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.

Criteria Non-CDL Box Truck CDL (Class B) Box Truck
GVWR 26,000 lbs or less 26,001 lbs or more
Towing Limit Up to 10,000 lbs Up to 10,000 lbs (over requires Class A)
Typical Uses Small deliveries, light moving jobs Freight delivery, moving companies, municipal vehicles
License Required Standard Driver’s License Class B CDL

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.
DO YOU NEED A CDL FOR A BOX TRUCK? CLASS B EXPLAINED

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.

Najčešće postavljana pitanja

Šta je ELDT kurs i zašto je potreban?

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) kurs je obavezna obuka za sve vozače koji žele da dobiju CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) ili određene dozvole i sertifikate u SAD-u. Federalna Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) propisuje da kandidati moraju završiti ovaj kurs kako bi stekli teorijsko i praktično znanje neophodno za bezbednu vožnju komercijalnih vozila.

Koliko traje online ELDT kurs?

Trajanje kursa zavisi od tempa učenja polaznika, ali većina online ELDT kurseva se može završiti u roku od nekoliko sati do nekoliko dana. Kurs se obično sastoji od modula koje možete pratiti sopstvenim tempom, što znači da možete učiti kada vama odgovara, bez fiksnog rasporeda časova.

Da li su online ELDT kursevi priznati od FMCSA?

Da, ali samo ako ih pruža akreditovani provajder koji se nalazi na FMCSA Training Provider Registry listi. Pre upisa, uverite se da je izabrani kurs upisan u zvanični registar, kako bi vaša obuka bila priznata i automatski prijavljena FMCSA nakon završetka.

Da li online kurs uključuje praktičnu obuku?

Ne, online ELDT kurs pokriva samo teorijski deo obuke. Nakon završetka teorijskog dela, potrebno je da pronađete licenciranog instruktora ili školu za vožnju koja će vam omogućiti praktičnu obuku kako biste u potpunosti završili proces dobijanja CDL dozvole.

Koliko košta online ELDT kurs?

Cena varira u zavisnosti od provajdera, ali se najčešće kreće između 50 i 300 američkih dolara. Preporučuje se da pored cene obratite pažnju na kvalitet materijala, podršku instruktora i akreditaciju kursa, jer niža cena ne znači uvek i najbolju vrednost.