Pappy: Here's the requirements for a class C CDL. Governments do not normally require a CDL to drive a cargo van. That requirement only comes into play if the company or person to which you lease your van and services requires you to have a CDL or a CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement. They do this simply because they want you to be licensed to carry any freight they might wish to offer. As independent contractors, we are entitled, by that same lease agreement, to refuse to accept any or all jobs that involve hazardous materials. My carrier requires a CDL with HazMat Endorsement; however, we rarely carry much more than a 55 gal drum of paint (flammable), a pallet of batteries (corrosive) or a tub of shock absorbers (compressed gas). If the weight is over 1000#, placards would be required.
CDL License Classes
Commercial Driver's Licenses have one of the following classes:
Class A Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B Any single unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such towing vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C Any single unit vehicle, or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of A or B, but that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver or is placarded for hazardous materials.
I hope this helps a little. Not all the expedite carries require a CDL for a cargo van. I would apply using my regular drivers license number when a field asks for CDL#. You can clarify when contacted by a company.
Terry