CDL YARDDOG

So long as you don't leave the yard, you're ok

 

Why would the DOT have to do with it?

This is a move on private property, even if the driver went across a road to another part of the yard.

 

Only need the CDL if you will get out on public roads. So long as you stay on private property you're good.

 

All the FMCSA's regulations are only applicable on road.

 

From my experience some companies will require CDL for yard jobs my guess is probably making shuttle moves or requiring you to take runs on occasion.But just moving trailers on a private yard doesn’t need a CDL.That’s how I started driving got a yard dog job at Winn-Dixie at 19 years old did that until I was 21 they gave a road test certification letter to take to DMV toke a written test got my license and started driving

 

I have watched a few JJ Keller webinars where they have stated that being on private property is not necessarily an automatic out for having a CDL. The area that the truck operates in also needs to be in a secured area from the general motoring public such as behind a gate. If someone in a car who is lost can inadvertently make a wrong turn or use the wrong entrance to visit the property and be in the same area as the yard switcher then they are required to have a CDL. Also moving trailers anywhere on a public roadway even just across a street would also require a CDL.

I am sure that there are places that do not follow the regulations to the letter and the chances that they get caught are slim to none, but they also said that this could be something brought up during an on-site DOT audit.

 

No CDL is required if you stay on private property. You can drive a cruise ship full of main battle tanks on private property with no license of any type. If you touch a public road for 1 inch or 1 millisecond a CDL and common insurance and other regulations apply as if you spent all day making deliveries in the same city. One warehouse & yard truck provider across from the large manufacturing plant in the city hired non-CDL yard truck drivers for several dollars an hour less than CDL drivers and then spent years having their non-CDL drivers shuttle trailers across the public road between the manufacturer and the warehouse. That mostly stopped when the cops ticketed about a dozen of their drivers in an hour on one night.

Moving a commercial motor vehicle on even 1 inch of public road requires a CDL and roadworthy truck and trailers. No CDL required to do anything on private property.

 

DOT is strict, but they have no jurisdiction on private property. The Health Dept. can inspect ANY restaurant in town but they cannot inspect your kitchen in your private house.