Trucking: kind of driving license, vehicle safety inspection, diagnosis of diabetes

Question
What kind of driving license is required to transport with a 1 ton truck and trailer, and are there any restrictions for health issues,ie:diabetes, heart conditions ect..
thanx for any info

Answer
Drivers license:  A commercial motor vehicle is a vehicle being operated to make money that weighs 10,001 lbs. and more. CDL requirements begin at 26,001 lbs. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the trailer will determine whether you need class A CDL or not. The trailer must be 10,001 lbs and more to fall under Class A CDL.

Example 1: (truck)GVWR 11,000 lbs. + (trailer)GVWR 9,800 lbs. = GCWR 20,800 lbs. NO CDL required {11,000 + 9,800 = 20,800 lbs}

Example 2 : (truck) GVWR 11,000 lbs. + (trailer) GVWR 15,001 lbs. = GCWR 26,001 lbs. Class A CDL required {11,000 + 15,001 = 26,001 lbs.}

Example 3 :(truck) GVWR 17,000 lbs. + (trailer) GVWR 10,000 lbs. = GCWR 27,000 lbs. NO CDL required {17,000 + 10,000 = 27,000 lbs}
(The GCWR is over 26,000 lbs., but the trailer is under 10,001 lbs.)

Important number to watch is the number 1 at the end 10,001 lbs & 26,001 lbs. That 1 lb makes all the difference.

GCWR : Gross Combination Weight Rating (truck + trailer)

A commercial motor vehicle also requires: annual vehicle safety inspection, DOT #, ALL driver qualifications, requires running a log book, and is subject to roadside safety inspection.

Okay here's the health question part.
FMCSA Regulation 391.41(b)(3) (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)

A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:

Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease which, on occasion, can result in a loss of consciousness or disorientation in time and space. Individuals who require insulin for control have conditions which can get out of control by the use of too much or too little insulin, or food intake not consistent with the insulin dosage. Incapacitation may occur from symptoms of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic reactions (drowsiness, semiconsciousness, diabetic coma, or insulin shock).

The administration of insulin is within itself, a complicated process requiring insulin, syringe, needle, alcohol sponge and a sterile technique. Factors related to long-haul commercial motor vehicle operations such as fatigue, lack of sleep, poor diet, emotional conditions, stress, and concomitant illness, compound the diabetic problem. Because of these inherent dangers, the FMCSA has consistently held that a diabetic who uses insulin for control does not meet the minimum physical requirements of the FMCSRs.

Hypoglycemic drugs, taken orally, are sometimes prescribed for diabetic individuals to help stimulate natural body production of insulin. If the condition can be controlled by the use of oral medication and diet, then an individual may be qualified under the present rule.

See Conference Report on Diabetic Disorders and Commercial Drivers and Insulin-Using Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/medreports.htm

Go to the FMCSA websight and there you will find the Federal Motor Carrier regulations. §391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers.

I know this is a lot, but you asked a broad question unknowingly. If you need me to explain please let me know. I tried to make it simple.