Lowering GVWR

[Buckhunter24]

The DOT numbers aren't too much effort really, the website walks you through it. I did in WA only, looked like a few more questions for your situation. The customer service is surprisingly good too. The one thing to watch out for, you will get an unreal number of spam calls. I almost fell for the first one it came right after I registered and sounded official. Until we got to the credit card payment of 750 bucks part lol.

[bearhunter99]

crud.  So we have a food trailer that we acquired a while ago and have not had time to set up.  I haven't figured out what each is individually (For F-350 or the trailer) but we did take it across a scale and it surprised me at 19k combined.  So for that situation if we wanted to pull it (even just locally) we would have to have GVWR DOT stickers.   My wife has a CDL so I could probably just make her drive it but if I wanted to drive I would have to have the medical card and log book?

[Special T]

I know for a fact that the LEO misunderstands the law a lot. I’ve ran into this several times when even the WSP made a production of non CDL drivers driving air brake equipped non CDL truck.

It also doesn't help you when you show them the RCW that they are wrong despite how nicely you do it.

I miss read your statement.  If you don't need a CDL, and I belive you are wrong, it has to have some kind mileage from the point of origin limitation. But CDL drivers that stay with in 120? Miles of home base don't have to fill out a long book as they are just doing local deliveries.

I was scared your statement was INTRA.

I appreciate the feedback but I was hoping for some good news guys.

Okay so combined in Washington is 16k which might be doable for me.

Crossing state lines is 10,000 which is impossible.

So I'm at a minimum going to need usdot numbers right? Now to prevent cdl keep it under 26,000?

You mostly have it right. But one of the catch 22 is that 16k is Gross vehicle weight rating but you need to pay tonnage on the truck for the total.  Up here you could be totally legit  under gvwr but if you are over your 14k  of tonnage you will get pinched. Having to display a DOT number towing a trailer will get extra emphesis and scrutiny put on you.

CVE officers get to check off a complete inspection by pulling your electrical brake break away switch which is much easier than for a full blown Semi.  I have learn and paid for my lessonss.

[buckfvr]

And dont forget having to stop at weigh scales.......

[Knocker of rocks]

I know for a fact that the LEO misunderstands the law a lot. I’ve ran into this several times when even the WSP made a production of non CDL drivers driving air brake equipped non CDL truck.

It also doesn't help you when you show them the RCW that they are wrong despite how nicely you do it.

I miss read your statement.  If you don't need a CDL, and I belive you are wrong, it has to have some kind mileage from the point of origin limitation. But CDL drivers that stay with in 120? Miles of home base don't have to fill out a long book as they are just doing local deliveries.

I was scared your statement was INTRA.

I appreciate the feedback but I was hoping for some good news guys.

Okay so combined in Washington is 16k which might be doable for me.

Crossing state lines is 10,000 which is impossible.

So I'm at a minimum going to need usdot numbers right? Now to prevent cdl keep it under 26,000?

You mostly have it right. But one of the catch 22 is that 16k is Gross vehicle weight rating but you need to pay tonnage on the truck for the total.  Up here you could be totally legit  under gvwr but if you are over your 14k  of tonnage you will get pinched. Having to display a DOT number towing a trailer will get extra emphesis and scrutiny put on you.

CVE officers get to check off a complete inspection by pulling your electrical brake break away switch which is much easier than for a full blown Semi.  I have learn and paid for my lessonss.

You’re right about the miles from base.

I’m right about only needing a CDL if the vehicle exceeds the well known CDL limits. A driver of a 24K straight truck would never need a CDL.