How Much Does Ice Cream Truck Make

Ice cream trucks are commercial trucks designed for transporting and selling ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other desserts. In this blog post, we will discuss some interesting facts about ice cream trucks, such as the ice cream truck rule, the cost of stocking an ice cream truck, and the truck’s power source.

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Ice Cream Truck Rule 

The ice cream truck rule is a regulation that limits the amount of time an ice cream truck can stop or park on a public roadway. The law aims to prevent ice cream trucks from becoming nuisances in residential neighborhoods. Ice cream trucks can stop or park on a public street for half an hour on any block in a residential zone. They cannot continuously circle neighborhoods or park in the same spot for an extended period. The ice cream truck rule aims to balance allowing children to buy ice cream and preventing ice cream trucks from being a nuisance.

Cost of Stocking an Ice Cream Truck 

A typical ice cream truck carries various products, from cones and cups to bars and sandwiches. The cost of the ice cream, mappings, napkins, utensils, and other supplies must also be considered. If you’re starting, expect to spend about $1,500 on initial inventory. Once you’re up and running, the most significant ongoing expense will be ice cream. A standard 3-gallon tub of ice cream costs around $60 and will yield approximately 120 servings at a price point of $3 per serving, which comes to a total cost of $360 per tub. It would help to purchase at least one new tub every other day to keep your ice cream truck stocked and ready to serve customers. Remember to factor in the cost of maintaining your vehicle, including gasoline, repairs, and insurance.

Ownership of Ice Cream Trucks 

In most cases, ice cream trucks are privately owned by independent contractors who lease the trucks from companies specializing in manufacturing and leasing ice cream trucks. The contractor may also need to purchase insurance, obtain a business license, and buy supplies such as cones, cups, and napkins. While the initial investment can be substantial, owning an ice cream truck can be lucrative.

Ice Cream Truck Territories 

Ice cream trucks have designated territories typically based on their driving routes for years. Drivers usually stick to these routes because they know them well and have built up a regular customer base in those areas. New drivers sometimes venture into other territories, which can lead to problems.

Types of Trucks Used for Ice Cream Trucks 

Most ice cream trucks are built on a light-truck chassis, which supports the engine, drivetrain, and suspension. It is then fitted with wheels and tires appropriate for the truck’s weight and the type of terrain it will be driving on. Popular ice cream trucks are built on Ford 150 or 250 series chassis, Dodge Ram 1500 or 2500 series chassis, or Chevy Van chassis.

Power Source for Ice Cream Trucks 

Most ice cream trucks have diesel engines that power the vehicle and the refrigeration equipment. The engine also charges batteries that help power the music that usually plays from an ice cream truck. While idling, the truck emits pollutants into the air, so some cities are banning ice cream trucks. Some newer trucks have auxiliary power units, or APUs, low-emission generators that can power the refrigeration equipment without idling the main engine.

How Fast Can an Ice Cream Truck Go?

Did you know that the world’s fastest ice cream truck reached a speed of 80.043 miles per hour? Paddy McGuinness of the UK achieved this impressive feat at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, reaching a top speed of 128.816 kilometers per hour. While this speed may seem excessive for an ice cream truck, it is slower than the record for the fastest car, which topped at over 430 miles per hour. Nevertheless, McGuinness’s achievement showcases the potential speed of these vehicles. The next time you see an ice cream truck cruising down the street, remember that it can go much faster than you might think.

Conclusion

The ice cream truck plays a crucial role in the neighborhood by providing an enjoyable and essential service. It offers people a chance to cool down on hot days and a convenient way to get ice cream without leaving their homes. The ice cream truck also creates opportunities for meeting new people and making friends. Moreover, it is a vital component of the local economy as it provides employment for drivers and supports small businesses.

About the author, Laurence Perkins

Laurence Perkins is the passionate car enthusiast behind the blog My Auto Machine. With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, Perkins has knowledge and experience with a wide range of car makes and models. His particular interests lie in performance and modification, and his blog covers these topics in-depth. In addition to his own blog, Perkins is a respected voice in the automotive community and writes for various automotive publications. His insights and opinions on cars are highly sought-after.