i called tx dps and they said the exact thing you said. anything over 26,000 lbs requires a cdl.

 

ok. I'm a bit new to this. So if you can, explain this to me in idiot. I have an 03' Chevy CC D/A 2500HD, and a 28' cargo craft enclosed trailer rated at 10,500lbs. I'm getting ready to MOVE from Texas to Alaska going the route that is showed on the rand mcnally's web site. I don't seem to be able to get a clear asnwer about what I need to do. With this combo, What license will I need? I have the standard texas license. will I need the medical card? Will I need to get health insurance. I just quit my job so I can make the move so I have no health insurance. I want to be as prepared as I can be but I can't afford to blow a bunch of money on bullcrap. If I can get a clear and in idiot language answer thank you.

 

If you are moving your own personal stuff as opposed to moving someone else for profit, you should be fine.

 

you have nothing to worrie about.

 

This is the combined weight of the truck, traler and load though. The truck weight is as per the tag inside the drivers side door and not the actual weight of the truck over the scale. This is what I got from the local office of the ICC.

 

In your case you should be well under the limit for any problems, but for others reading this. Add the weight of your truck using the tag on the inside of the door as the weight and the trailer you will be pulling when loaded. As long as you are under 26,000 combined weight you are good. If you come in over that you need to talk to your local Secratary of State because each state has different options. Some states offer just a seperate class of license that is weight appropriate but does not allow you to haul for hire. This excludes you from the specila provisions of the Commercial Drivers License. I carry one of these myself issued by Illinois. Other states require that you get a CDL and do not offer any other options. One way or the other if you meet the provisions of the CDL requirements you will need something allowing you to haul over the maximum allowed weight or length allowable by the Federal Guidleines even if you are not for hire.

Forgot to mention something about the trailer weight. The weight used to figure the trailer, just like the truck isn't the weight rolling over the scale. It is what the trailer is plated for. If you trailer is plated for 21,000 it doesn't matter if it only hauling 500 pounds they use the plated weight. If you roll over the scale and you weight more then the plates allow that's a seperate set of problems for being overweight.

 

It was my understanding that when you pull over the scale and don't weigh more then 26,000 you don't need to have a CDL. So if the truck and trailer together could haul more then 26K you have to have a CDL is that correct and is that just state law or Federal DOT? I do hate it that some states if your weight is more then 9600 lbs you have to cross the scales and yet other states its 14,000 lbs and some its 26,001 lbs and up who have to stop and weigh.

 

The Federal Law is that anything rated for more then 26,000 it is required. Otherwise anybody with a regular license could drive a semi as long as it is empty and we know that's not the case. If you drive over the scale and weigh more then your truck and trailer are rated then you are also cited for being overweight. Two different issues.

States are allowed to make the Federal Guidelines more stringent and lower there weight requirements however they choose. They cannot however lower the standards and allow more weight then the federal guidelines allow.

 

Does anyone know the GVW of a '96 Dodge daully 4x4? In my current situation, I cant just go outside and look. So from what I'm gathering here....even though I haul horses for PROFIT (money earned in rodeo), if I'm under 26,001, I wont need my CDL. Correct? Even in Illinois? I do a lot of towing into that state from Kentucky. And the DOT are horrible there. Same with Indiana. Whats the deal?

 

If they consider you as hauling for profit you need a CDL even if your drivin a nissan mini truck haulin a lawn mower in the back of it. Your a business enterprise and Uncle Sam wants his cut of your money.