§383.5 - Definitions  

Guidance Q&A

Question 7: A driver operates a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. The tractor is towing a semitrailer and a full trailer, each with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Is this combination a Group A vehicle that requires a driver with a Class A CDL?

Guidance: Yes. The GVWR for multiple towed units are added to determine whether the 10,000 pound GVWR threshold has been met. If the total GVWR for the two trailers is more than 10,000 pounds, and the tractor’s GVWR is sufficient to produce a GCWR of at least 26,001 pounds, the combination is a Group A vehicle requiring a driver with a Class A CDL with a double/triple trailers endorsement.

For example, a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 36,000 pounds includes a semitrailer and a trailer, each of which has a GVWR of 6,000 pounds. This is a Group A vehicle having a Gross GCWR of 36,000 pounds inclusive of two towed units having a combined GVWR of 12,000 pounds.