DOT and Trailering Equipment
I went to an open house today at the local John Deere dealership and they had two troopers from the Mass. State Police Truck Team there to give use some info and answer questions. They had a tag trailer with a tractor on it to demonstrate the proper way to tie it down and also what they look for when checking you over. I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion on the new laws. I would rather talk to these guys when they are not busy writing if you know what I mean. ;>) 1. Trailer under 10,000 lbs = no CDL
2. Trailer over 10,000 lbs, truck and trailer combined under 26,000 lbs = no CDL 3. Trailer over 10,000 lbs, truck and trailer over 26,000 lbs = CDL A 4. Equipment under 10,000 lbs 2 tie downs, over 10,000 lbs 4 tie downs 5. Tie downs must be rated for half of the equipment weight and are rated by the weakest component (chain or binder working load rating). 6. 2 tie downs can be rated at full working load rating but 4 tie downs are to be rated at half of working load. 7. Everything on trailer must be tied down or secured in a closed top box (dunnage, gas cans,extra chains, etc.) 8. Chains/binders or straps are acceptable but straps must be protected from rubbing on any sharp edges of the equipment or trailer. 9. Brakes required on all axles and a breakaway system is required on all trailers over
3000 lbs. The cable for the breakaway is to be connected separately to vehicle not on the safety chain hook or hitch pin. 10. A current DOT Medical card is required for drivers of all vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
(Massachusetts Municipal employees are exempt from this rule) I don't know about other states. A lot of other things were discussed that were mostly common sense. No loose bolts or visible wear on pintle hitches or couplers. Chains must be the right size and in good condition with no deformed links or bolts in them. The bearing covers must be on all wheels and all lights must work.
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