What is the max allowable weight without requiring a CDL license?

Answer 1

Max legal weight without a CDL is 36,000 pounds gross combination weight rating (greatest safe operating weight of power unit plus that of a towed trailer as determined by manufacturers and usually placarded on vehicles). In general, a single motor vehicle operated commercially may not exceed 26,000 lbs. without requiring a class B CDL. A power unit with another vehicle (trailer or otherwise) in tow requires a class A CDL if the GCWR exceeds 26,000; but this applies only if the towed unit alone has a GVWR in excess of 10,000 lbs. Therefore, a truck with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. without requiring any CDL. A driver operating a vehicle within these GCWR parameters which is nevertheless overloaded so that the actual combined weight (GCW) exceeds the legal limit can be liable for being overweight and may even be cited for operating a vehicle without a proper license. The latter may not comport with a strict constructionist's view of the law, but since the original intent of the statute was to prevent people from driving vehicles which are heavier than that which they are competent to operate, don't expect much sympathy from the court.

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A previous answer

26,000 gross vehicle weight, that includes the truck (straight trucks 24 ft or less), truck and trailer plus the load hauled. Some pickups pulling trailers depending on the load can and do go over that limit and being a truck driver myself i have seen people in pickups pulling loaded trailers not knowing they are now subject to DOT rules and regulations and end up with VERY HEAVY FINES and told they cannot drive any further.

Some states (NY is one of them) may require CDL licences for commercial use vehicles in excess of 18,000 lbs.

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An even earlier answer

10,001 gross vehicle weight, that includes the truck (straight trucks 24 ft or less), truck and trailer plus the load hauled. Some pickups pulling trailers depending on the load can and do go over that limit and being a truck driver myself i have seen people in pickups pulling loaded trailers not knowing they are now subject to DOT rules and regulations and end up with VERY HEAVY FINES and told they cannot drive any further.