First you have to realize that the federal laws governing trucks come from 2 points of view. A lot of people get them confused causing many misunderstandings. The first set of laws that govern dot #'s; insurance; and anything else to do with the truck are enforced against the truck owner. These laws start with any truck that has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or more. The second set of laws affect the driver and it does not matter if he owns the truck or not. This is the cdl laws. Since your trailer is rated over 10,000 lbs you would need a class A cdl. These laws start at 26,001 lbs unless you meet class C definition. 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.
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