Looking to get started as a non-CDL Hotshot.
My plan is to take a RAM 3500 Chassis Cab, place a sleeper on it and run a 40' trailer via gooseneck. Combined GVWR will be 26,000 LB (truck is at 13,000 LB and trailer at 13,000 LB). I am concerned that the chassis cab may be viewed differently than a truck with a bed in some states (or maybe Federal). I want to make sure that a chassis cab (also considered an incomplete vehicle) can be driven by non-CDL in the lower 48 (assuming it runs under 26,000 LB in both ratings and actual weight of course).
Any other insight is welcome as well but running the chassis cab is the major concern. Don't want to buy something and find out I have made a mistake. The laws are very hard to either get or understand.
Thanks for your help.
Chassis Cab and non-CDL
Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by sabal_logistics, Apr 23, 2020.
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Any particular reason you want to put a sleeper on it?
You gain nothing with a sleeper, unless you are running teams. -
Your mistakes are two.
It becomes a combination vehicle, therefore Class A.
Second, a sleeper on that truck has to be built to strict DOT spec for sleepers. Only a few companies do that kind of custom work to make DOT Legal Sleepers for those little trucks. (Not little as in insult, but rather the type and what they are...) -
So, the difference is a chassis cab makes the truck and trailer a combination vehicle? Whereas, running with a bed makes it a truck and a trailer, 2 separate vehicles?
As for the sleep portion, I have cleared that with the manufacturer/installer. To answer to the other guy's question, I am under the impression sleeping in a crew cab is technically not DOT compliant. I do not want to spend money on hotels either way.
Apologies in advanced if any or all of this is wrong...the regulatory part is the roughest of this business...especially non-CDL.
Thanks for your help.Last edited: Apr 23, 2020
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without a cdl, your total gvwr has to be under 26k or you will need a class A. doesnt matter if pick up truck or cab chassis truck
Last edited: Apr 23, 2020
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You can't log sleeper in a pickup truck, but you don't have to. After your hours are up you log 'off duty' and sleep where you want. Sleeping in the cab of a pickup is legal. If you want to log 'sleeper berth' so someone else can drive, you need a DOT approved sleeper. If you are by yourself, log 'off duty' and sleep in the truck.
Many Hot Shotters do this every day. -
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Class A — Any vehicle towing a unit of more than 10,000 pounds GVWR with a gross combination weight rating (truck plus trailer) over 26,000 pounds.
Class B — A single-unit vehicle that is over 26,000 pounds GVWR.
- • For a passenger endorsement, the skill test must be passed in a bus with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a passenger capacity of more than 15, including the driver.
- • For a school bus endorsement, the skill test must be passed in a school bus with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a passenger capacity of more than 15, including the driver
• Hazardous materials
• Passenger
• School bus (with passenger endorsement) -
That just confirmed what I stated, do some more research.
Lite bug Thanks this. -
However, I have heard, off and on, that the 3500 being a chassis cab somehow reclassifies it and you have to have CDL even if under 26,000. Like the first reply eluded to, chassis cab with trailer is considered a combination vehicle and that may mean CDL. I am trying to find a definitive answer but I can not. Even if the answer is some states do and some states don't...then at least I would know what my options are.
Thanks for your reply!Last edited: Apr 23, 2020
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