# Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Explained 2. What Is a CDL? 3. Do I Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck? 4. Look To the GVWR, Not the Size 5. Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![Do You Need a CDL To Drive a Box Truck in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Do-You-Need-a-CDL-To-Drive-a-Box-Truck-in-Texas-1-300x200.jpg) If you live in a major metropolitan area like Houston, you might not be able to get to or from work each day without encountering and needing to share the road with a [box truck](https://www.cotasystems.com/blog/box-trucks-buyers-guide) at one point or another. These [single vehicles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/single-vehicle/) with attached cargo areas are commonly used for small deliveries, especially in places where a [big rig](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/fault-in-big-rig-accidents/) or semi-trailer cannot go.  A typical box truck can have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of as little as 6,001 pounds and up to and over 26,001 pounds. A specific box truck’s GVWR is essential information because it determines whether the driver must have a [commercial driver’s license (CDL)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-commercial-drivers-licenses-in-texas/). ## Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Explained A vehicle’s GVWR describes how heavy it is when fully loaded and still safely operational, and it can differ from the vehicle’s actual weight.  For instance, consider a tractor-trailer combination vehicle. The cab and trailer can weigh as little as 35,000 pounds if empty and as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The vehicle’s GVWR will always be 80,000 pounds, no matter how much cargo is in it at any one time. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Is a CDL? [Commercial vehicles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-a-commercial-vehicle/), like [tractor-trailers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), buses, and large delivery vehicles, handle differently on the road than lighter passenger cars and trucks. As a result, their drivers must obtain and possess CDLs.  A CDL certifies that the vehicle’s operator has passed appropriate coursework, practical tests, and physical examinations, demonstrating that they can safely operate these potentially dangerous machines. There are [three types of CDLs](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers#Classes-Licenses-Commercial-Learners-Permits) available in the United States: ### Class A Commercial Driver’s License Drivers who operate any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or greater must have a Class A license if the towed vehicle weighs at least 10,001 pounds. That covers almost every [tanker truck](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/tanker-truck/), tractor-trailer, or big rig combination. ### Class B Commercial Driver’s License If you intend to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of over 26,001 pounds, you must obtain a valid Class B CDL. The license will also allow you to tow a car that is 10,000 pounds or less. [Buses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/bus-accident-lawyer/) and some tractor-trailers are two examples of vehicles you can drive with a Class B CDL. ### Class C Commercial Driver’s License A Class C CDL is necessary if you plan to drive a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers (including yourself) or transport any hazardous material.  ## Do I Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck? To determine whether you need a CDL to operate a box truck, you must know that vehicle’s GVWR. Most trucks are small and have a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. You do not need to have a CDL to operate these vehicles. (That is why people using U-Haul trucks, for instance, generally do not need a commercial driver’s license.) However, some box trucks are 26 feet or longer and weigh 26,001 pounds or more. A Class B CDL would be necessary for these heavier box trucks if you wanted to drive them legally. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Look To the GVWR, Not the Size Box trucks can perform some of the same tasks as larger [commercial vehicles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/commercial-vehicle-accident-lawyer/). And, in most cases, drivers do not have to complete the specialized training necessary to obtain a CDL before operating them. Some, however, may have GVWRs above 26,001. Drivers should take note in these cases, as Class B CDLs could be necessary for these larger vehicles. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Truck Accidents Blog Posts: [![Texas Truck Lane Restrictions](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Texas-Truck-Lane-Restrictions-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-truck-lane-restrictions/) [Texas Truck Lane Restrictions](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-truck-lane-restrictions/) The economy depends on trucks. These important vehicles carry over 72% of freight in the U.S., far more than rail, [![10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10-Largest-Trucking-Companies-in-the-U.S.-300x167.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) [10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) Trucking companies are instrumental in keeping the United States running smoothly. Every day, they are responsible for [![Trucking Regulations 2021: Everything You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/trucking-regulations-2021-everything-you-need-to-know/) [Trucking Regulations 2021: Everything You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/trucking-regulations-2021-everything-you-need-to-know/) The U.S. government regulates interstate trucking companies. These regulations keep highways and roads safe for trucks [![Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-gross-vehicle-weight-rating/) [Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-gross-vehicle-weight-rating/) In the United States, there are 13.5 million registered trucks that weigh over 10,000 pounds on the roads. --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-you-need-a-cdl-to-drive-a-box-truck-in-texas/