Which trucks can you drive without a CDL?
In general, a commercial driver's license is required when a vehicle (or vehicle plus trailer) has a gross weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more, carries placarded hazardous materials, or is designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Many 24'–26' straight box trucks are rated under that limit, and Non-CDL hotshot combinations are set up to stay under it as well.
Rules can differ for specific vehicles, so the carrier will confirm what your license allows before you start.
Types of non-CDL driving jobs
- Box truck delivery: retail, furniture, appliance and last-mile freight, often with a lift gate
- Expedited box truck: time-critical freight, sometimes regional or team
- Non-CDL hotshot: pickup and gooseneck trailer hauling smaller equipment, vehicles and partial loads
- Moving and household goods: local and regional moves
What carriers usually ask for
A valid driver's license, a clean or acceptable driving record, the ability to pass a drug test, and often a DOT medical card for interstate commercial driving. For box truck work, being comfortable with a lift gate and pallet jack and handling freight is a big plus.