What distinguishes a CDL box truck from a regular DL box truck?

[morkani]

I rented a U-Haul 26' box truck to move awhile back and I did not have a CDL license. But I've looked at a few box trucks around me and so far they've all required a CDL license. Is there a characteristic I'm to be looking for? I know the Uhaul trucks are gas.

Thanks

 

[B and C]

CDL in Texas is required for commercial use (the C in CDL). Regular license for personal use whether gas or diesel. IDK about the requirements in your state. They will be state specific.

 

[Trebor English]

GVWR over 26000 pounds requires CDL. The identical truck rated at 26000 pounds or less, no CDL.

Air brakes require an air brake endorsement to a CDL.

Gasoline / diesel doesn't matter.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Air brakes require an air brake endorsement to a CDL. 

Commonly stated, but does not exist on a CDL in the USA.

There IS such a thing as a "no air brakes" restriction (if you were to take a test in a commercial truck or bus without air brakes)  but once you pass the air brake test or get the endorsements for combinations, then you will be permitted to drive a CMV with air brakes, but there is no air brake 'endorsement' per se.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I rented a U-Haul 26' box truck to move awhile back and I did not have a CDL license. But I've looked at a few box trucks around me and so far they've all required a CDL license. Is there a characteristic I'm to be looking for? I know the Uhaul trucks are gas.

Do you want to rent another one? Or are you looking to buy something?

Generally speaking, when renting one, if the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more, you would need that CDL to drive it. If you are looking to buy one, and convert it to an RV or motorhome, then that CDL requirement will go away once you have it re-certified or registered as such.

 

[highest_vision]

Not a box truck, but another relevant component to anyone looking here is passengers. 16+ passengers also requires a CDL, but if you remove the seats than you no longer need that.

 

[barleyguy]

GVWR over 26000 pounds requires CDL.  The identical truck rated at 26000 pounds or less, no CDL. 

Air brakes require an air brake endorsement to a CDL. 

Gasoline / diesel doesn't matter.

This varies by state. In Wyoming vehicles over 26,000 require either a CDL or a non-commercial class A license. The non commercial class A is lacking the federal components that would allow you to drive a commercial semi.

And as you said, below 26000 pounds you can drive on a normal license.

 

[speedhighway46]

States vary greatly in requirements defining when a CDL is required. Generally, a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds requires a CDL. Here in Michigan there is a requirement for a CDL if the vehicle is being used in commercial service; that is, it is being used to generate income. If the vehicle is not in commercial service a CDL is not required.

In fact, Michigan law exempts the operator from having a CDL if the vehicle is privately owned, being used for personal use only, and not in commercial service. In 2010 I licensed my 2003 Peterbilt semi tractor using this exemption. I do not have a CDL.

There is significant ignorance abt this CDL requirement; especially from truckers.

Here’s what I did:

1) Get a copy of your state’s CDL study booklet.
2) From the Internet, download a copy of your state’s Uniform Vehicle Code. Study it for CDL exemptions.
3) Check with your insurance carrier for their guidelines for owning a “heavier” vehicle not in commercial service.

The folks at my Secretary of State’s office here in MICHIGAN were quite helpful throughout my licensing (titling) process. Find out from them what they require and follow it (after you read the law, so you know what you are entitled to). Don’t go in dumb and ignorant. I had to provide proof of insurance and a weigh ticket.

It all depends on how your state does it; not what someone thinks they know when you ask.

Hope this helps.