That is a nice trailer the ramps are i great idea for hauling cars i just dont know bout tote em around all the time.

Also D2x i would suggest keeping the whole rig as light as possible. Only keep the materials you need for basic loads no extra. This will allow you more load weight thus hopefully more money per load.

 

You need to do more research, if the gcwr or the truck and trailer are over 26k you NEED a cdl. You need min 750k liability, 1 million for cars, cargo insurance, dot #, uniform carrier registration, ifta (if over 26k) and the list goes on. You also need to file for your authority correctly, freight and auto and there is household goods. Then there are also the states you need intrastate authority in like IL. You can count on 6-10,000 a year for insurance too.

From the FMCSA site...

Classes of License:

The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:

Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.

 

Thanks to all for your time with this matter!!

 

Thanks Haulin-RV for the 3 class break down. I used to have a cdl and thats for over 26,000, so were do I fall in? My dodge is 7100, and my trailer is maybe 4500? So thats around 11,600. Dodge has a GCWR of 21,000 so I could load around 9400# I have a D class lic. now. Not sure why I can't wrap my head around this?
Thanks for your time.

 

The CDL is determined by the combined GVWR of the truck and trailer . I've never agreed with that because the GCWR of a dually is around 23,000 lbs. Why require a CDL if you don't go above the truck GCWR and don't load a trailer to its capacity . For example having a truck with a GVWR of 10,000 and pulling a trailer with a GVWR of 18,000 lbs. but never exceeding a combined trailer and cargo weight of 16,000 lbs.

 

Here is how my truck and trailer are. Trucks gvwr is 10,500 and the trailer is 15,500 for a total of 26,000. So no class a cdl is needed. Actual weight is 13,480 pounds empty for the pair, but actual weight has nothing to do with the lic classes. Its all based on the gvwr of the truck and trailer.

All I can really say is read, read, read and when you think you have it read again. Oh and don't rely on calling the state and getting an answer, chances are if you call again it will be different. Myself I keep all my "important rules and regs" printed out and in the truck and also links to where they all are. I made $250 donation a couple years ago to a state and later found I was right and the leo was wrong, I carry that reg with me now too.

I agree with Rick, I too think it should be based off actual weights. But its a lot easier for a leo to look at stickers than it is to take you to a scale.

 

BTW I would just get the class a again you won't regret it. Get a heavier duty trailer than what you think you'll need. Plate the truck/trailer for more than you think too. You won't regret it for 2 reasons, 1. you won't get that over weight ticket and 2. You won't have to turn down that good load because it will put you 200 pounds over weight.

 

The reading I have done would suggest it is GCWR or actual weight - which ever is heavier. This covers the guys that upgrade their truck/trailer so they can haul more than the manufacturer intended.

 

Thanks guys! Read, read, read, I would agree about the state, called them the other day and just get a busy signal! I guess I could get my CDL again, just didn't want to do that crap again, but I reading I need log books if 150 miles from home and a med card if over 10,000# Might as well get the cdl also!?
I'm looking at a big tex and a pj trailer now, found a red rhino on the web, looks beefy! Any thoughts about these trailers? Thanks again.

 

Plate the Truck/Trailer higher? So you are saying more weight? They just take your word for something like that down a DMV?

 

Well the classes for the license are based on the GVWR, but if your going to load heavy and be above that class of license then you need to step up to the next class. Just like my set up being 26k GCWR I really don't need a class a (in IL a C is good to 26k) but if I cross the scales at more than that then it could get expensive (tickets). Thats why I am now plated for 36k too.


Yep I run an apportioned 36,000 plate. If you are going over 26k and crossing state lines then its another whole world with apportioned plates and IFTA (fuel tax). As far as the dmv, they don't care. The higher the plate weight the more revenue for them. And most states the min weight they issue is either 32 or 36k when you buy apportioned plate.

 

The other consideration with heavier weight is the requirement for increase insurance and correct declaration on your tags.

In Florida, I tagged my Freightliner under its GVWR, but enough to carry what I need to, and I made sure to have the correct insurance. Now, on a scale, I have the correct OPERATOR license, by truck/trailer/load is under both my declared (tagged and insured) GVW AND the rated GCVWR for the truck and trailer, and, of course, my weight-to-axle distribution is under each axle rating (and applicable tire rating) - the DMV just smiles and waves.....
Also, again in Florida, for annual $20 I have an over-length permit.

Read the rules and follow them = no hassles. Then all one has to contend with is bad weather, break downs, lack of parking, poor food quality, an aching back, high costs of operating and getting paid.....

 

Sign me up! when can I start?

..

 

I have the luxury of doing the over-the-road thing as a hobby, with my toys. I give great "salutes" to those who do this for a living with what they have to contend with for the "freedom" the road brings.

I hope that those who want to join the ranks of the professional drivers really pause: do their homework. Talk to drivers - go on these and other sites and boards - research the rules & regulations and operating costs, and the physical toll of bouncing around up and down the road. Like many jobs, it is "not for everyone", and more than one person has lost their shirt. When a guy thinks/says "gee, I have a truck, how hard can it be ?".....well, some guys love being married, too. It all depends on how you approach it.

It has been said that one day long ago there was a woman who didn't whine and complain...but that was long ago...and only for one day. I know a lot of guys you could substitute for the "woman" in that story, and probably a fair share of truck drivers ! But the road can be rough !

 

That permit is a must get, I just hold it up every time I get weighed. Still sucks that since we are running pick ups we can't over hang the rear of the trailer or use flips. But the beds days are numbered on my truck so soon it will not matter.