There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, we decided to try to clear it up for you.
While, states, cities, and others all have different definitions and rules, today we are talking about the FMCSA / U.S. DOT regulations. FMCSA Regulations have two definitions, the first pertains to when a CDL is required, the other we will address below.
FMCA Definition
390.5 – Commercial motor vehicle means any self-propelled or tower motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle—
(1) Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; OR
(2) Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; OR
(2) Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtle B, chapter I, subchapter C.
Confused? Let’s break it down!
Interstate vs. IntraState
Most agencies will fall under Interstate commerce as they operate in multiple states. If you have offices in more than one state, or operate any vehicles outside of your home state your office is located in, you are an Interstate carrier and the rules apply.
Interstate commerce mean trade, traffic, or transportation in the U.S.
(1) Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
(2) Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
(3) Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.
COMMERCE
Are you a business engaged in commerce? Well unless you are a non-profit, then yes you are engaged in commerce. Notice it just says a commerce with no stipulations. It does not matter if you are a private or for-hire carrier.
GVWR, GVW, GCW, and GCWR
The US DOT loves acronyms. The law is written so the greater of the four below apply.
Truck or Trailer individually
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – is defined as the manufactures Weight rating. (see example below). This can be found in the door jamb or on the tongue of a trailer.
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). – Actual weight of the vehicle or trailer, load, fuel, etc. It can vary (1/2 tank vs. Full).
Vehicle and Trailer combined
- GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – Actual weight of both the trailer, truck and all of its contents.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – Simply the GVWR of the truck and the trailer added together. Note some trucks have a GCWR rating as well. It pertains to the maximum towing capacity of the truck as established by the manufacturer. If you are not towing a trailer, it does not come into play.
In my experience, THE FMCSA and enforcement officers rely on the GVWR of both the truck and trailer added together as the GCWR is not typically stated on the vehicle.
So let’s add this together:
Is the truck used in interstate commerce – YES
Does the truck have a GVWR or Gross weight more than 10,001 lbs? YES
Is the truck pulling a trailer and/ or the GCWR or Gross Combined of the truck and trailer over 10,001 lbs… YES
If you are operating in Interstate Commerce and have answered yes to #2 Or #3, you have a Commercial vehicle.
EXAMPLES
Example #1
We have a #8550 lbs. GVWR tow vehicle towing a single axle trailer rated at #3500lbs. GVWR The actual gross combined weight is 12,050 lbs. This is a commercial vehicle due to the combined GVWR.
Example #2
Ford F350 with a truck cap, NO trailer. The GVWR of the truck is #12,000 lbs.
Gross Vehicle weight (actual weight with driver, equipment, and fuel) is #9800 lbs. This is a commercial vehicle, due to the GVWR exceeding 10,001 lbs regardless of the actual weight or GVW.
Example #3
Mercedes Sprinter Van with a GVWR of 9550, and GCWR of #13,500lbs NO trailer. The vehicle is fully wrapped. This is NOT a Commercial Vehicle in the eyes of the US DOT/FMCSA since it is not pulling a trailer, only the GVWR applies.
*note* Some cities will restrict “commercial vehicles” in certain zones regardless of FMCSA definition.
Now What? We have a Commercial motor vehicle, what do we need to do?
Agency:
- Valid US DOT Number
- Proper Insurance
- UCR Registered
- May need IFTA and IRP Plates, or permits.
- Records of Vehicle Maintenance
- Driver DQ Files
Truck:
- Valid Annual Inspection
- Safety equipment
- Non-expired Fire Extinguisher properly mounted
- Flares or Triangles
- Properly Marked
- US DOT # minimum of 1.5” Tall DOT numbers in the proper format
- If traveling through CO, need last 8 of vin!
- All equipment in proper working order
(Lights, Windshields, Tires, Axles etc)– - Compliant Electronic Logging Devise
- Manual for ELD as well as Compliance
- Back-up paper logs
Driver:
- Driver Qualification File
- Valid Fed Med Card
- Proper, valid Drivers License
- USE ELD Devises.
