Trucking: cdl requirements, vehicle safety act, motor vehicle safety act

Question
I'm transporting (driving)a 26 foot straight truck that weighs less than 26,000lbs gvwr. It's a standard (GMC)Ryder rental type vehicle. It does have air brakes.  Do I need a CDL to be driving this?

Answer
Carl, I don't know the regulations in your state, but here is the federal requirement:

Commercial driver's license (CDL) means a license issued by a State or other jurisdiction, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR Part 383, to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle.
Commercial driver's license information system (CDLIS) means the CDLIS established by FMCSA pursuant to section 12007 of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle-
(a) Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds); or
(b) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more); or
(c) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
(d) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in this section.

For further information: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.asp?s...

Hope this helps.