Do I Need A CDL To Drive A Box Truck?

Posted Monday, Jun 12, 2023

Is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) required to drive a box truck? Most likely not, but it depends on the weight of the truck and trailer, what you are hauling, and other variables.

Box trucks are a common sight on the roads. Companies may favor box trucks (also commonly referred to as “straight trucks” or “cube trucks”) for transporting freight because, under most circumstances, they do not require a commercial driver’s license (or CDL) to operate. While a box truck may be an economical solution to transport cargo, it is important to remember that these vehicles must be operated safely to avoid accidents and other dangerous situations.

What is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

Driving a commercial truck requires skill, training, and aptitude. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires commercial truck drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to ensure that truckers meet certain safety standards. According to federal standards, states may issue CDLs to drivers according to these license classifications:

  • Class A: “Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater.”
  • Class B: “Any single vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight that does not exceed 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).”
  • Class C: “Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.”

What is a Box Truck?

A box truck is a commercial vehicle in which each axle is connected by just one frame. These types of trucks are made in various lengths and are unique in that they have a separate, box-like vessel into which cargo is transported. Box trucks are typically either 22, 24, or 26 feet long and generally haul a maximum of 8,000 lbs.

What is the Largest Truck You Can Drive Without a CDL?

The largest truck you can operate without a CDL must weigh less than 26,000 lbs., which is the maximum weight allowable for non-CDL truck drivers. Additionally, a truck driver without a CDL may also tow a single-axle trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 10,000 lbs. You can read more about FMCSA rules and exemptions regarding CDL’s here.

When Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Truck?

If you are going to operate any of the following vehicles, you must first obtain a CDL:

  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,000 lbs. that is used to transport more than 10 people (including the driver).
  • A combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more lbs., provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is greater than 10,000 lbs.
  • Any vehicle that tows any vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more.
  • Any vehicle that tows more than 1 vehicle or a trailer bus.
  • Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or carries material listed as a select agent or toxin in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 42, Part 73.

Do You Need a CDL to Drive a U-Haul?

No, you are not required to have a CDL to operate a U-Haul. This is because U-Haul trucks are not considered commercial vehicles. However, a government-issued driver’s license is still required to rent a truck or trailer from the company. Please keep in mind that digital licenses are not accepted.

What You Need to Know Before Driving a Box Truck

Before you get behind the wheel of a box truck (even if you don’t need a CDL), it’s important to follow basic safety precautions.

These vehicles operate nothing like a sedan or even a pickup truck and need to be treated with a bit more caution and respect than smaller vehicles on the road.

Remember to inspect your mirrors before you get going. Because you won’t be able to look out the rear window, your mirrors are one of the most critical tools in the truck. Make wide turns and signal early so you can let cars behind you, and especially bicycles and small vehicles, know your intentions far ahead of time.

Finally, if it’s your first time driving a box truck, do not attempt tricky maneuvers like parallel parking unless you have a trusted spotter who can guide you along the way.

Source: Wisner Baum