How to Maintain Your Truck’s Gross Weight Compliance
This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.
Many of the top issues facing the trucking industry this year all roll up into one prime source: the economy.[1]
In 2022, the cost of operating in the trucking industry reached a 15-year high, with the cost of operating a single truck reaching $2.251 per mile and an average $90.78 per hour.[2] While the driver shortage is down for the second straight year, to about 60,000 in the second half of 2023, the underlying problems driving this market continue.[3] Long work hours, competitive pay and driver qualifications remain top of mind concerns, and since the number of job opportunities for drivers is on the decline post-pandemic, the funding to improve these areas is scarce.
These trends are compelling reasons for fleet owners to explore innovative ways to cut expenses. However, concerns heighten when the wrong corners are cut.
To navigate this strain and ease the hiring process, a growing number of fleets are buying or using trucks that are below the weight threshold that requires the operator to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), thereby expanding the pool of drivers and usually available at lower pay. Some fleets may also do so to avoid the many regulatory requirements for CDL qualified drivers and their employers, including but not limited to drug and alcohol testing.
Some companies are going as far as modifying trucks to alter their purpose and avoid CDL compliance requirements.
Issues arise when the actual gross weight of a truck is not taken into consideration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is a crucial safety metric representing the maximum loaded weight of a vehicle or trailer as determined by the manufacturer, encompassing not only the weight of passengers and cargo but also the vehicle itself.
According to federal regulations, if a vehicle has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, the operator is not required to possess CDL, but this exemption does not authorize loading the truck beyond the specified GVWR and having it operated by a non-CDL driver. Any truck weighing 26,000 pounds and above requires a CDL to operate,[4] regardless of whether the truck is designed for it or at what weight it is registered.
The 26,000-pound rule creates regulatory gray areas, especially for moving and storage fleets, where the weight of the goods being transported is difficult to accurately determine. In the event of a crash, even if it’s not the fleet’s fault, liability may fall on the fleet if the driver lacks the proper licensing.
Navigating the regulations surrounding CDLs in a challenging economy requires a balance between cost-saving measures and responsible fleet management. Noncompliance with CDL regulations can have severe long-term financial and reputational consequences. To safeguard your fleet’s success, follow these five best practices for prioritizing compliance.
Have a question on how to mitigate risk? Email losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com for a chance to see your question answered in a future blog.
By Jaden Tareta and Christopher Parker
[1] American Transportation Research Institute “Critical issues in the Trucking Industry – 2023,” October 2023.
[2] American Transportation Research Institute “An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2023 Update,” June 2023.
[3] TruckingDive “Trusting driver shortage falls significantly to 60K, ATA reports,” October 16, 2023.
[4] U.S. Department of Transportation “Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver,” March 30, 2021.