Do I Have to Have a CDL to Drive a Box Truck?

Box trucks, also known as straight trucks or cube trucks, are widely used for transporting cargo. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to move goods. In many cases, they do not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate. However, whether or not a driver needs CDL depends on several factors, including the truck’s weight, the cargo it is hauling, and applicable state and federal regulations.

What Is a Box Truck?

A box truck is a type of commercial vehicle with a cargo area that is separate from the driver’s cabin. They typically range in size from 22 to 26 feet and have a maximum payload capacity of around 8,000 pounds. Box trucks are commonly used by delivery companies, moving services, and small businesses.

Understanding Commercial Driver’s Licenses

A CDL is a specialized license needed to drive certain commercial vehicles. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues three main classes of CDLs:

• Class A: Required for any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) over 26,000 pounds, including a towed unit over 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: Required for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or more or a vehicle towing another that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
• Class C: Required for vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Personal-use recreation vehicles and emergency vehicles are typically exempted from CDL requirements.

When Is a CDL Required to Drive a Box Truck?

In most cases, a CDL is not required to drive a box truck. However, there are circumstances where a CDL is necessary:

• If the box truck has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more
• If the box truck is towing a trailer with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds
• If the box truck is transporting hazardous materials 
• If the vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more passengers

The largest truck you can operate without a CDL must have a GVWR under 26,000 pounds. If the truck also tows a trailer, the trailer’s GVWR must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Most standard box trucks used for local deliveries or moving services fall below the CDL threshold.

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

No, a CDL is not required to drive a U-Haul truck. U-Haul and similar rental companies design their trucks to be operated with a standard driver’s license. However, renters must have a valid, government-issued driver’s license to drive the vehicle.

Liability in Box Truck Accidents

Box truck accidents occur less frequently than other truck accidents. However, they can cause severe injuries and fatalities. 

Several parties may be held liable in a box truck accident, including:

• Truck Driver: If the driver is negligent, fatigued, under the influence, or violates traffic laws.
• Trucking Company: If the company fails to enforce safety regulations, conducts poor inspections, or pressures drivers to exceed safe driving limits.
• Truck Owner: Responsible for vehicle maintenance and ensuring the truck is in good working order.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly secured cargo falls off and causes an accident.
• Parts Manufacturers: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes, leads to a crash.

The best way to determine the at-fault parties in a box truck accident is to consult an Oregon truck accident lawyer.

The Bottom Line About Box Trucks and CDLs

Whether you need a CDL to drive a box truck depends on its weight, cargo, and trailer size. If the truck’s GVWR is below 26,000 pounds and does not carry hazardous materials or tow a heavy trailer, a CDL is typically not required. 

If you have been involved in a box truck accident, consulting a truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Portland at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland truck accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7