Trailer GVW before CDL required

[QRTRHRS]

So what your suggesting Bob, going over 10k on the trailer is okay if your not commercial and when crossing state lines? What about the "instate" part of your trip?

 

[MBurke]

My last post on this issue, any more would be overkill.

this will be my last post on this issue. Arguments are pointless, and it really doesn't matter anyway. I am a professional driver and am in PERFECT legal compliance at less than 26,000 lbs. There are MANY hotshot drivers who do the same. It MAY vary by state, but I have always been honored in any other state to KY laws. You DO need a DOT # on the truck, med card, and all that good stuff, but in this case a CDL is not needed. COMBINATION is all that is looked at in this manner. If there was a "getting caught" I would have "Gotten caught" by now. They look at registation on the truck. I have direct contact with the DOT in many states all the time. They do however look at the trailer wieght capacity. Mine is 12,000. The truck and trailer wiegh about 13,000, which leaves around 12,000 for cargo. I have been told MANY times in the wiegh station, that I had 4,000lbs. to go when I wieghed in at 22,000.

Best advice is to contact local authorities and go from there. I did forget to mention the DOT#'s on the truck as sewman mentioned. By the way, I have been pulled in, in Ohio about 4 times this year, and no problems, because I am legal. Sorry about your luck with the Ohio DOT, sewman. I think we may be talking about 2 different issues (Commercial for hire with DOT authority) (vs. Private or Bus. use. )

Do what you feel comfortable with. I just needed to defend myself by stating that I am a professional, and I don't just "get by". I take great pride in my work and safety.

M.

Disclaimer: This message is not meant to offend anyone..... When reading written text, it is impossible to read "body language" and tones. Just a friendly conversation... .

Best of luck to all! What ever you do, avoid fines. Makes for less $ for bombing!!!Oo.

 

[Bob W]

trying to clarify things...

Thanks for all the replies; Did I understand correctly that if I drag my tractor on the weekends to make a few bucks, I may need a CDL?

 

[sewman]

I guess I'll have to repeat myself!If you tow OUT of state & are making money you will only need a CDL if your over 26,000

BUT you are SUPPOSED to have a Med Card,Logbook & DOT # on your vehicle IF your combined(truck & trailer) GVW is over 10,500

Myself I go out of state a couple of times a yr & just happened to get stop in CT & since I'm from OH & had some lettering on the trailer I got some warnings & a speeding ticket

Bob

 

[Terry]

Well for what it's worth I am looking at my Colorado CDL Drivers Manual right now and on page 1 it states:



Operators of these vehicles are exempt from the CDL Requirements. CRS 42-20-502 (III)



Recreation Vehicles.

Military Vehicles operated by millitary personel.

Firefighting Equipment.

Farm Vehicles when controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport aqriculture products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to and from a farm, not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier; or used within 150 air miles of the persons farm.

Farmers may be required to have a DOT medical certifcate when operating certain vehicles.

 

[WhiteGoat]

GVW

All of our company 2500's and 3500's are registered at 25,999. We carry DOT medical cards and pull 35' tandem dual goosenecks that are rated for 20,000# with either of the trucks. Trailers are not tagged for weight in our state, therefore they look at the total combo weight. None of my employee's have CDL. Just FYI

 

[rickhans]

Look at this link https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18237 "More on the CDL & max GVW issue".



here are more links further back. This one started in Jan. this year. It goes into a lot more detail, but still left some questions un-answered, or at least un-clear.

 

[Bob W]

Thanks B'Gate... it does get confusing.

 

[wtrenholm]

This gets very confusing. When I was racing we always talked about this stuff. We were never near 26000 but the issue was being commercial or not and having to meet DOT requirements like medical cards and logs. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but it can get expensive with this stuff.



Wayne