How to Work as a CDL or Box-Truck Driver for Moving and Hauling

1. 01

   Step 1: Get the right license and insurance

   

   For box trucks under 26,000 pounds GVWR, a regular driver's license works in most states, but anything heavier requires a Class B or Class A CDL. Check your state DMV requirements. If you are just starting out, rent a smaller box truck (16–20 feet) that does not need a CDL while you build your client base.

   Commercial auto insurance is non-negotiable. A basic liability policy for a box truck runs $200–400 per month depending on your driving record and coverage limits. Cargo insurance (covering clients' belongings) adds another $50–150 monthly but protects you from claims if something breaks during a move. Some platforms require proof of both before you can accept jobs.

2. 02

   Step 2: Decide whether to own or rent your truck

   

   Buying a used box truck costs $15,000–40,000, plus maintenance, fuel, insurance, and parking. Renting from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget runs $60–150 per day depending on truck size and mileage package. Do the math: if you book three jobs per week at $250 average, that is $3,000 monthly revenue. Subtract $1,200 in truck rental (four days/week), $400 insurance, and $600 fuel, and you still clear $800 profit while testing the market.

   Once you have steady bookings (12+ jobs per month), buying makes sense. Look for low-mileage Isuzu NPR, Freightliner M2, or GMC/Chevy box trucks with under 100,000 miles. Budget another $200 monthly for maintenance reserves.

3. 03

   Step 3: Set up profiles on job platforms

   

   Most moving and hauling work comes through apps and websites. Lumo lets you set up a worker profile, choose 'Moving' and 'Hauling' as your service types, set a job-alert radius, and go on-duty when you are ready to accept bookings. You keep 90% of each job price, and customers book you directly through the app. Payment is automatic, and you can track earnings in your wallet.

   Also list on GoShare, Dolly, Thumbtack, TaskRabbit (for smaller moves), and Craigslist. Each platform has different fee structures (10–30% commission is typical), so compare what you net after fees. Post clear photos of your truck, list your equipment (dollies, straps, blankets), and describe your experience. Respond to inquiries within 15 minutes to win more bids.

4. 04

   Step 4: Price your jobs competitively

   

   Most movers charge by the hour ($80–150 for a two-person crew with a truck) or by the job for longer hauls. For local moves under 30 miles, estimate total time (loading, drive, unloading) and multiply by your hourly rate. A typical two-bedroom apartment move takes three to four hours and runs $300–500. Estate cleanouts or furniture delivery from stores can hit $600+ for a full day.

   For longer hauls (50+ miles), switch to flat-rate pricing: base fee ($100–150) plus $2–4 per mile plus hourly labor at the destination. Always add 30 minutes to your time estimate for traffic and stairs. Charge extra for flights of stairs ($25–50 per floor), heavy items over 150 pounds ($25–75 each), and packing services if you supply boxes and wrap furniture.

5. 05

   Step 5: Equip your truck properly

   

   Basic gear every box-truck mover needs: appliance dolly ($80–150), furniture dolly ($50–100), 12-pack of moving blankets ($60), 24 ratchet straps and bungees ($40), and a toolkit with screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and pliers for disassembling bed frames and tables. Total startup cost: under $400.

   Optional but worth it: a liftgate if your truck does not have a loading ramp (makes solo loading of heavy appliances possible), a rolling cart for boxed items, corner guards, and shrink wrap. Keep paper floor runners in the truck to protect customers' floors and carpets. Replace worn straps and blankets every six months; frayed gear looks unprofessional and risks damage claims.

6. 06

   Step 6: Master loading and safety techniques

   

   Pack the truck front to back, heaviest items first, securing everything to the walls with straps. Wrap all wood furniture in blankets to prevent scratches. Stack boxes labeled 'fragile' on top, never on the bottom. Mattresses and sofas go against the walls standing upright to save floor space. Fill gaps with pillows and soft items so nothing shifts during transit.

   Always lift with your legs, not your back. Invest in a back brace if you are doing this full-time. For items over 100 pounds, hire a second person (budget $20–25/hour) or use a shoulder dolly. Take before-and-after photos of high-value items and the property to protect yourself from false damage claims. Drive smoothly—hard stops send unsecured loads flying.

7. 07

   Step 7: Build repeat business and referrals

   

   Your first 20 jobs are your audition. Show up on time, communicate clearly, protect the customer's belongings, and finish within the quoted time. After each job, ask satisfied customers to leave a review on the platform and refer you to friends. Offer a $25 discount for referrals that book.

   Hand out business cards with your phone number and email. Local real estate agents, estate sale companies, furniture stores, and apartment complexes all need reliable movers on speed-dial. Introduce yourself, offer a contractor discount (10% off), and follow up monthly. Once you have three to four steady referral sources, you will fill your calendar without paying platform fees. Track every lead in a simple spreadsheet so you can follow up and measure which channels bring the most profit.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.