GVWR

Winch

Winch

Location
Asheville, NC
There was another thread where TD said:

"The catch is that your truck may be built strong enough to haul the load but the factory rated it for a specific load. If you get caught with more load than your truck is rated for you can get yourself in some deep trouble...and tall fines. There are stories of over-loaded trucks being impounded then having to off-load and double haul the excess. After that's all done...pay fines, etc."

I had thought I understood GVWR in North Carolina until I read this post, and then I spent all weekend wondering and searching for answers to if I had it all wrong.

Case in point: I have an F350 with a GVWR of 13000. The truck weighs 10000 without anything in it. When I load my mini up, I'm right at my GVWR, but I didn't hook up my chipper yet (5500 lbs). So, I pay additional $$$ to make my truck legal. Tom Dunlap's post made me question that.

I called the license plate place today, who gave me the number of an actual weigh station. Here is the number:

828-667-2820

I talked to a sergeant who let me know not to worry, I had it right all along. IN NORTH CAROLINA, you pay for your "weighted" tag, and you are legal up to the limit you are tagged for. In the words of the sergeant, "it doesn't make a hill of beans what's stamped inside the door as long as you've paid for the weight you are hauling."

I had to start a new thread on this because there is soooo much confusion on GVWR, GCWR, etc., and I have to make sure I'm as legal as can be. If you have anything to add on this for your state, or otherwise, great.

And I know, my truck isn't the best suited for the weight I'm hauling, but that is another discussion for another place. I will replace the truck soon enough, don't you worry!
 
I would check with Federal DOT before taking the state's word for it. I got my interpretation from a truck/chassis builder. If they certified a truck was built to haul a determined load down the road they would be liable if it weren't.

Take it to the extreme...get a Ford Ranger pickup and then pay to have it licensed to haul X-weight. The truck fails...doesn't stop because of being over-loaded. Whose going to be liable? Not the chassis builder.

Whatever you do, its your business. I know that I wouldn't pay the state for more licensed capacity to haul more than what's stamped on the manufacturer's tag.
 
Been going thru this crap for a few years. My ins co sponsored a meeting with our State Police DOT top cop and USDOT because so many local business were getting beat up over rules noone ever knew existed. To try and be as concise as possible....
By 2014 ALL 50 states are required to have implemented the USDOT regs as part of their state DOT rules. The goal being to get everyone on the same page finally. All state DOT's will be overseen by USDOT (FMCSA).
A short list of whats coming to you if it hasn't already:
1) All CMV's (ANY vehicle--even Ford Rangers used for business lol) with a GVW (not nessecarily GVWR)over 15K# used only for INTRA state business will need to have a DOT# on it. (Ex. F350 13K GVW not needed BUT put a 3K RATED trailer on the back and yes it must.
2) ANY drivers of same vehicle must have current med card if at any time vehicle has capacity to haul 15K# or more. $550.50 fine for driver and same again for co if busted. DOn't ask how I know that one. Must also have a random drug/ alchol screening setup to show cop. You will also lose your driver liscene if caught with out one as part of the 2014 mandate. This rule has some teeth to it....
3) If trailer is RATED (not tagged) in excess of 10K# you must register the tow vehicle in combination. A regular tag will not do. This may/may not also mean you need a CDL to tow that trailer.
4) IF you weigh 15K# or more you will need to have a driver log and vehicle inspection card for each vehicle and driver everyday just like a big rig. You can get around driver log if you punch a time clock.
5) In my state of PA you can get the GVWR and GCWR of a vehicle changed by taking it and needed form to a liscenced inspection mechanic. Not a big deal to do here anyway and not as uncommon as you may think. All big rigs, dump trucks etc.. start out that way and are not actually tagged for weight until finally sold. My F550's I order new thru with a GVWR of 19,000#. I need to tow a 25K trailer so I put a combo on them for 44K#. That does not mean the truck can weigh more than 19K# at any time tho. GCWR does not change your GVWR.
6) If you do Interstate (crossing state lines)business all the weight requirements for DOT#'s and med cards are reduced to 7K# I believe. There is also a fee you will have to pay to DOT for this priveledge of them abusing you that is determined by how many and how heavy the vehicles are that you cross state lines with.

There is plenty more crap than that but that is the worst of it for now anyway
 
Yes, thanks. As confusing as it is, it may help a little bit if everyone is under the same rules.

Still not sure if this changes anything for me, other than putting the stickers on the side identifying my DOT number.

I'll have to reread it a couple times I think.
 
Re read all you want. The cops have to too and that came from the horse's mouth LOL. Buggers write laws that confuse themselves so don't feel bad
confused.gif
 
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