Freightliner Pulling Machine- What Can You Tell Me About It?

[downslope]

Texas requires a CDL if it is a commercial vehicle and meets Class A or B requirements with a few exceptions. Commercial farm vehicles not going over 150 miles away from the farm and firefighting vehicles are two but you must have the appropriate non-CDL class license for the vehicle. I had a Class A non-CDL to drive firetrucks. Our Freightliner FL70 ambulance had a GVWR of 28,000# and required a Class B non-CDL or Class B CDL to drive it.

Texas requires a Class B non-CDL to drive a non-commercial single vehicle over 26,001# GVWR towing a trailer not exceeding 10,000# or a farm trailer not exceeding 20,000#, which includes RVs. My parents pusher motorhome required a Class B non-CDL. A non-commercial combination of vehicles exceeding 26,001# with the towed vehicle exceeding 10,000# requires a Class A non-CDL.

Depending on the year and axles the Freightliner M2 Sportchassis could have a GVWR from 18,000# up to 54,000#, although most are around 20,000# for the soft ride. With most GN trailers you will be in a Class A license situation in Texas, either a non-CDL or CDL depending on if the vehicle is used for non-commercial or commercial work.

How do these non-CDL A and B licenses work in Texas? Do you have to take a road test in the appropriate vehicle, like the pusher RV or heavy truck with trailer? Was the fire dept Class A for tanker semi-trailers and/or tractor pulled aerials? I'm guessing the FD's do their own certifications without any DMV testing, but how does it work with the private motor homes and farmers with heavy trucks and trailers?

 

[Rustyiron]

How do these non-CDL A and B licenses work in Texas? Do you have to take a road test in the appropriate vehicle, like the pusher RV or heavy truck with trailer? Was the fire dept Class A for tanker semi-trailers and/or tractor pulled aerials? I'm guessing the FD's do their own certifications without any DMV testing, but how does it work with the private motor homes and farmers with heavy trucks and trailers?

I think that the CDL rules are now "federal" and the same in each state throught out the country. Yes you need the appropriat vehicle for the test, that is if they want you to get a class XXX license to drive YOUR tk/trlr., that can be your test vehicle. You do need an air brake veh. for the test if you want the air brake endorsment, but not required for a hyd brake tk. As for the test, the driving/law/operation is one thing, (if you can't do that, hang it up) but the pre trip is where you need to study on!

 

[Duffster]

I think that the CDL rules are now "federal" and the same in each state throught out the country. .......You do need an air brake veh. for the test if you want the air brake endorsment,

Unfortunately they are not.

There is no air brake endorsement.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I think that the CDL rules are now "federal" and the same in each state throught out the country. Yes you need the appropriat vehicle for the test, that is if they want you to get a class XXX license to drive YOUR tk/trlr., that can be your test vehicle. You do need an air brake veh. for the test if you want the air brake endorsment, but not required for a hyd brake tk. As for the test, the driving/law/operation is one thing, (if you can't do that, hang it up) but the pre trip is where you need to study on!

States are "encouraged" to follow federal law and in general cannot push their "agenda" on interstate commerce. Residents to each state are bound to any additional requirements within that state. States can also regulate state and local road restrictions, etc. on interstate commerce.

The more well versed you are with the varous truck components then the easier a pre trip inspection will be. For the benefit of those not yet into this but may be, you will not always see this in print but your pre trip starts while you are walking up to your truck. If you are being tested, let the instructor know that you are looking at the general condition of the vehicle, the lights, license, glass, etc. When you get into the details up front, the inspector will know that you know what you are doing. They may tell you to move on. Don't let your guard down once you get into that cab. If you have air, go into what you need to do and know, same for the lights. Let the instructor stop you if they should desire in order to move on.

 

[WM75Guy]

How do these non-CDL A and B licenses work in Texas? Do you have to take a road test in the appropriate vehicle, like the pusher RV or heavy truck with trailer? Was the fire dept Class A for tanker semi-trailers and/or tractor pulled aerials? I'm guessing the FD's do their own certifications without any DMV testing, but how does it work with the private motor homes and farmers with heavy trucks and trailers?

You are correct, the road test has to be in a vehicle that requires an A or B license depending on what you applied for. The test is done by the Texas Dept of Public Safety DL Division. The license is a regular license, it has a box for class, it states A, B, or C, and costs the same as a regular license. Driving fire apparatus requires the appropriate state license. It saved me money by not having to pay CDL fees or having to get a CDL physical. There is no endorsements such as air brakes or haz mat but I could drive an fire apparatus with air brakes.

Some of the guys got CDLs as they drove commercial vehicles on their part time job. The city did not require CDLs, just the appropriate class of non-CDL or CDL license.

 

[Rustyiron]

Unfortunately they are not.

There is no air brake endorsement.

They (DMV) sure don't make it easy (to understand) and get answers. I'm familiar with ME & MD, they both use the same CDL "booklet". In MD I could have got an "A" restricted, in my F450/25k GN. But that meant no tractor-trlr. and no air brk. No wonder every discussion here starts many different responses. A right answer here, might be a wrong answer some where else!:confused2:

 

[whodat526]

Unfortunately they are not.

There is no air brake endorsement.

there is in la i just took the test you must take a test just on air brakes to get the endorsement and take the driving test in a air brake equiped truck

 

[Topkicker]

Howdy,

Frieghtliner's are nice. It has a lot more pulling power Light Duty trucks. I looked at all the other options out there. The best way is to buy something in the medium duty class truck.

FL60
Cat 3126B 275hp 6 speed

Medium Duty is definately the way to go for large 5th wheels. I had a 3/4 ton and 34ft 5th wheel and went to a Medium Duty 4500 GMC and 38ft 5th wheel. The stability, visability, and pullling power was night and day difference between the two. The room was a huge plus in the Medium Duty when on long road trips. Loved the air ride seats and suspension. My 5th wheel pin had an air bag also.

 

[Duffster]

there is in la i just took the test you must take a test just on air brakes to get the endorsement and take the driving test in a air brake equiped truck

You took a test but there is no air brake endorsement.

Look at your license and tell us what letter represents your air brake endorsement.

You took an eye test as well. Do you have an eye endorsement?

 

[tcartwri]

You took a test but there is no air brake endorsement.

Look at your license and tell us what letter represents your air brake endorsement.

You took an eye test as well. Do you have an eye endorsement?

I have both. Airbrake and Eye. Not sure what the point of your argument is.

Airbrake can be obtained at any time, by any license class. In fact two of our drivers had their AB cert before they did their A commercial. Saved them the stress of doing everything in front of the examiner when they got their full ticket.