Box Truck and Hotshot Requirements: CDL, USDOT Number, Authority and ELD
You need a CDL only at 26,001 pounds or more, but a rig rated 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce is already a commercial motor vehicle. It needs a USDOT number and a medical card. If you haul other people's freight for pay across state lines, you need operating authority and insurance on file at any weight. Check the truck and trailer ratings first.
Facts checked November 4, 2026
Key Points
- Before you buy or book a box truck or hotshot rig, write down the manufacturer's weight ratings for the truck and for the trailer. Every rule below turns on two lines: 10,001 pounds and 26,001 pounds
- A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a vehicle used in interstate commerce to haul property with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or an actual weight, of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater. A pickup and trailer count as a combination (49 CFR 390.5)
- You need a CDL only at 26,001 pounds or more. A combination at 26,001 pounds or more needs a Class A CDL if the towed unit is rated over 10,000 pounds. A single vehicle at 26,001 pounds or more needs a Class B (49 CFR 383.91)
- The CDL groups are set by weight. 383.91 does not mention brakes or body length, so a 26-foot box truck rated under 26,001 pounds does not need a CDL because of its length
- FMCSA says you need a USDOT number if you have a vehicle at 10,001 pounds or more and you are in interstate commerce. FMCSA lists 38 States and Puerto Rico that also require one for intrastate CMV registrants
- A person subject to the driver rules must not operate a CMV unless medically certified, and must carry the medical examiner's certificate (49 CFR 391.41(a)(1)(i))
- DOT drug and alcohol testing and the Clearinghouse apply to drivers subject to CDL rules (49 CFR 382.103). A driver who needs no CDL is outside that rule
- A non-CDL driver who stays within 150 air miles of the work reporting location and meets the other conditions is exempt from logs, the ELD and the 14-hour rule (49 CFR 395.1(e)(2))
- A for-hire carrier of non-hazardous freight in interstate commerce needs $750,000 of insurance on file for a vehicle at 10,001 pounds or more (49 CFR 387.9). A fleet with only vehicles under 10,001 pounds needs $300,000 (49 CFR 387.303)
- FMCSA says you need operating authority to haul federally regulated commodities owned by others for a fee in interstate commerce. The FMCSA page sets no weight minimum
Federal rules for box trucks and hotshot rigs by weight (interstate commerce)
| Under 10,001 lb | 10,001 to 26,000 lb | 26,001 lb or more | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial motor vehicle? (390.5) | No, unless it hauls placarded hazmat | Yes | Yes |
| CDL? (383.91) | No | No | Yes: Class B for a single vehicle, Class A for a combination with a towed unit over 10,000 lb |
| USDOT number | Not required by the weight rule. The online application that gets you authority also registers you (390.201(b)) | Yes | Yes |
| Medical card (391.41) | Not under the federal driver rules | Yes | Yes |
| DOT drug testing and Clearinghouse (Part 382) | No | No, with no CDL | Yes, for CDL drivers |
| Hours of service and ELD (Part 395) | Not a CMV, so not under Part 395 | Yes, but a non-CDL driver within 150 air miles who meets 395.1(e)(2) is exempt from logs, the ELD and the 14-hour rule | Yes. ELD unless an exception applies (395.8(a)(1)). The 150 air-mile short-haul exception is 395.1(e)(1) |
| Authority and insurance, for hire across state lines | Authority needed to haul others' regulated freight for a fee. $300,000 on file (387.303) | Authority needed. $750,000 on file (387.9) | Authority needed. $750,000 on file (387.9) |
What should you check before you buy or book a box truck or hotshot rig?
Check five things. First, the manufacturer's weight rating for the truck, and for the trailer if you tow one. Add them to get the combination rating. Second, which side of 10,001 and 26,001 pounds the combination falls on. The rules below change at those two lines. Third, whether you will haul for others across state lines. If you will, you need your own operating authority and insurance on file. If you lease on to a carrier instead, the carrier's authority runs the load (see the lease-on owner-operator page). Fourth, your State's rules, because States add their own. Fifth, a real insurance quote for the exact truck and trailer. Do all five before you pay for the equipment.
When is a box truck or hotshot truck a commercial motor vehicle?
When it is used on a highway in interstate commerce to haul property and its GVWR or GCWR, or its actual weight, is 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater (49 CFR 390.5). The test uses the combination. A pickup rated under 10,001 pounds that pulls a loaded trailer can be a CMV because the combination is over the line. A vehicle that hauls placarded hazardous materials is a CMV at any weight. A truck under 10,001 pounds that stays inside one State and hauls no hazmat is not a CMV under the federal definition, but State rules may still apply.
Do you need a CDL for a box truck or hotshot?
