How heavy is your trailer?

[Rockn H]

Well, I left off part of my post.  What all the legal stuff means is if you're trucks GVWR is 11000lbs and no GVWR on the trailer you can have 15000lbs combined trailer and load weight without a cdl.  As for myself I think everyone should get a cdl.  The driving test can be taken in the exact vehicle (yours) that you intend on using, in most states.  If it doesn't have air brakes ect.  you're license will just show it as a restriction, which you can change later if you need to.

[WeeksvilleWoodWorx]

Rockn H ,

While I won't question what the FEDERAL BOOK SAYS ....... your scenario would REQUIRE a CDL in N.C.. Any towed vehicle in excess of 10,001 lbs requires a CDL...  in N.C.

Yes, absent a Federal CDL, State laws govern the use of their highways, the way it should be.

And there are many other things that come with a CDL other than the test.... log book if over 100 miles from home, BAC of .04 %, apportioned tags if you are out of state etc...

[SawDust_Studios]

Here in PA, I can't tell you the number of people I know that have 12,000 + trailers licensed at 10,000 for the simple fact of a cdl.

Personally, I have a 20ft peque deck-over that has 2 6k lbs axles.  Licensed at 10k of course.  I know I've pushed the limit (trailer, not legal) more than a few times. 

I thought about getting a flatbed or something, but not only can you use the truck when needed, but for our small operation (part-time)  I just can't see paying insurance, maintance, license, etc on another vehicle.

Dave

[Brian_Rhoad]

Sawdust, you don't need a CDL in PA unless your truck and trailer combination is over 26,000 lbs. And then thats only if the trailer is over 10,000 lbs. According to the PennDOT web site you can drive a truck rated at 26,000 lbs and pull a trailer rated at 10,000 lbs or less without a CDL. This also is what the federal DOT regulations are. It used to be in PA that any trailer over 10,000 lbs required a CDL, but PA changed the regulation to be in line with what the Feds wanted.

[J_T]

In the comunist wealth of Ky if you own the product you are hauling and the truck is yours then no cdl is required . Some of the youakles with a badge don't even know the diffrence in not for hire and what CDL stands for.

[johnjbc]

Thanks Brian I didn't know they had changed it. Looks like it might still apply if you go out of state. Also I can't find anything on the GCVW limits on the Pemm DOT web site



a) A combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more,
provided the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
b) A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds.
c) A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
d) A school bus designed to carry 11 passengers or more, including the driver.
e) Any size vehicle which transports hazardous materials and is required to be placarded in
accordance with Department regulations.

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_223/section_1.pdf

Pennsylvania is one of 59 jurisdictions in North America who are members of the International Registration Plan
(IRP). Except for Alaska and Hawaii, all other states and the District of Columbia are members of the IRP. In
addition, the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitola, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova
Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan participate in the plan.
The IRP applies to vehicles that operate through (interstate) or within (intrastate) any of the member
jurisdictions and that are used for the transportation of persons for hire or are designed, used or maintained for
transportation of property. The plan covers motor vehicles with a gross weight or registered gross weight in
excess of 26,000 pounds, combinations with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds and motor vehicleshaving three or more axles, regardless of weight.
A Pennsylvania-registered vehicle must possess one of the following credentials in order to operate in any of
the other member jurisdictions:
1. An IRP registration plate with other jurisdictions listed on the cab card and the corresponding weight.
2. An IRP temporary registration issued by a company on an official form.
3. A wire service telegram.
4. A trip permit issued by the other jurisdiction or its agents.
5. Full registration issued by the other jurisdiction.

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pabv.pdf

[pigman]

J_T,
That only applies if you are a dumb farmer like me, I think. I know I am dumb and I know I am a farmer, I just don't know  if I am right about the other part.
Bob

[Rockn H]

Weeksville I stand corrected.
 Interesting the way North Carolina words it, they put the federal def. then go on to say more or less 10,000lbs for the trailer period.  I never think of the state laws since I run interstate commerce and every state I've delt with including North Carolina has went by the Federal DOT Regs.  I always just assumed thats what they followed.  Maybe its because I run Apportioned plates.  Still learning something new.  Come to think of it I'm delivering in North Carolina Tuesday, if I get my nerve up I may stop and ask the Dot at one of the scale houses.  Those guys make me a little nervous though.
 

[hillbilly]

                  MO.'s laws and regulations look to be pretty similar to PA I think that they want you to have at least a [showfer] license to drive avehicle w/plates over 24000 so to put 26000lb on your truck and have a trailer rated at 10000and NOT ;DCARRY OVER  26001lbs you can be fairly safe.But then again it amazes me at the people here that only run 24000 or 18000 and pull 10000 goosenecks loaded to the max w/no fear .
hillbilly 

[Ga_Boy]

If this was easy; everybody would be doing it.

[SawDust_Studios]

Hmm.  Didn't know they changed anything and I'd be willing to be that most people around here don't.  Of course, the problem is still going from state to state. Especially where I am, only 20 miles from WV or MD. 

I like the KY rule.  Makes sense that you only need commercial licence if your making your money by hauling. 

Dave