Trucking: GVWR, trailer gvwr, gross vehicle weight

Question
Israel,

I am confused regarding GVWR ratings for trailers and trucks. My question is regarding truck and trailer weights relative to the required CDL.
I have read many of your posts regarding this subject but I am still not clear.
If I run a 1 ton cab chassis with a GVWR of 12500 and pull a trailer rated at GVWR 18000 does this mean the total 300500 reguires a CDL ?
I guess I don't understand the difference between GVW and GVWR.
If I want to stay under the 26001# weight threshold what truck/trailer combo would you suggest??
Thanks  

Answer
Hi Sheldon,

GVWR is the gross vehicle weight rating, which means what the truck and/or trailer are capable of hauling including the weight of the truck and/or tailer.

Truck   GVWR 12,500 lbs.
Trailer GVWR 18,000 lbs.
       GCWR 30,500 lbs. ( Gross Combination Weight Rating )

The physical gross weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo can not exceed 30,500 lbs. loaded.
If this combination is being used to make money, it is consider to be a commercial motor vehicle and requires a Class A CDL license. Any combination of vehicles with GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more require Class A CDLs.

I hope this answers your question, if not shoot me another question.

God Bless, Israel