Box trucks (straight trucks, usually 16–26 ft and under 26,001 lbs so no CDL is required) are one of the most popular ways to start a trucking business. How you insure one depends mostly on whether you haul your own goods or other people's freight for pay.
Do you need MC authority?
If you haul other people's freight for compensation across state lines, you need USDOT registration and for-hire operating authority, plus a federal insurance filing. Trucks of 10,001 lbs or more need at least $750,000 in liability; most brokers want $1,000,000 plus $100,000 cargo.
If you only haul your own business's goods (a private carrier) or stay within one state, federal filings may not apply — but many states require their own USDOT number and intrastate filings.
Common box truck coverages
- Commercial auto liability (federally filed if you're for-hire interstate).
- Motor truck cargo for freight or customers' belongings.
- Physical damage — required if the truck is financed or leased.
- Hired & non-owned auto if you rent extra trucks during busy periods.
- General liability, especially for moving companies working inside homes.
Box truck niches with special rules
- Household-goods movers need cargo filings (BMC-34) and separate household-goods authority.
- Last-mile and Amazon-style delivery programs often specify their own minimum limits in the contract.
- Expedite/hotshot-style box trucks running long distance are priced closer to semis.
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Get quotes Check a DOT/MC numberFrequently asked questions
Do I need a CDL for a box truck?
Not if the truck's GVWR is 26,000 lbs or less and you aren't hauling placarded hazmat or 16+ passengers. Insurance and USDOT rules still apply at 10,001 lbs and up.
Why do brokers want $1 million for a box truck?
Brokers set their own carrier requirements to protect themselves from liability; $1M auto liability and $100k cargo is the standard setup carriers need to access most load boards.
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Reviewed October 2026. General information only — not insurance or legal advice. Coverage terms vary by insurer and state.