DO YOU NEED A CDL FOR A BOX TRUCK? CLASS B EXPLAINED
If you're looking to drive a box truck for work or your own business, you might be asking: do I need a CDL? The answer depends on the weight of the vehicle and what you're hauling. Here’s what you need to know.
Box trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Most box trucks used for delivery, moving, and service work fall into this category—especially larger ones like 26-foot straight trucks.
If the box truck’s GVWR is under 26,000 lbs, you don’t need a CDL. But if it’s over that threshold, you’ll need a Class B CDL, which is designed for single vehicles that don’t tow trailers over 10,000 lbs.
CDL for Box Truck – A Complete Guide to Class B CDL Requirements
Understanding the CDL Requirements for Box Trucks
A box truck, sometimes referred to as a cube van, straight truck, or cube truck, is widely used for deliveries, moving services, and logistics. While many smaller models can be driven with a standard driver’s license, larger box trucks often require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) — specifically a Class B CDL — due to their weight and cargo capacity.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates CDL requirements. A Class B CDL is typically required if:
- The vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- The vehicle is a single unit (not towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR).
- It is used for commercial purposes.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A CLASS B CDL?
A Class B license qualifies you to drive:
- Box trucks
- Dump trucks
- Buses (with additional endorsements)
- Utility service vehicles
This license is ideal for local delivery, moving companies, and municipal or commercial work with regular hours and solid pay.

Career Opportunities With a Class B CDL
Holding a Class B CDL for a box truck opens doors to:
- Delivery driver positions for furniture, appliances, and freight.
- Moving company roles.
- Local freight hauling.
- Municipal jobs (waste collection, utility services).
- Charter bus or shuttle bus driving (with passenger endorsement).
Average salaries range from $45,000 to $75,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings in specialized hauling or hazardous material transport.
HOW TO GET A CLASS B CDL
Start by completing the FMCSA-required theory training. ELDT Nation offers a Class B CDL Theory Course that’s 100% online, FMCSA-approved, and only $77.
🎓 Ready to drive professionally? Enroll in our Class B course today and get started on your CDL with no classroom required.