QuestionI was reading a post on here about weight limits for hot shot trucking. The answer said to pay attention to the 10,001 pounds for trailer and the 26,001 total weights. He said that if your truck GVWR is 17,000 and your trailer GVWR is 9,000 you are ok for two reason. 1. your GCVW is under 26,001 and your trailer is under the 10,001.
Here is my question what if my truck GVWR is 8000 and my trailer GVWR is 15000, my GCWR is under the 26,001 is this legal without CDL? I guess I am wondering about the 10,001 on the trailer. it is hard to find a good trailer with a GVWR under 10,000#. Can my trailer BGWR be more that the 10,001 if my COMBINED GVWR stays under the 26,001?
AnswerThe way I read the regulation:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm
Classes of License:
The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:
Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds PROVIDED the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, OR any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.
So if your total GVWR is 23,000# you do not appear to need a Class A CDL.
The 15,000 trailer may require a Class B CDL since you have a "single vehicle" "... towing a vehicle over 10,000# GVWR.
I am not an expert in this area so please check with your state DOT to see what their interpretation is.
Jim.
