Class B is all you need for single unit,class A for multi-unit ie truck trailer

 

might be a little hard to get a SD to gross over 26k with a single unit.

 

The OP is talking about a truck and trailer.

 

I wasn't refering to a SD

 

While I agree a Class A is required fon an articulated vehicle with a GCVW of >26,001 pounds, doesn't the GVW of the cab or truck factor into CDL requirements?

In other words one should not need a Class A or B CDL to drive an F550 which has, for argument sake, a GVW of 16,000 pounds (unless equipped with air brakes) even pulling a 2000 GVW snowmobile trailer...

Also, don't forget that once a CDL is obtained the individual's Blood Alcohol Content threshold is cut in half for ANY vehicle driven.

 

I think the easy way for everyone to figure this out would be to go to their states DMV website and all I have checked have the rules and regs for CDL license
I think you will find them pretty much the same nationwide as an OTR trucker couldn't be required to know everys states regulations

 

The only difference that I could find between states is exemptions, requirements are all the same.

 

yes I know states have their exemptions,somemore than others
That's why I have held on to my class A CDL and never needing it

I think in my area some are getting some education on regs and exemptions as I am seeing more and more lawn service trucks stopped by DOT officers and some leaving on a leash behind a tow truck

 

I was stopped once before I had my CDL, I had the truck that I have now and I was towing my little 2 horse gooseneck(which maxed at 12,500, so I was pushing 25,500(well within my legal limit as it's 26,001(even though on a class d license it says less then 26,000, but I was legal both ways)), cop tried to give me a ticket and I told him I was legal, boy he didn't like that, cops don't like it when you challange their authority. In the end I did win, that's when I became ultra sensitive about covering my bases about that stuff. My trailers are tagged even though in this state it's not required and if I go out of state, those states "should" respect the home state's regs on that type of stuff, but I don't take that chance.

 

Class A = 26,001 GVWR or more with towed unit being 10,001 GVWR or more.
Class B = Single Unit with a 26,001 GVWR a trailer can be towed but must be below
10,000 GVWR.
Class C = Required to operate any vehicle 26,000 or less used in the transport of
Hazardous Materials, or transports more than 16 passengers, including the
driver.

A medical card is REQUIRED when driving ANY commercial motor vehicle but does NOT apply to CDL holders driving a personal vehicle IE. I have to have my medical card when driving my truck at work.. However once I'm driving home or around town in my personal vehicle on my days off that rule does not apply.

It is possible to possess a Class A/B CDL without passing an air brakes test, when the license is issued it will have a K restriction which states that you may NOT operate a vehicle with air brakes (you have to pass a written and practical test for Air Brakes and is separate from the other tests)

While certain states have exemptions from specific laws (Florida RV law being an example) There are still Federal regulations that apply once you cross out of florida best I advice I can give you for YOUR situation is to talk to DOT.. easiest way to do that is to stop at any weigh station on the interstate and go inside and ask 99% of them will be nice and more than helpful. These guys are trained in the Federal and State regulations for whatever state they're in. I've been a CDL Driver for about 10 years now so take what I say with a grain of salt, when in doubt check the regs and with DOT

 

Thanks again guys, I hate to ask another question but is there any way to make some extra cash hotshotting part-time? I've heard that if you're not hauling full time its not worth it cause of insurance expenses and such. Is there away to make money hauling every now and then, weekends maybe? I have no problem driving long periods of time and I've got the 450, now I just need to put it to work more often.

 

Depends on what your hauling, but yea you can do that, but then you better for sure get that CDL if your going to do that. Being down in Florida, you could make some money hauling horses, but you have some extra stuff that you have to worry about as well.

 

I think this is where "more is better" comes into play. If you are not sure of you minimums, get more than you need and make sure all your bases are covered. I have a class A CDL with doubles, triples, air brakes, tanker, hazardous and passenger bus. The only thing I can not legally drive is a motorcycle.

 

All that and you can't legally drive a vehicle that has just two wheels. That has a good bit of irony to it.

 

If you stay in state it wouldnt be too costly, but as soon as you want to go interstate then the cost go way up as insurance requirements come into play as well as ICC authority, fuel reporting etc. It might be worth looking into if you have a specific haul that pays well. When I ran under my authority I had a local prorate service take care of all the paperwork. I just had to turn in trip envelopes with miles and fuel reciepts. (and of course pay the taxes) I would try to find a local company that provides this type of service. They can tell you cost involved in getting properly licensed.