Only at 26,001 pounds or more. A heavy straight vehicle, called Group B, is a single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more, or one that tows a vehicle not over 10,000 pounds. A combination vehicle, Group A, has a combination rating of 26,001 pounds or more with a towed unit rated over 10,000 pounds (49 CFR 383.91(a)). Group C is a smaller vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers or hauls hazmat. The CDL definitions use the rating or the actual weight, whichever is greater (383.5). Length and brakes are not part of the test. So a 26-foot box truck rated at 26,000 pounds does not need a CDL because of its size, and a rig rated at 26,001 pounds does.
Do you need a USDOT number?
FMCSA says you are required to have one if you have a vehicle rated at 10,001 pounds or more (by GVWR, GCWR, or actual weight) and you are in interstate commerce. It also names vehicles that carry more than 8 passengers for pay, and intrastate hazmat carriers that need a safety permit (FMCSA, Do I Need a USDOT Number, updated September 3, 2025). The FMCSA page also lists 38 States and Puerto Rico that require a USDOT number for intrastate CMV registrants, including Texas, California and Florida. Check with your State agency. A carrier that applies for operating authority files the online application (MCSA-1), which is also how it registers with FMCSA (49 CFR 390.201(b)).
Do you need a medical card, and do you get drug tested?
A medical card is required for a driver subject to the federal driver rules who operates a CMV. He or she must be medically certified and carry the medical examiner's certificate (49 CFR 391.41(a)(1)(i)). That includes a non-CDL driver of a box truck or hotshot rig that is a CMV. DOT drug and alcohol testing is different. Part 382 applies to employers and drivers who are subject to the CDL requirements (49 CFR 382.103(a)(1)). So a non-CDL driver is outside that rule, and outside the Clearinghouse. We found no federal rule that extends it to non-CDL drivers. A shipper, broker or insurer may still ask for testing in its contract, so read yours.
Do you need an ELD and logs?
A CMV driver is under the hours of service rules, and a carrier must use an ELD unless an exception applies (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)). The exceptions include driving that needs a log on not more than 8 days in any 30, and vehicles built before model year 2000. A non-CDL driver has a separate short-haul option (395.1(e)(2)). The driver is exempt from the 14-hour rule, from logs and ELDs, and from 395.11 if he or she works within 150 air miles of the work reporting location and returns there at the end of each duty tour. The driver may not drive after the 14th hour on 5 days of any 7, or after the 16th hour on 2 days of any 7. The carrier must keep time records for 6 months. If you do not meet every condition, you need the log. See the hours of service exceptions page.
Do you need operating authority and insurance?
If you haul federally regulated freight owned by others, for a fee, across state lines, yes. FMCSA's authority page sets no weight minimum, and the insurance rules cover small vehicles too. A for-hire carrier with a fleet of only vehicles under 10,001 pounds must have $300,000 of public liability security on file for non-hazardous freight (49 CFR 387.303(b)(1)). A for-hire carrier with a vehicle at 10,001 pounds or more needs $750,000 (49 CFR 387.9). Hazmat carriers need more. FMCSA lists a $300 fee for permanent authority and 20 to 25 business days for a new application (FMCSA, updated April 20, 2026). We found no FMCSA text on whether the insurance test for a pickup and trailer looks at the truck's rating alone or the combination. Ask FMCSA or your insurer before you buy.
What do State rules add?
A lot. The federal rules above cover interstate commerce. Many States apply them, or their own versions, to trips that stay inside the State. FMCSA lists the States that require a USDOT number for intrastate CMV registrants. States also set their own rules for weigh stations, plates and permits. Read your State's rules for the weight you will run. See our weigh station rules page and our state pages.
What if your rig is close to a weight line?
Plan for the heavier number. The CMV and CDL definitions use the rating or the actual weight, whichever is greater (49 CFR 390.5 and 383.5). A truck rated just under 26,001 pounds that is loaded above that weight can fall into a CDL group. A combination rated just under 10,001 pounds that runs heavier can be a CMV. Weigh at a certified scale before you decide what you need. Use the weight and axle calculator to check a loaded combination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does hotshot trucking require a CDL?+
Only if the rig is rated at 26,001 pounds or more. A combination at 26,001 pounds or more with a towed unit rated over 10,000 pounds needs a Class A CDL (49 CFR 383.91). Many hotshot rigs are rated lower and need no CDL. Add the truck and trailer ratings to check yours.
Do you need a CDL for a 26-foot box truck?+
Not because of its length. The CDL groups are set by weight. A single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more needs a Class B CDL (49 CFR 383.91). A 26-foot box truck rated under 26,001 pounds does not. Check the manufacturer's rating.
Do you need a CDL for a box truck with air brakes?+
Federal CDL groups do not turn on air brakes (49 CFR 383.91). A box truck rated under 26,001 pounds does not need a CDL because it has air brakes. Check the weight rating, and ask your State licensing agency.
