WAY TOO MUCH MISINFORMATION! HOTSHOT UNDER 26K

Trailer GVWR is most critical to determining when a CDL is required. When a trailer has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and the combined GCWR of the truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or more, a CDL is required by the operator.

And.......

The FMCSA defines a “commercial motor vehicle” as a motor vehicle, or a combination of motor vehicles, in certain GVWR-based configurations, when used in “commerce” to transport “property or passengers.” The physical configuration component of the CMV definition is very mechanical, very objective. When dealing with a tow vehicle-trailer combination, you look at the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of the tow vehicle if the tow-vehicle manufacturer has assigned it a GCWR and displays it on its cert label. With regard to the familiar combination, a tow vehicle (whether truck, automobile, or tractor) towing a trailer, the driver needs a CDL if the tow-vehicle manufacturer’s assigned GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs. (as shown on its cert label) and the trailer’s GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs. If there is no assigned GCWR, the FMCSA requires a CDL only if the sum of the GVWRs of the tow vehicle and the trailer together exceeds 26,000 lbs. and the trailer’s GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs. In either case, the driver will need a Class A CDL.

Key word - COMMERCE

 

Sounds like you are well informed. Very good. Now go get that money.

 

Good info and basically what I've come to understand. Now to dive into CDL vs non-CDL Class A.

I run farm plates on my truck and trailers and I'm not above 26k (Texas). I understand that if your trailer is over 10k, you need a class A unless it's farm tagged and then your trailer can go up to 20k but still no GCVW over 26k. Good luck pulling a 20k trailer with a 6k truck. Anyway, I have a 14k GVWR/30k GCVWR f450 on order which with my 14k trailers will be over 26k combined GVWR (truck and trailer GVWR). So, I plan to get a non-CDL class A. That should cover me for farm and personal RV use.

What I don't know is how much more I can do with a non-CDL class A. For example, if my buddies truck breaks down in Oklahoma, can I go tow it back to Texas? I'm not getting paid for it.

 

A 1 ton Chevy duramax will pull a 20K trailer all day long. If you are pulling another truck back or have it on a trailer the words "NOT FOR HIRE" will go a long way towards avoiding problems.

 

Thank you for this info, I wish someone would have done this for me when I was just starting out.

 

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

• Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

OR

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;

AND is involved in Interstate commerce:
Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States—

• Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
• Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
• Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.

States that Require a DOT Number
Apart from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number. These states include:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

 

We are just starting out and small is the word right now - we are running a 20ft - max weight 11k - one car hauler. It is doing the job now as we build and tie other loose ends up, but plan on going larger soon!! At that point I know a lot of things will change which I am prepared for. Honestly knowing how to operate on small scale is more difficult to figure because the answers just aren't readily available, I always get the run round when talking to the "officials" who set-up and enforce all the regulations. So #1 thanks for all the info, it is exactly as I have understood after way too many research sessions. #2 The only thing I am confused on - I know I do not need an IFTA license - BUT I do plan to go interstate so what is my best option to stay legit with fuel tax? I was told i ca still get the license to streamline the process, but this mandates quarterly reports as well - which I am also fine with. GOAL - I want to be legal in all facets of the industry! Thanks to any and all that can help!!

 

Under 26, no IFTA, no CDL depending on state, no drug consortium, sometimes the enforcement gives you bad intel, because they mostly deal with big trucks. Tip one car trailer is not enough in the car business IMO, follow 24 Hotshot posts he knows cars with small truck