Editor’s Note: This blog was previously published on September 2021 and has been updated for accuracy – October 2025.
When people think of serious truck accidents, they often picture massive 18-wheelers or tankers barreling down the interstate. But new data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveals a surprising trend: nearly 40% of all fatal truck accidents involve cargo vans and box trucks—not semi-trailers.
That may seem surprising. After all, box trucks are smaller and lighter than semi-trailers and tankers. But their size and weight still far exceed that of passenger vehicles—and when combined with other risk factors, they present serious dangers on the road, especially across Roswell, Alpharetta and the metro Atlanta area.
What Makes Box Trucks So Dangerous?
Box trucks may be smaller than 18-wheelers, but they’re still significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. In fact, a fully loaded 24-foot box truck can weigh up to 25,000 pounds—five times more than an SUV and as much as eight times more than a typical car. Though easier to maneuver than a semi-truck, these vehicles still come with:
- Longer stopping distances
- Larger blind spots
- Decreased visibility
- Wider turning radius
- Higher impact force in a crash
In short, many of the same risks associated with larger commercial trucks also apply to box trucks. Yet there’s one major difference: who’s allowed to drive them.
No CDL? No Problem—At Least Legally
In Georgia, drivers only need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more. Many box trucks fall just under that limit—meaning anyone with a standard Class C license can legally operate them.
That includes drivers with no prior experience operating large vehicles.
Imagine someone used to driving a compact car behind the wheel of a 24-foot moving truck—navigating narrow streets in Roswell or congested highways in Atlanta. It’s easy to see how inexperience can quickly become dangerous.
Commercial Drivers Without Commercial Licenses
Even professional drivers may not hold a CDL. Companies like UPS, FedEx Express, and other commercial delivery services often use vehicles under the CDL weight limit. That means commercial drivers on Atlanta roads may have no specialized training to operate the larger vehicles they drive daily.
While some companies provide in-house training, others may not. The lack of consistent standards creates a situation where large, powerful vehicles are routinely operated by drivers who aren’t equipped to handle them safely.
Who’s Liable After a Box Truck Accident?
When a driver operates a large vehicle without the experience or training necessary to do so safely, it can be considered negligence. Additionally, a company may be held liable for negligent hiring or supervision if they entrust an unqualified driver with a box truck.
After a serious accident involving a box truck or cargo van, an experienced Roswell or Alpharetta car accident attorney can help determine who is legally responsible—from the driver to their employer to the truck’s owner.
Injured in a Box Truck Accident? Call The Balams Firm
Box truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a box truck or cargo van, don’t navigate the legal system alone. An experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Balams Firm, we have expertise in handling commercial vehicle crashes across North Fulton and metro Atlanta. If you’ve been hurt in a box truck or cargo van crash, we’re ready to help you navigate the road to recovery.
Call (404) 445-2005 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
