DO I NEED A DOT INSPECTION ? |
| Gross Combination Weight (GCW) - Total weight of a fully equipped truck and trailer with cargo, driver, and passengers, fuel, coolant, equipment, etc. |
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| Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) - Maximum allowable gross combination weight (GCW) |
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| Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - The weight of the trailer plus all the cargo in it. This is measured by putting a fully loaded trailer on a scale. |
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| Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) - Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, plus its cargo. |
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| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - The total weight of the tow vehicle, including driver, passengers, and any special equipment (options, accessories and upfitted equipment), cargo, fuel, collant, etc. |
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| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - The maximum allowable total wieght of the tow vehicle, including driver, passengers, any special equipment (options, accessories and upfitted equipment), cargo, fuel, collant, etc. |
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Calculating your Tow Vehicle and Trailer WeightsWhen looking at tow vehicle and trailer combinations, it is important to stay within the maximum weight ratings for the tow vehicle and trailer. Many people find out after they have purchased the vehicle and trailer that they have exceeded these ratings. In order to avoid this situation, you need to research the weights from the vehicle and trailer brochures, and do some math. The following table are the numbers for my 2001.5 Dodge 2500 Quad-Cab, HO, 6 speed, 4.10, and Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th wheel camper taken from the manufactures brochures.
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Truck |
Specification |
| GVWR |
8,800 |
| Curb Weight (brochure) |
6,790 |
| Payload |
2,010 |
| GCVWR (Truck + Trailer) |
20,000 |
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Trailer |
Specification |
| GTWR |
13,000 |
| Dry Hitch (Pin) Weight |
1,260 |
| Dry Axle Weight |
6,760 |
| Gross Dry Weight |
8,020 |
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Calculated Weights |
| GVW (Truck + Pin Weight) |
8,050 |
| Available Truck Payload |
750 |
| GCW (Truck + Trailer) |
14,810 |
| Available Towing Capacity |
5,190 | |
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I DONT HAVE TIME TO READ THIS Click Here FOR HELP
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What is a commercial motor
vehicle (CMV)?
Y ou are operating a commercial motor vehicle if you transport passengers or property in a vehicle that:
Has an actual gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross
combination vehicle weight (GCW) of 10,001
pounds or more
• GVW means the weight of a vehicle and its load
• GCW means the weight of a combination
vehicle and its load
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross
combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001
pounds or more
• GVWR is the value specified by the
manufacturer as a safe loaded weight of
a single vehicle (the GVWR is located
on the manufacturer’s tag, usually
found inside the driver’s side door)
• GCWR is the value specified by the manufac turer
as the loaded weight of a combination of
vehicles
• As used here, a combination vehicle means a
truck pulling another vehicle or trailer
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IT does not matter if you:
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Are not for-hire
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Only transport company property
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Are the owner or only driver
If your vehicle meets the criteria for a commercial
motor vehicle, the following rules, regulations and laws
may apply to the company, the vehicle and all drivers:
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Chauffeur Driver License
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Commercial Driver License (CDL)
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Driver Qualifications (i.e., medical cards, driver files,state driving record)
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Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
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Hours of Service
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Log Books
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Hazardous Material Regulations (applies to gasoline,oxygen, acetylene, fertilizer or other hazardous materials,regardless of the amount you carry)
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Vehicle Equipment Compliance (required equipment,daily and annual inspection reports, cargo securement)
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Size and Weight (pertains to all vehicles)
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Fuel Tax and IRP Registration
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Minimum Amounts of Insurance
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Take this simple compliance
indicator quiz!
Do you use a small truck (box van, step van), a
pickup towing a trailer or a small bus in your business? Yes No
Is your vehicle used to transport:
• A product
• Passengers
• Tools and/or supplies used in your trade
• Any amount of a hazardous material (gasoline,
oxygen, acetylene, propane, paint, solvents, glues,
fertilizer, etc.) Yes No
Do you personally own, lease or use your employee’s
vehicles in your business? Yes No
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions,
some or all of the federal and state safety regulations
may apply to your company, your vehicles and
the people who drive them.
State and local enforcement agencies understand and
enforce these regulations. It is important that you understand
them as well. Violations are subject to both
civil and criminal penalties.
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