Raising the requirements to drive a truck under 26

goodaking

goodaking

Participating member
Anyone else hear that they may require you to have a CDL to drive a truck under 26000lbs in the near future in CT. Trying to make some decisions on my next truck.
 
Not necessarily a derail, but why is a CDL such an evil monster down there to be avoided at all costs? I hear about a lot of statesiders trying to get thier trucks below a magic # to avoid it. I would have thought it would be another feather in ones cap.
 
It's a total regulatory PITA. As an employer, you become responsible for 'truckers' in the eyes of the law. Staying under CDL can save a small business big money and tons of time and red tape if the need for the larger trucks can me met with lower GVW equipment.

-Tom
 
Every time you turn around there seems to be a new requirement or bill associated with the cdl/ and your cdl truck. Like tom said for a small business i couldn't imagine having an employee driving a cdl truck. Life was easier with a one ton and a 10" chipper. Luckily I'm the only one with a cdl A, and plan on keeping it that way.
 
Biggy, this is the way of business down here. Unfortunately, it means having to pay someone more for the additional credential, an increased cost of operation, etc... However, if you think about how much of OSHA regs or ANSI has come about, there's a reason for the change that usually involves someone having been hurt or killed. Not to say that is the case here.

I googled changes coming and all I could find was one that deals with the accelerated rehab program for DUIs. If you have a cdl you don't get it back early even if you go through this program. Sensible if you ask me.

Look at this potential change from this standpoint. I can take a driver's test in a Smart car get a license and with that drive a chip truck and chipper as long as it's under 26K. Hmmmm, does this correlate at all? If one thinks that you as an employer are off the hook for any liability then think again.

It would be worth talking to your local politician to find out if there is any truth to it and what opportunity for input might there be?

Can anyone show any stats on the accidents involving under CDL trucks v. CDL?
 
Brendon, is there anything special you need to do as an owner with a CDL and no employees with them? Drug tests, logs, etc?
 
Supposedly you need a drug test program, even though I'm the owner and only driver. I had it last year, but with talking to others, with cdl trucks, some have never heard of it, but supposedly a law. Right now iim not enrolled. Its just a combination of things which make cdl trucks a pita. Fuel tax, dot numbers, inspections, self certs now, med card, drug test, blah blah blah. No logs because its local.
 
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Supposedly you need a drug test program, even though I'm the owner and only driver. I had it last year, but with talking to others, with cdl trucks, some have never heard of it, but supposedly a law. Right now iim not enrolled. Its just a combination of things which make cdl trucks a pita. Fuel tax, dot numbers, inspections, self certs now, med card, drug test, blah blah blah. No logs because its local.

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The hardest part is getting a driver to pass the cdl test, which is extremely easy, even easier than the ISA test, if that's even possible. The rest you mention are minor incurred cost in the grand scheme of things. The production you increase by having a cdl truck is well worth the expense and headache. I use to think like you and needed to stay away from cdl trucks and now I think why did I limit the growth of our company by trying to stay under CDL.
 
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I have a cdl, and a cdl truck...

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Then you need a pre-employment test and a random testing program, and you need to register and comply (pay) with the FMCSA, as well as a safety audit with the staties. Even without the CDL truck, if you are interstate the Feds want their cut.

@Limbcontrol, it depends on your business model. You make a great point for sure for companies that need the payload regularly. If I did, I wouldn't balk for a second at the issues involved.

-Tom
 
This is what big government does for you,makes life harder and impedes freedoms.As a wise man once said,It's amazing how hard it is to sell freedom to some people.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have a cdl, and a cdl truck...

[/ QUOTE ]

Then you need a pre-employment test and a random testing program, and you need to register and comply (pay) with the FMCSA, as well as a safety audit with the staties. Even without the CDL truck, if you are interstate the Feds want their cut.

@Limbcontrol, it depends on your business model. You make a great point for sure for companies that need the payload regularly. If I did, I wouldn't balk for a second at the issues involved.

-Tom

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I live on the edge, you can say.
tongue.gif
 
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