So looking at a new trailer...how big?

[crashz]

Italic is directly from my FMSCA driver handbook:

FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Regulations Part 383 Definitions, defines a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a -
(1) Combination Vehicle (Group A) - having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001lbs, whichever is greater inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,001lbs, whichever is greater; or
(2) Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B) - having a gross combination weight rating (GVW tag on the vehicle) or gross combination weight of 26,001lbs...

Check out the exemptions though. Look up FMSCA Part 390.3 General applicability, parts f, 1-7. (3) states The occasional transportation of personal property by individual not for compensation and not in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise.

The rules do apply to actual weight as well as weight rating when/if the vehicles are over loaded. My F450 is rated at a GVWR of 15,000lbs and trailer at 10,000lbs. If I'm 1000lbs over on the trailer, working for $, and get pulled over, I would also be in violation of operating a commercial vehicle without the proper license.

Tricky stuff, but OP I think you are currently OK.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'm so confused now...thought I used to know the numbers for being under CDL but never heard of this 10k limit for the towed vehicle before.

Just so I'm not already illegal. If I have a 7k tow vehicle, a 5k trailer, with a 7.5k load my total weight is 19.5k so I am under the 26k threshold and okay? Or have I been driving illegally every time I move my tractor?

I'm very confused about the 10k limited for towed vehicles I guess is my issue and google isn't helping me at all.

Youre ok, but you might need a med card.
I have had one since the 90’s, so its pretty fuzzy in my memory, but I thought the med card threshold was 17,500 combo if doing any commercial business.
To get a med card, you have to have a physical exam, vision test and pee in a cup for drugs every 2 years in my state.
I also have random drug and alcohol screening. I dont do either, so nothing for me to worry about, but the screenings are a big PITA.

 

[LD1]

I see you live in central Ohio (as do I) are you sure that is law in Ohio?

Nope.

Too many grey areas. Ask a dozen LEO's and you will get a dozen different examples.

There is a big difference of what the laws actually mean, and how they are interpreted and enforced by boots on the ground.

Around here, if your sporting a dually and gooseneck with a tractor or something on it (not the hotshot truckers hauling 3-car wedges)....you get waived through and look at like you are stupid if you pull into a weigh station amongst the 18-wheelers.

BUT, by the letter of the law....I have a 14k GVWR dually. And I can tow a 12k equipment trailer no problem. But upgrade to a 14k and all of the sudden a class A is required. Same trailer towed by dads slightly older dually one ton with its 12k GVWR gets a free pass.

The laws are stupid......at one time no "pickup" truck would exceed the the requirements under normal circumstances. But the never ending war among the big 3 to drive up the tow ratings and GVWR's have made it all but impossible for small-time landscaper-types to comply with the laws. 25 years ago who would have though twice about buying a new 14k trailer to go with their new pickup. OR even splurging and upgrading to 8k axles. But now its is a real concern.

The laws were originally intended to require further driver training to drive a dumptruck, a schoolbus, an 18-wheeler, or a heavy duty straight truck. The laws are long over due to be revised to reflect current "pickup" trucks.

Ohio is not a strict state when it comes to this aspect. But again, all depends on the LEO and their mood for the day and their knowledge of the "letter of the law". But I feel bad for those that live in areas that it has become all about a money grab and targeting the landscape/hardscape crews and companies. Landscape companies cannot (and shouldnt) be required to pay CDL-A wages for their general laborers towing a trailer with a dingo, mowers, a trencher, etc.

 

[sea2summit]

Got my class A over 30 years ago and Im so glad I did.

It's on my list but my real job is holding me back

 

[WM75Guy]

In Texas there is a non-commercial Class A and Class B available for certain uses. I had a Class A non-commercial license to drive firetrucks. Also the trailer can go to 20,000# if it is a farm trailer and not go into Class A or B territory.

Class of Non-Commercial Driver License​

Class A, B, C, and M driver licenses are issued to individuals who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license (CDL) or who are not required to obtain a CDL.

NOTE: Individuals who are exempt from obtaining a CDL may still be required to obtain a Class A or B driver license if the type of vehicle driven meets the weight requirement for a Class A or B vehicle.

Individuals who are exempt from obtaining a CDL but may need a Class A or B driver license are:

• Operators of recreational vehicles driven for personal use
• Some farmers who meet certain criteria
• Operators of cotton-seed modules or cotton burrs
• A fire-fighting or emergency vehicle operator
• Military vehicle operators
• Vehicles owned, leased or controlled by an air carrier

For more information on exemptions, please refer to the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook.

Class B

Authorizes an individual to drive: Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more that is towing a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed 10,000 pounds or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds A bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more including the driver

Class C

Authorizes an individual to drive: Single vehicle or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or B Single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds Designed to transport 23 or less passengers including the driver Note: Vehicles rated for the transport of 16-23 passengers including the driver require a Class C CDL, unless exempt An autocycle.

 

[sd455dan]

Sea2summit if you get bored can always entertain yourself with this classic TBN discussion,

When the new 1 tons pushed the CDL boundaries

3500 truck needs CDL?

I was told that since the capacities of the new trucks have increased, a CDL is required for any truck whose weight and payload exceed 10,000lbs. I asked a second person and they said that was correct and that is why you see a lot less dualies these days. Is this true?

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[lostcause]

Ok, so here's my question: what about a homemade trailer that has no GVWR... how does that play in? we don't declare any weight rating here if it is homemade, and there are tons of homemade trailers on the roads.

 

[LD1]

Ok, so here's my question: what about a homemade trailer that has no GVWR... how does that play in? we don't declare any weight rating here if it is homemade, and there are tons of homemade trailers on the roads.

They would probably go by axle ratings.

But if you are hauling with a homemade trailer....odds are you arent commercial anyway

 

[Hersheyfarm]

Did we ever decide if OP is commercial?
Here in Ky the trailer weight does not come into play unless gvwr is 26001.
10001 requires a med and dot # card but it absolutely not enforced. Contractors in pickup trucks and vans are not pulled over. California is the only state I know with the 10k trailer thing. Ridiculous.
if your not commercial, ie, making money you are not commercial and have no need for a cd…if your state is like ky.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

So I do not have a CDL, poorly worded. Should have said non-cdl.

Okay so my GVWR on my truck is 10k and the trailer is 12k I'm good without a CDL unless I load the trailer up to 10,001# or have an exemption from my state, is that correct?

And you are not a commercial business. It makes a difference if it's your stuff or you're being paid to drive someone else's stuff. I drive over cdl often but it's farm related. I mean a kenworth and a low boy with a track hoe. I think I can go up to 300 miles from farm legally.