It depends on the weight ratings and configuration of your truck and trailer.

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Under Texas and federal CDL requirements, a Class A CDL is generally required when BOTH of the following apply:

• Your truck and trailer combination has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more; AND

• The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer or other vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

 

IMPORTANT: A 10,001+ LB TRAILER DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY REQUIRE A CLASS A CDL

This is a common misunderstanding in hotshot trucking.

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Simply pulling a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds does not by itself mean you need a Class A CDL.

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For a Class A CDL, the combination must also meet the applicable 26,001-pound-or-more GCWR threshold.

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Example:

A pickup with an 11,500-lb GVWR pulling a trailer with a 14,000-lb GVWR has a combined rating of 25,500 pounds.

 

Although the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds, the combination is below 26,001 pounds. Based solely on those weight ratings, it does not meet the Class A CDL definition.

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However:

A pickup with a 12,500-lb GVWR pulling a 14,000-lb GVWR trailer has a combined rating of 26,500 pounds.

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Because the combination is 26,001 pounds or more and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR, the combination falls within the Class A CDL weight classification.

Other licensing or regulatory requirements may still apply regardless of whether a CDL is required.

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DOES CROSSING STATE LINES MEAN I NEED A CLASS A CDL?

 

Not necessarily.

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Crossing state lines does not, by itself, determine whether you need a Class A CDL.

The CDL classification is based primarily on the weight, configuration, passenger capacity, and/or cargo of the vehicle.

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However, operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce can trigger additional federal motor-carrier safety and registration requirements even when the vehicle does not require a CDL.

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Interstate commerce can also include certain transportation that occurs entirely within Texas when the cargo is moving as part of a continuous interstate shipment.

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USDOT NUMBER

Many hotshot carriers operating in interstate commerce are required to obtain a USDOT Number.

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Federal requirements generally apply to interstate commercial operations involving vehicles or combinations with a GVWR, GVW, GCWR, or GCW of 10,001 pounds or more, as well as certain passenger and hazardous-material operations.

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This threshold is important because it means:

You may be operating a federally regulated Commercial Motor Vehicle even though your truck and trailer combination does not require a Class A CDL.

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A USDOT Number and a CDL are separate regulatory requirements.

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FMCSA OPERATING AUTHORITY — MC NUMBER

If you operate as a for-hire interstate motor carrier and transport federally regulated property for compensation, you may also need FMCSA operating authority, commonly referred to as an MC Number.

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Operating authority is separate from:

• Your CDL

• USDOT Number

• Vehicle registration

• Insurance

• Texas business registration

 

Not every carrier requires the same type of operating authority, and exemptions can apply depending on the commodities and operation.

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DOT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Many commercial drivers operating in interstate commerce are subject to federal medical qualification requirements.

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For example, drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR, GVW, GCWR, or GCW of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce generally must meet applicable DOT medical qualification requirements unless an exception applies.

Texas CDL and CLP holders must also self-certify the type of commercial operation they perform.

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Depending on the driver's self-certification category, a current Medical Examiner's Certificate may be required.

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HOURS OF SERVICE & ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICES

Operating interstate hotshot equipment may also subject a driver and motor carrier to federal Hours-of-Service (HOS)requirements.

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An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) may be required when the driver is required to maintain a Record of Duty Status and no applicable ELD exception applies.

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However, not every interstate hotshot driver automatically needs an ELD.

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Federal regulations contain several exceptions and exemptions depending on the operation, including certain short-haul operations and other qualifying circumstances.

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COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

Hotshot motor carriers should also determine the insurance requirements applicable to their particular operation.

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Insurance requirements can vary depending on factors such as:

• Interstate or intrastate operation

• For-hire or private-carrier status

• Type of cargo

• Vehicle weight

• Operating authority

• Customer or broker requirements

 

For-hire interstate carriers subject to FMCSA operating authority requirements may also be required to have the appropriate insurance filings in place before operating authority becomes active.

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY

Starting a hotshot operation can involve considerably more than obtaining a CDL.

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Depending on your operation, additional requirements may include:

• USDOT registration

• FMCSA operating authority

• Commercial vehicle registration

• Applicable Texas motor-carrier requirements

• DOT medical qualification

• Hours-of-Service compliance

• Electronic Logging Device requirements

• Drug and alcohol testing requirements when applicable

• Commercial insurance

• Process agent designation when applicable

• International Registration Plan (IRP) requirements when applicable

• International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements when applicable

• Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements

• Cargo securement requirements

• Applicable federal and state safety regulations

  

GET YOUR CDL FOR HOTSHOT TRUCKING

Get Your CDL Quick! focuses on the CDL-related portion of the process.

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For eligible applicants pursuing a Class A CDL, individually available services may include Class A pre-trip preparation and practice, Basic Vehicle Control Skills practice, road skills practice and evaluation, applicable ELDT Behind-the-Wheel Range and Road services, and qualifying Class A test truck and trailer rental for the Texas DPS CDL skills test.

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Obtaining a CDL does not by itself authorize an individual or business to begin operating as a for-hire motor carrier. Hotshot operators are responsible for determining and satisfying all federal, state, insurance, registration, operating-authority, and safety requirements applicable to their particular operation.

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Call Get Your CDL Quick at (469) 332-7188 to discuss available Class A CDL services and scheduling.