Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck? Is CDL Needed for 26 Foot Box Trucks?

Now, do you need a CDL when you drive a commercial truck? Well, if your box truck is like most models available on the market, you don’t.

However, if it is a big and heavy truck types weighing above legal weight limit, a CDL is required when driving. A CDL is needed if your box trucks weighs more than 26,000 pounds in terms of GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

And do you need a CDL to drive a box truck? Even the large 26 foot box trucks do not automatically require driver license to drive nor needed a special license, when the box truck is loaded with moving items within weight limits and not above 26000 LBS.

Fact is that most 26ft moving box trucks are usually the largest non-cdl models, however we suggest you get clear about total GVWR before driving a commercial vehicles and truck of any size.

Do You Need a CDL to Drive Box Trucks?

State differently, Is a CDL or regular license needed even for owner operator? Generally, you do not need a CDL for standard box truck. This is because box trucks are generally small and lightweight and, therefore, do not need a special driver’s license.

However, having the full knowledge of your truck’s GVWR will set you on track. If your trucks have GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more, then you must have a C.D.L to drive it.

GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

It indicates the weight of the box trucks and maximum payload capacity. The GVWR is not affected by the weight of the cargo carried.

So it does not matter if you want to carry one thing or to fill your truck to capacity. If your vehicle’s GVWR is 20,000 pounds, the figure will remain the same regardless of the weight of what you load in.

You will find the unchanging GVWR indicated in the door jamb of your box trucks as Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). But you will need to add the GAWR of both axles to find out the GVWR of your vehicle.

If doing this math is too much for you, you should simply Google the GVWR of your rig and gets answers within seconds.

If you find out your trucks have a GVWR of more than 26,000, you will need to get the CDL to drive it.

If it is not more than 26,000 pounds, you can drive with your basic driver’s license. Meanwhile, read this trending topic – how do I downgrade my license to regular and vice versa?

Is CDL Required for 26 Foot Box Truck?

So, what license is needed to drive a 26 foot box truck? You don’t need a commercial driving license to drive a 26ft box truck. This is because normal size and weight box truck usually have a GVWR, less than 26,000 pounds.

The 26 foot box truck license requirements by Federal Highways Authority only requires a CDL for trucks that weight 26,000 pounds or more.

And since the 26 foot weighs less than this, you should not be too worried about having or not having a C.D.L – in other words, you can drive without a CDL!

MORE TIPS: What are Gooseneck trailer CDL requirementsvital for every truckers?

Can I Drive a Box Truck With Regular License for Commercial Truck?

Yes, you can drive a box truck with a regular license. A regular Class C Driver’s license is good enough.

However, if you feel your trucks rental may fall into the Class B category, you should weigh it and contact your local DMV for further information about the Class B license.

Are There States You Require Special License?

Regular drivers and every commercial driver in the United States must have a valid driver’s license. Some jurisdictions require international visitors to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a valid license from their home country.

In the United States, a box truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less can be hired by someone who does not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

How Long Is A CDL Good for Truck Drivers?

Before you get a CDL, a CDL permit to learn and practice as a truck driver must be secured. If you choose a good driving school, they will explain everything to you and make it very easy for you to obtain truck drivers permit.

So how long does a CDL last for? When you obtain a CDL-permit, you get the permission to get behind the wheel for many hours for proper training before you finally get your Commercial Driving license. The permit is only good for six months.

If after six months you have not graduated and you still want to continue training, you will need to pay a fee to renew the permit for another six months.

TRENDING: Non-Business transportation of personal property: When CDL is applicable!

Common Questions and Answers

What is 24 ft box truck requirements?

There are no CDL requirements needed for driving a 24-foot box trucks. As a matter of fact, any single vehicle and box truck that weighs less than 26,000 pounds does not require the driver to have a CDL. Pro driving certifications are required for driving a semi-trailer or a heavy-duty truck. 

Do you need a C.D.L for a Uhaul?

To rent U-Haul box trucks and equipment, you don’t need a specific driver’s license. To hire from their fleet of trucks and trailers, you must have a valid driver’s license issued by the government. 

U-Haul box truck fleet do not qualify as commercial vehicles; therefore, you don’t need a CDL to drive any of their box truck sizes. As a result, neither a business driver’s license nor a specific endorsement is necessary.

What license needed by a commercial driver in Florida, Texas, California? 

To drive as a commercial driver in Florida, Texas and California, a class A-CDL (Commercial Drivers’ License) is a requisite. There are three types of CDLs but not all can be used to drive in Florida, Texas, and California.

The Class A CDL is the approved type in these regions that permits you to drive any trucks with a GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.

When do truck driver need Class C license Vs Class B license?

A truck driver may require a Class C-CDL license is essential to operate a truck that may transport hazardous items and carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. A Class B license allows the driver to operate any vehicle including, box trucks with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds.

Summary of do you need C.D.L for box van!

Now we hope this often popped in query, ‘do I need a cdl to driving a box truck or or not’ has not only been adequately answered, but much more detailed expert tips shared and the needs for pro certifications.