36,000lb and no CDL?

I agree with Brian, another example could be a 25k chip truck pulling 7,500 pound chipper. Over 26k CGVWR but trailer less than 10k, no CDL required.

 

If that were the case then the entire towing industry would be in a heap of trouble, because I've just described 95% of every flatbed tow truck in the industry, for which a CDL is NOT required (unless it has air brakes).

 

To me this says any combination of over 26k requires a class A cdl. In addition, if you are towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10k then you need a class A cdl. It reads to me as two separate criteria.

In other words if you have a truck at 25,999 and a trailer behind that at 100 then you are over the 26,001 and need a class a CDL. In another scenario, if you have a 10k truck pulling a 10k trailer you need a class A cdl because of the trailer.

The key is the first 4 words "Any combination of vehicles"

 

It would be very different for the simple reason that when you are using a u-haul you are moving your personal goods and not for hire. Hence, no need for a CDL.

 

Reading comprehension, the key WORD is INCLUSIVE of a trailer greater than 10,000 pounds, the first 4 words only matter if the trailer is greater than 10,000 pounds, meaning at least 10,001 pounds gross rating or more. Also, no you would not need a cdl A for a 10k truck with a 10k trailer, gross combined is only 20k and the trailer is less than 10,001, same with the 25,999 and 10,000 no cdl, but if it was 25,999 and 10,001 trailer then yes, you meet the definition of a class a combination.

 

I read that just like I stated. Inclusive in this can mean "also". I read it that if you have a trailer over 10k no matter what the power unit is you need a CDL.

We are interpreting this differently. I would put a CDL driver in there and let the others enjoy their tickets. A combined GVWR is a combined GVWR no matter what trailer is attached.

The interpretation of your local authorities is what really matters.

 

I agree for safety they should have a properly trained cdl driver in the combination, really splitting hairs with the one pound difference as it does not make it safe for any idiot with a car license to operate a combination like the OP described, but legally he is fine to do it, it is not up for local interpretation, the class of cdl or if one is even needed is dictated to the States by Federal regulation, and trust me, as a former cdl examiner I can guarantee you he is legal to not have a cdl in that truck. In the case of the Federal class a definition inclusive does not mean also, it means with or including a trailer greater than 10,000 pounds.