-duty Trucks and Passenger Cars

In the United Stated, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and minivans are classified as light-duty trucks (LDTs), resulting in a variety of regulatory protections. Production and purchase trends suggest that Americans have shifted toward significantly higher use of such vehicles for personal travel. Using the 1995 NPTS data set, this research explores the subtle differences in ownership and use patterns between LDTs and passenger cars. Based on a variety of model specifications and response variables, the results suggest that the average LDT is used over longer distances with more people aboard and is purchased by wealthier households living in less dense neighborhoods. Pickups tend to be driven by males, be owned by smaller households, and carry fewer persons. There is no indication that SUVs or minivans serve additional work purposes for American households; however, their occupancies and total annual mileages are higher than those of passenger cars, and SUVs are relatively popular for weekend travel.