Hauling Interstate - Weight Issues
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Hauling Interstate - Weight Issues
I am beginning to spec out a truck trailer combination for hauling hay interstate - actually Ohio to Florida.
There are several issues that I am trying to get a handle on. My understanding is that if the truck and trailer GVW adds up to over 26,000lbs., then a CDL is required, whether the truck or trailer are loaded or not. Is this true?
What are the requirements for stopping at weigh stations - and at what weights?
Also - if a tow vehicle has a GCVW of 23,000lbs and is pulling a gooseneck flatbed trailer with a GVW of 20,000lbs - the total weight of the truck and trailer cannot exceed the GCVW of the truck regardless of the capacity of the trailer. Is this correct?
There are several issues that I am trying to get a handle on. My understanding is that if the truck and trailer GVW adds up to over 26,000lbs., then a CDL is required, whether the truck or trailer are loaded or not. Is this true?
What are the requirements for stopping at weigh stations - and at what weights?
Also - if a tow vehicle has a GCVW of 23,000lbs and is pulling a gooseneck flatbed trailer with a GVW of 20,000lbs - the total weight of the truck and trailer cannot exceed the GCVW of the truck regardless of the capacity of the trailer. Is this correct?
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
It won't matter whether you are over 26,000# or not, if you haul over the state lines and are for profit you have to stop at evey scale, carry a log book, and keep your vehicle inspected annually. The drivers license varies if you are under 26,000 but still haul commercially accross state line you need to have a chaufers license, the truck will still have to have fuel permits, and you have to be plated properly for what the truack and trailer combination are max to carry. (26000 combined load=26000#plate).
You should definately check with the DOT and find out everything you need to know. I have had a few customers plate F350 trucks at 24,000 (Michigan) and never leave the state, they have crossed scales and have not had trouble. The laws change yearly so get informed and stay informed.
Good luck, and hopefully someone else will help you out as well.
Toyman
You should definately check with the DOT and find out everything you need to know. I have had a few customers plate F350 trucks at 24,000 (Michigan) and never leave the state, they have crossed scales and have not had trouble. The laws change yearly so get informed and stay informed.
Good luck, and hopefully someone else will help you out as well.
Toyman
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
If you really want to haul hay you might aswell go with a regular truck tractor and a hay trailer or a regular highboy. There is no point in trying to get around the CDL law just get your CDL.
I drives me nuts to see people trying to tow trailers with light trucks because they are trying to avoid a CDL.
You should be using atleast a 48' trailer or even a 53' trailer that you can get a decent amount of hay on to. Or you go with a straight truck like a tandem axle flatdeck with a 244" wheelbase with a 24' flatdeck on it.
I drives me nuts to see people trying to tow trailers with light trucks because they are trying to avoid a CDL.
You should be using atleast a 48' trailer or even a 53' trailer that you can get a decent amount of hay on to. Or you go with a straight truck like a tandem axle flatdeck with a 244" wheelbase with a 24' flatdeck on it.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Kenworth
If you really want to haul hay you might aswell go with a regular truck tractor and a hay trailer or a regular highboy. There is no point in trying to get around the CDL law just get your CDL.
I drives me nuts to see people trying to tow trailers with light trucks because they are trying to avoid a CDL.
You should be using atleast a 48' trailer or even a 53' trailer that you can get a decent amount of hay on to. Or you go with a straight truck like a tandem axle flatdeck with a 244" wheelbase with a 24' flatdeck on it.
I drives me nuts to see people trying to tow trailers with light trucks because they are trying to avoid a CDL.
You should be using atleast a 48' trailer or even a 53' trailer that you can get a decent amount of hay on to. Or you go with a straight truck like a tandem axle flatdeck with a 244" wheelbase with a 24' flatdeck on it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
You can find a tandem axle tractor anywhere they are cheap plus you can have a sleeper for the overnight trips. Also you get extra braking power with the tandem single axle truck tractors really lack brakes.
He didn't say if the hay he is hauling square bales or round or how many bales he is going to haul.
He didn't say if the hay he is hauling square bales or round or how many bales he is going to haul.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Kenworth
You can find a tandem axle tractor anywhere they are cheap plus you can have a sleeper for the overnight trips. Also you get extra braking power with the tandem single axle truck tractors really lack brakes.
He didn't say if the hay he is hauling square bales or round or how many bales he is going to haul.
He didn't say if the hay he is hauling square bales or round or how many bales he is going to haul.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 7
From: Birmingham, AL
MKJRH,
Don't mean to be nosey, just currious. Is hay worth hauling from Ohio to Florida? I'm surprised you could come out ahead on that.
Gene
Don't mean to be nosey, just currious. Is hay worth hauling from Ohio to Florida? I'm surprised you could come out ahead on that.
Gene
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
I used to have horses myself for several years before I got out of them and good hay can bring top dollar down there and in texas, new mexico, arizoina and the like. You can make 3 or 4 bucks a bale and sometimes more and 30,000lbs would be about 500 bales you are looking at 1500 to 2000 dollars per trip or more depending on the amount you haul. To do well at it though you need to be able to haul 30 or 40K or more of hay at a time. Good quality hay brings top dollar down there.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote