You may have spotted various box trucks throughout the Chicago area and wondered whether the drivers of these vehicles are required to carry a CDL. Licensing requirements and other state or federal regulations can affect legal liability. Whether a CDL is required depends on the truck’s weight, intended use, and how it’s operated. Understanding these requirements is important, especially if a box truck is involved in an accident or injury claim.
What Is a Box Truck?
Box trucks are commercial vehicles with an enclosed cargo area. It gets its name from the box-shaped cargo area attached to the vehicle’s chassis.
A typical box truck features the following:
- Enclosed cargo area: The cargo area is fully surrounded by the vehicle’s structure, providing weather-resistant transport.
- Chassis cab configuration: The truck includes a separate cab for the driver with a separate cargo area attached to the chassis.
- Single unit: Box trucks are single-unit vehicles, while a separate tractor unit tows semi-trailers.
- Longer length: Box trucks are longer than standard passenger trucks, typically between 10 and 26 feet.
- Roll-up door: Many box trucks feature a rear door that rolls up for easy access to the enclosed cargo.
Box trucks come in various sizes and are used for various local and regional deliveries. Common uses include delivery services, the delivery of bulky items, and moving companies.
What Is a CDL?
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), obtaining a CDL to drive certain types of commercial vehicles is necessary.
To obtain a CDL, a driver must:
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass a skills test
- Complete entry-level driver training regulations if they are an entry-level driver
They must also be able to speak and understand English and meet the physical requirements of the job.
Legal Requirements to Drive a Box Truck
Box trucks come in various sizes, ranging from smaller vans to large trucks with different capacities for cargo. Whether a particular vehicle requires a CDL depends on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and whether it is a single-unit or combination vehicle.
The FMCSA does not typically require a CDL for single-unit box trucks with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds. However, a CDL would be required if the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or if the vehicle is a truck towing a trailer. The specific class would depend on the combined weights.
Special Legal Considerations for Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
Even if a CDL is not required to drive a box truck, the involvement of this type of commercial vehicle could raise certain legal complications, including:
- A trucking company or business establishment may be legally responsible for the accident.
- State and federal safety regulations may apply.
- Damages can be more extensive.
- Higher insurance policy coverage may apply.
Even if the box truck was a moving truck driven by a private individual, you could have the right to pursue a legal claim against them. They may not have been able to adequately operate the vehicle, which is so much larger than the typical passenger vehicle they ordinarily drive.
Additionally, the driver could have purchased optional insurance coverage to provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim to pursue compensation after an accident.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer for More Help
You may have spotted various box trucks throughout the Chicago area and wondered whether the drivers of these vehicles are required to carry a CDL. Licensing requirements and other state or federal regulations can potentially affect legal liability. Whether a CDL is required depends on the truck’s weight, intended use, and how it’s operated.
Understanding these requirements is important, especially if a box truck is involved in an accident or injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a box truck accident or have questions about liability, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Contact the Chicago Truck Accident Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
