CDL - A, B, or C?

Depends on the state. Virginia you're good with a B and there is no formal training program you have to attend. There is legislation on the books that keeps getting pushed back requiring non cdl holders to attend a formal and accredited class A training program. This will make it much more expensive and difficult to get a class A. For us the A comes with a trailer weighing more than 10k.
 
We require a Class A for drivers who need a CDL. The Class B is not good for a lot, as we more often have a driver in a smaller truck with a heavy trailer rather than a big truck with a small trailer.
 
Steve Connally said:
.... There is legislation on the books that keeps getting pushed back requiring non cdl holders to attend a formal and accredited class A training program. This will make it much more expensive and difficult to get a class A. For us the A comes with a trailer weighing more than 10k.
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That was supposed to go live 2-3 years ago, right? I keep thinking I should go get it now. I don't need it now....but it will save a BUNCH of time and money to take the test now rather than waiting for that requirement to be enacted.

Besides needing a medical exam to renew, are there any other downsides to having a CDL even if I don't need it? (I hear the BAC limit is lower for DUI charge if you have a CDL, even off the job in a regular passenger car....not a problem)
 
ATH said:
That was supposed to go live 2-3 years ago, right? I keep thinking I should go get it now. I don't need it now....but it will save a BUNCH of time and money to take the test now rather than waiting for that requirement to be enacted.

Besides needing a medical exam to renew, are there any other downsides to having a CDL even if I don't need it? (I hear the BAC limit is lower for DUI charge if you have a CDL, even off the job in a regular passenger car....not a problem)
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I don’t see any downsides, besides needing to keep your medical current, and the lower BAC. I’ve carried one for years and rarely used it the last couple years, but wouldn’t give it up for anything.

I was speaking with our DOT compliance company just the other day, he told me to expect the mandated courses to go into effect in 2022. Apparently there’s been a delay in getting computer systems in place to coordinate these programs nationwide, and he says they’re expecting to have everything tied up and in place this year for a rollout next year.
 
I've heard at least in MN that class A is getting harder to acquire. I got mine in a low side 33k auto truck with empty equipment trailer (14k). I've heard you now have to road test in manual tractor with air brake trailer if you want that designation.
 
TCtreeswinger said:
I've heard at least in MN that class A is getting harder to acquire. I got mine in a low side 33k auto truck with empty equipment trailer (14k). I've heard you now have to road test in manual tractor with air brake trailer if you want that designation.
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PA is that way now, so that you can’t show up in a dually pickup with an airbrake shed trailer and get licensed to drive tractor trailers. As much as I am generally against increased regulation, this is one place I am for it, as there is a huge difference between driving a single axle dump with an equipment trailer and a tractor trailer with a 53’ reefer behind. I drive both, so I speak from experience.
 
Here in California I have to take random drug tests for the class a. I don’t drink or use drugs but it’s just a pain in the ass to make time to do it. I usually measure my free time in minutes, so going to the adm office and doing the whole thing burns up about an hour of my day.
 
Reach said:
PA is that way now, so that you can’t show up in a dually pickup with an airbrake shed trailer and get licensed to drive tractor trailers. As much as I am generally against increased regulation, this is one place I am for it, as there is a huge difference between driving a single axle dump with an equipment trailer and a tractor trailer with a 53’ reefer behind. I drive both, so I speak from experience.
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I'm trying to figure out what I need to take the driving test... I did some sample written and will be fine on that with just a little more reading.

where I would use it would be a 14-20,000 GVWR truck with a 12-14,000 GVWR trailer. So can I take it with that setup? With COVID, the state is not testing now (have to go to private testing company), and nor are they answering their phones so I can ask that question...I've been trying!
 
ATH said:
I'm trying to figure out what I need to take the driving test... I did some sample written and will be fine on that with just a little more reading.

where I would use it would be a 14-20,000 GVWR truck with a 12-14,000 GVWR trailer. So can I take it with that setup? With COVID, the state is not testing now (have to go to private testing company), and nor are they answering their phones so I can ask that question...I've been trying!
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Yes, if that is the size you are planning to drive, you can take it in that size combination. I would recommend using a truck with a manual transmission and air brakes if at all possible, otherwise you will get stuck with restrictions against both, and there are many trucks out there that have one or both.
 
