DRIVERS LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS AND MOVING COMPANYS’ DRIVERS
With compliance becoming a bigger issue (CSA 2010, etc) it’s important that moving companies are in line with driver regulations. Here’s a general idea of classifications for moving company drivers.
Moving Company Drivers That Require a Class D License:
Single vehicle with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of less than 16,000lbs.
This is a company car or probably a vehicle like an econoline van or small box truck with a 12’, 15’, or 16’ box (remember GVWR is the weight designated by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle not the empty or “tare weight”).
*Any vehicle with a GVWR or GCWR (Gross combining weight rating)over 10,001 lbs requires the driver to carry a DOT Medical Card. Anyone who does require a medical card should also have a driver file.
Moving Company Drivers That Require a Class C License:
Single vehicle with a GVWR between 16,001 lbs, and 26,000 lbs.
This is a much larger category that likely includes 16’box trucks up to 24’or 26’ straight trucks (the 24’ & 26’ category can require either a “C” license or possible a CDL B license depending on the GVWR, and how the truck is registered and plated).
This is very important to know before putting a driver in the truck.
One common misconception is that a Class “C” truck with air brakes requires air brake endorsement, it does not. The only time endorsements are required is under the CDL program.
Also a “Class C” license can be obtained at any secretary of state facility (not just the special CDL facilities).
Drivers in this class are not required to be in the random drug testing pool but are required to have a DOT medical card and driver file.
Moving Company Drivers That Require a CDL B license:
Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26, 001 lbs or such a vehicle that tows a trailer less than 10,000 lbs.
This category is generally 24’-28’ straight trucks that are registered and plated to carrier heavier loads.
This vehicle requires passing of the pretrip inspection test, the basic control skills exam, and the road test or driving exam.
A driver obtaining a CDL B must have a passing pre-employment drug screen and be part of a random drug and alcohol testing program.
Drivers in this category are required to have a driver file with specific background checks for their previous 10 years of driving employment.
Moving Company Drivers That Require a CDL A:
Combination vehicles (commonly known as tractor-trailers) with a GCWR of 26,001 if the trailer being towed is more than 10,000 lbs.
All other qualifications and compliance issues are the same for CDL B and CDL A drivers.
Many of the questions related to the moving company driver qualifications can be answered in the Class C or CDL study materials. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration can be contacted at www.fmcsa.dot.gov, and 1-800-832-5660 for verification of driver qual laws related to moving company drivers. If in doubt, double check the regulations.
