Howard Coker | February 20, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Box trucks are everywhere on Florida roads. After a crash involving one of these vehicles, a common question comes up: Do you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive a box truck? Whether a CDL is required depends on the truck’s size, how it is being used, and what it is carrying.
Understanding these rules matters not only for drivers and employers but also for injury victims trying to determine whether negligence played a role in a box truck accident.
What Is a Box Truck?
A box truck is a vehicle with a cab and an enclosed cargo area built on the same frame. Unlike tractor-trailers, box trucks do not have a separate trailer. However, they can still be quite large and heavy, and their increased height can also limit visibility and make sudden maneuvers more dangerous for other drivers.
Common examples of box trucks include:
- U-Haul and Penske moving trucks
- Local delivery trucks
- Furniture and appliance trucks
- Some construction and service vehicles
CDL requirements for box trucks vary because they come in different sizes and weights. Because of their size and handling characteristics, box trucks pose a higher risk of serious injury in crashes.
The General CDL Rule Under Federal Law
Federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require a CDL if a vehicle:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or
- Is used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding
These rules apply nationwide and form the baseline for Florida’s commercial driver licensing requirements.
When a CDL Is Not Required for a Box Truck in Florida
Many box trucks on Florida roads fall below the CDL threshold. A CDL is not required when:
- The box truck has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. This often applies to smaller and medium-sized box trucks used for local delivery or rental moves.
- It is not carrying hazardous materials.
- It is not designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
This means many rental moving trucks can legally be driven with a standard Class E Florida driver’s license, including common 10-foot and 15-foot box trucks. However, “legal to drive” does not mean “safe to drive.”
Box trucks handle very differently from passenger vehicles and require greater stopping distance, wider turns, and increased awareness of blind spots. Drivers who are unfamiliar with these differences may create serious hazards on Florida roadways.
Why CDL Status Matters After a Box Truck Accident
CDL requirements are far more than a licensing issue after an accident. They can directly affect who is legally responsible for a box truck crash and whether negligence was involved. In many cases, a driver’s licensing status becomes a key issue.
For example, negligence may be established if the driver:
- Did not have the required CDL,
- Was operating a truck that they were not properly licensed or trained to drive, or
- Was driving outside the scope of their license.
These types of violations can significantly strengthen an injury claim under Florida law.
Employer Responsibility in Florida Box Truck Accidents
Liability often extends beyond the driver. Many box truck drivers in Florida work for moving companies, delivery services, or logistics businesses, while others are classified as independent contractors.
Employers and trucking companies have a legal responsibility to:
- Confirm that drivers hold the proper license,
- Ensure drivers are qualified to operate the specific size and type of box truck, and
- Provide appropriate training and supervision.
When a company allows an unqualified or improperly licensed driver to operate a box truck, it may be held legally responsible under theories such as negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or vicarious liability. In many cases, this also means access to larger commercial insurance policies and greater compensation for injured victims.
Contact Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a box truck accident in Florida, determining whether the driver was properly licensed and qualified can be an important part of your case. An experienced Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can investigate the driver’s licensing status and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Call Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL