Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements

   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #21  
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #22  
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #23  
consider if you will ever cross state lines.
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #24  
The FEDs don’t issue drivers licenses.
CDL is a federal requirement. The CDL is a federal license issued and administered by the states according to federal regulations.
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #25  
I'm trying to figure out if this site is legit for getting requirements to take the cdl test and get licensed.

I have heard that you now have to take one of the CDL courses and have a CDL learners permit in some states before you can take the test. Passing the knowledge test is a requirement for the learner's permit.


  • To be eligible to apply for a commercial driver license, federal rules state that you must:
    • Must be 21 years old to: Drive across state lines. OR operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.
    • Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses. Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
    • Complete an entry-level commercial driver training program (see below for more details on this CDL requirement).
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #26  
The weight of the truck or the trailer means very little. It is the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight that the DOT looks at when inspecting the truck.

My 2007 GMC is rated for 11,400 gross weight. My trailer is de-rated to 14,500 pounds. Thus the GCVW is 25,900 pounds. The empty weight is approximately 15,000. Thus pay load is 11,001 pounds. Any combination over 26,001 will require a CDL according to the Fed guidelines. Any actual weight over 26,001 pounds may result in a fine.

In addition the weight on each axle must been under the rating on the spec sheet.

For example my trailer has 7000 pound axles. If the load of 8000 pounds is placed on the trailer to far to the rear and the trailer axles weigh more then 14,000 pounds I would be overweight and subject to a fine. If the load is placed to far forward the rear axle of the truck could be overloaded.

You also need to check the weight capacity of the tires and not overload them either.
1000% WRONG
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #27  
Even if that’s true it doesn’t help you a lot. You would be limited to probably a 26 class excavator or at the very top end a 35 class excavator. Maybe consider aluminum ramps and load the excavator in the dump truck. I could load a 57 on mine and still be under payload. View attachment 792571
Thats why I said a couple of times a class 27 excavator would be about the limit because a 35 would be pushing a 10k trailer too far.
He hasnt actually said what he wants for an excavator yet?
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements
  • Thread Starter
#28  
You might be better off with a 2500HD with the heaviest machine you can put on a trailer and keep your combo under 26K.
Then go get an older 25,999 dump truck for hauling. The way the rules & regs are with CDL’s it’s very tough to combine a truck that can haul a lot with a truck that can tow a lot.

I got my CDL 30+ years ago and it was one of the best things I did
That's exactly what I was thinking this afternoon!! Great idea!

Mrs. Woods and I are both planning to get our CDLs but it takes time I just don't have at the moment.
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements
  • Thread Starter
#29  
I'm trying to figure out if this site is legit for getting requirements to take the cdl test and get licensed.

I don't know this site is legit or not but you can do your knowledge training and take the theory test without attending in-person classes. You still have to pass the skills test.
 
   / Understanding Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing and CDL requirements #30  
1000% WRONG
Actually, he is partly right. He can overload his trailer or truck axles and be under gross. However, a 26,000 GVWR truck can pull a 10,000 GVWR trailer without a CDL. Step up to a 14,000 GVRW trailer and even if it is empty behind his 26,000 rated truck, he needs a CDL. It is all based on manufacturers gross vehicle weight ratings. He was also correct on the weight rating of tires and axles.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

New Lewis Brothers MFG DB2 Poultry Housekeeper (A51039)
New Lewis Brothers...
2004 JOHN DEERE 5320 TRACTOR (A51243)
2004 JOHN DEERE...
2015 MACK GU713 (A50854)
2015 MACK GU713...
2006 GENIE GTH6622 TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT (A51242)
2006 GENIE GTH6622...
2019 RBR Venturi 380 (A51039)
2019 RBR Venturi...
2025 Swict 84in Bucket Skid Steer Attachment (A50322)
2025 Swict 84in...
 
Top