Do hotshots need a USDOT number?+
If the rig is rated at 10,001 pounds or more (truck and trailer combined, or by actual weight) and you are in interstate commerce, FMCSA says yes. FMCSA also lists 38 States and Puerto Rico that require one for intrastate CMV registrants.
Do box trucks need a DOT number?+
A box truck rated at 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce does, per FMCSA. Many States also require one for intrastate trips. A box truck under 10,001 pounds is not covered by that weight rule, but you still register if you apply for operating authority.
Do you need an MC number for a box truck or hotshot?+
If you haul federally regulated freight owned by others, for a fee, across state lines, FMCSA says you need operating authority. Its page sets no weight minimum. If you lease on to a carrier, the carrier's authority runs the load.
Do hotshot drivers need a medical card?+
If the rig is a CMV (10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce), yes. A person subject to the driver rules must be medically certified and carry the certificate (49 CFR 391.41(a)(1)(i)). A CDL is not needed for that.
Do hotshot drivers get drug tested?+
DOT drug and alcohol testing applies to drivers subject to CDL rules (49 CFR 382.103). A non-CDL hotshot driver is outside it. A shipper, broker or insurer may still require testing in its contract.
Do hotshots need an ELD?+
A CMV driver needs an ELD unless an exception applies (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)). A non-CDL driver who stays within 150 air miles of the work reporting location and meets the other conditions in 395.1(e)(2) is exempt from logs and ELDs.
How much insurance does a hotshot or box truck need?+
For-hire carriers of non-hazardous freight across state lines need $750,000 on file for a vehicle rated at 10,001 pounds or more (49 CFR 387.9), and $300,000 for a fleet of only vehicles under 10,001 pounds (387.303). We found no FMCSA text on how to rate a pickup and trailer. Ask your insurer.
Do non-CDL box trucks have hours of service?+
If the box truck is a CMV, yes. The non-CDL short-haul exemption in 49 CFR 395.1(e)(2) removes the log and ELD requirement if you stay within 150 air miles of the work reporting location and meet every condition.
Do hotshots need to stop at weigh stations?+
That is set by each State. We did not read every State's rule. See our weigh station rules page, and check the State you run in.
More federal trucking rules
- Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers
- ELD Mandate: Who Needs an ELD
- DOT Roadside Inspection Levels Explained
- DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules
- Driver Qualification File Requirements
- DVIR and Vehicle Maintenance Rules
- New Entrant Safety Audit Requirements
- Hours of Service Exceptions and Exemptions
- Motor Carrier Insurance Requirements
- CDL Classes, Endorsements and ELDT Training
- DOT Physical and Medical Card Requirements
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements
- Cargo Securement Rules for Trucks
- Hazmat Basics for Truck Drivers and Carriers
- USDOT Number and Biennial Update Requirements
- Safety Ratings, Compliance Reviews and DataQs
- Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits
- California Clean Truck Check (HD I/M)
- Truth-in-Leasing Rules for Owner-Operators
- Form 2290 Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
- Truck Driver Phone, Texting and Seat Belt Rules
- Railroad Crossing Rules for Truck Drivers
- Truck Emergency Equipment and Warning Triangle Rules
- Truck Windshield, Dash Cam and Mirror Rules
- CDL Disqualification: Major and Serious Offenses
- Truck Tire Rules: Tread Depth, Retreads and Pressure
- Trailer Reflective Tape (Conspicuity) Rules
- Truck Brake Rules: Pushrod Stroke, Lining Thickness and ABS
- Driver Conduct Rules: Alcohol, Drugs, Fatigue, Passengers and Pre-Trip Checks
- English Language Proficiency for Truck Drivers: The 391.11(b)(2) Rule
- Weigh Station Rules: Who Must Stop and What Happens If You Skip
- Truck Lighting Rules: Required Lamps and Reflectors (49 CFR 393)
- Driver Road Test Rules: The Company Road Test and Certificate (49 CFR 391.31)
- Owner-Operator Requirements: What You Need Before You Haul
Related terms and pages
Sources
- 49 CFR 390.5 (commercial motor vehicle definition)
- 49 CFR 383.91 (commercial motor vehicle groups)
- 49 CFR 383.5 (CDL definitions)
- 49 CFR 382.103 (drug and alcohol testing applicability)
- 49 CFR 391.41 (physical qualifications)
- 49 CFR 395.1 (hours of service scope and exceptions)
- 49 CFR 395.8 (records of duty status and ELD)
- 49 CFR 387.303 (minimum limits, small freight vehicles)
- 49 CFR 387.9 (minimum levels of financial responsibility)
- 49 CFR 390.201 (USDOT registration)
- FMCSA: Do I Need a USDOT Number? (updated Sept 3, 2025)
- FMCSA: Get Operating Authority (updated April 20, 2026)
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This is a plain-language summary for reference, not legal advice. Check the official rule text before you rely on any detail. Ask a compliance professional about your own operation.