any CMV DPS enforcement members?

[brushtrooper]

In a discussion with some friends and this came up. Why is it that you can drive a combination with GCVWR over 26,001 lbs and not need a CDL when the power unit is under 26,001 GVWR and the trailer is under 10,001 GVWR. An example would a Ford F550 with 19,500 GVWR and a trailer with 8000lb GVWR, this comination does not require a CDL since trailer is under 10,001 lbs but the combination is over 26,001 lbs. On the other hand a 1 ton F350 dually with 14,000 GVWR hooked up to a 20' bumper pull with 2-7k axles and 14,000lb GVWR requires a CDL since the trailer is over 10,001 lbs.

[brushtrooper]

Ttt

[cashbuck]

State and Federal law say a trailer with a GVWR or actual weight of 10k or less is not used in the determination of a license class. However the trailer, regardless of GVWR or actual weight is still used to determine applicability as a CMV.

In Texas a CDL is only required to operate a CMV ... otherwise a Class A or B DL can be used based on GVWR or actual weight.

[Davoh]

In Texas a CDL is only required to operate a CMV ... otherwise a Class A or B DL can be used based on GVWR or actual weight.

It's more complicated than that. I have a class c, and tow trailers for a living, in a texas-registered CMV. Only requirement(even as a CMV) is that the GVWR of truck and Trailer, combined, not exceed 26k. There's entire segments of industries based on this.

[Tuffbroadhead]

I have had a few DOT guys come through class, some that even have a business going to larger trucking companies as consultants to improve regulation compliance.

Recently I needed to move something and was told Anything combined GVWR over 26,001 or combined 60ft would have to be handled by a CDL.

[M16]

Put farm plates on the trailer and roll on.

[cashbuck]

It's more complicated than that. I have a class c, and tow trailers for a living, in a texas-registered CMV. Only requirement(even as a CMV) is that the GVWR of truck and Trailer, combined, not exceed 26k. There's entire segments of industries based on this.

If you’re not in commerce a CDL is not required ... a Class A or B DL will do.

[cashbuck]

I have had a few DOT guys come through class, some that even have a business going to larger trucking companies as consultants to improve regulation compliance.

Recently I needed to move something and was told Anything combined GVWR over 26,001 or combined 60ft would have to be handled by a CDL.

Over 26k in commerce is a CMV ... if the trailer doesn’t exceed 10k it’s not used for CDL purposes. It’s common to operate a CMV but not be required to have a CDL.

[brushtrooper]

I get the 26,001 requirement but if you follow the prompts on the flow chart, it clearly shows that you can have a vehicle combination that is over 26,001 and not need a CDL or class A. This is where the debate starts.
Most fall back on the 26,001 and say you have to have a Class A. Yet, A F550 with GVWR 19,500lbs hooked up to a trailer with GVWR 8,000lbs does not require a CDL if you follow the flow chart on the TXDOT website. It does not matter that the combo has 27,500lb GCVWR. Now if you have a 1 ton dually with GVWR 14,000lbs and hooked up to a bumper pull utility trailer with 2-7k axles and 14,000 GVWR-this combo requires a CDL or class A if not commercial. Why?

https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/commercial-vehicle-enforcement/cdl-commercial-drivers-license-classifications_a1?fbclid=IwAR0SLIO0VVI-IdTLd9L20IoywUWfTOI4mwH8ImB3g2RrCxio3OWz1VnRZA0

The length law is 65', you cannot exceed 65'. Most of your current Crew cab longbed trucks hooked up to a 40' GN exceed 65'. Most will argue that the law does not apply to them. This law applies to everyone, RV people, Ranchers/Farmers-everyone. When they get stopped by the right officer and get the ticket, they will believe.
Farm plates do not exempt anyone from the current rules. They used to but not anymore.

[brushtrooper]

Over 26k in commerce is a CMV ... if the trailer doesn’t exceed 10k it’s not used for CDL purposes. It’s common to operate a CMV but not be required to have a CDL.

Where is the definitions showing that a trailer that is not over 10k, is not used for CDL purpose? I would love to find this so I can have a better understanding.

[cashbuck]

The answer to the “why” is the FMCSA’s definitions in 383.5 which States (including Texas) adopted.

You’re right on an over length combination ... a crewcab truck with 40’ trailer will be 18” or more over 65’. I stretch the tape several times a week.

[cashbuck]

I’ve seen some interesting “fixes” to remedy the over length condition.

[brushtrooper]

The answer to the “why” is the FMCSA’s definitions in 383.5 which States (including Texas) adopted.

You’re right on an over length combination ... a crewcab truck with 40’ trailer will be 18” or more over 65’. I stretch the tape several times a week.

So is this the answer? So a combination can be over 26,001 and not require a CDL since the trailer does not have GVWR of 10,001 or more? Do i have that correct? it makes sense, kind of




(1) Combination Vehicle (Group A) - having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), whichever is greater; or

[brushtrooper]

I’ve seen some interesting “fixes” to remedy the over length condition.

I bet we get 6-8 inquires each month, asking if we will shorten a trailer. That pic looks sketchy but I like the idea. The trailer with monster ramps- the big flip over ramps are typically 10'' longer, so 40'-10".