I went to a company that rented trucks specifically for class a testing. For a fee I got one of their trucks for 8 hrs and a “consultant” who basically rode around with me on the day my test was scheduled for and told me what to say and do when I took the test. Then we went to the DMV, and I used the truck to test. I had to pass the written test and get a learners permit first to qualify for the rental. That wasn’t too difficult, I had studied the commercial drivers handbook. What I wasn’t prepared for was they made me retake the written tests for my regular drivers license and my motorcycle license at the same time. I managed to pass both but wish I would have known so I could have studied those handbooks too. Back to the class a, the walk around portion of the test is like a script that you have to memorize. They want you to use exact phrases to describe the process. I never would have passed if I had done it on my own. I would imagine there are similar services in all the states
 
As already said, class A. I see no point in going through the hassle of obtaining a cdl then limiting yourself.

As for the medical card, most states require one for under cdl trucks over a certain weight rating. Our state requires a medical card for driving any commercial vehicle over 10,000 gvwr. It used to be anything over 18,000 here.

We have an f550 with a 12 ft dump on it. No cdl requires to drive it. We also have a 10 ton equipment trailer we use to haul out mini ex. If we hook that trailer to our f550, it becomes a class a cdl vehicle. 17,500 gvwr truck plus 20,000 gvwr trailer is 37,500 gcwr and the trailer is in excess of 10,000 gvwr so a class a is required. A regular 14k dump trailer behind that same f550 also makes it class a.
 
Fivepoints said:
As already said, class A. I see no point in going through the hassle of obtaining a cdl then limiting yourself.

As for the medical card, most states require one for under cdl trucks over a certain weight rating. Our state requires a medical card for driving any commercial vehicle over 10,000 gvwr. It used to be anything over 18,000 here.

We have an f550 with a 12 ft dump on it. No cdl requires to drive it. We also have a 10 ton equipment trailer we use to haul out mini ex. If we hook that trailer to our f550, it becomes a class a cdl vehicle. 17,500 gvwr truck plus 20,000 gvwr trailer is 37,500 gcwr and the trailer is in excess of 10,000 gvwr so a class a is required. A regular 14k dump trailer behind that same f550 also makes it class a.
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Great post.
In my area there are a lot of guys towing trailers in excess of 10,000 lbs and I doubt that they have their class A. (IE big dump trailers, large bobcat machines on heavy duty steel trailers). I believe that they try to stay off the highways to avoid the state police...
 
So the only draw back is where to get a truck to take the test with and the fact that even if you aren't DOT you're required to be in a random testing program. People think the only companies who need the random drug tests are DOT registered outfits. Its an easter egg hunt to find the actual legislation but its there. Not commonly known. If your company uses CDL drivers in any capacity, you are required to have a random testing program. Other than that, no drawbacks other than higher fines and penalties for lower infractions.
 
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Steve Connally said:
So the only draw back is where to get a truck to take the test ...
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There are some private testing centers that rent a truck for the test. One has a small semi tractor trailer set up (International Single Axle, Day Cab Automatic transmission and power steering with 30' tandem axle van trailer) for $130. The other doesn't have their trucks listed online, so I'll need to call during the day to see what they have.

I figured my other option is to test drive a used F450 (or similar) and rent an equipment trailer. I may do this as I'm quite used to driving a pickup and trailer. The rental truck is probably easier since the truck:trailer ratio is more favorable, but I've never drive a truck like that. Of course with my other plan, I also need to find a friend with a CDL to bring it there legally!
 
MA Arborist said:
Great post.
In my area there are a lot of guys towing trailers in excess of 10,000 lbs and I doubt that they have their class A. (IE big dump trailers, large bobcat machines on heavy duty steel trailers). I believe that they try to stay off the highways to avoid the state police...
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Class A can be circumvented by derating the load range of the truck or trailer, if you don’t use the full payload of either. There are few reasons to have a 7500# pickup rated for over 12,000 GVWR if it’s going to be hauling a big trailer. We have an F550 derated to 12,000 that pulls a big trailer with our SC552 and CTX160. We put stump grindings in the short dump bed and it never gets close to 12,000#. DOT will use manufacturer rating or registered limit, whichever is lower.
 
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Mitch Hoy said:
Class A can be circumvented by derating the load range of the truck or trailer, if you don’t use the full payload of either. There are few reasons to have a 7500# pickup rated for over 12,000 GVWR if it’s going to be hauling a big trailer. We have an F550 derated to 12,000 that pulls a big trailer with our SC552 and CTX160. We put stump grindings in the short dump bed and it never gets close to 12,000#. DOT will use manufacturer rating or registered limit, whichever is lower.
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I've talked to trailer dealers about doing that and they said they could get a new sticker from the manufacturer for the same trailer. I didn't know a vehicle manufacturer would as well. It really makes a lot of sense for them...if they can show you were an ounce over the GVWR they can shed a lot of liability (warranty or equipment failure leading to personal injury) - which should be less likely on a vehicle being used for work less than it was designed to do.
 
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