As reviewed in the Selection Criteria of this site, FMCSA weight requirements for qualifying vehicles uses Gross Combination Weight (GCWR) OR Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR). The "in excess of 10,000 pounds" base applies to both ratings. GVWR and GCWR are manufacturer designated weights, not the loaded weights from the bill of lading or the scaled weight of the vehicle. GCWR is the sum of all GVWR's for each unit in a combination-unit motor vehicle and should be used when recording the weight of qualifying combination vehicles on crash reports. The use of GCWR to determine selection becomes especially important when vehicles that would NOT qualify by GVWR alone are involved in crashes when pulling a trailer. Often, the addition of the trailer's GVWR to that of the power unit establishes a GCWR within the qualifying range. See examples below and SAMPLE TRAILER GVWRs:
Cargo Van with a 6,500 lb. GVWR pulling a trailer.
Trailer with a 5,000 lb. GVWR
Pickup with a 6,500 lb. GVWR pulling a trailer with a GVWR of 9,000 lbs. = 15, 500 lb. GCWR
