Cargo Van CDL needed?

Hawkman · May 21, 2017

I'm researching about expediting in a cargo van. Do you need a CDL to drive one for this type of work?

Ragman · May 21, 2017

Hawkman said:
I'm researching about expediting in a cargo van. Do you need a CDL to drive one for this type of work?

Not normally.

Turtle · May 21, 2017

A cargo van is not a vehicle which requires a CDL.

Some carriers will nevertheless require it, while some do not. You will need a CDL to drive for those carriers that do require it, obviously.

Lawrence · May 30, 2017

I know FedEx Custom Critical requires a CDL for all units.

I'm curious which expedite carriers do not....

xiggi · May 30, 2017

It would probably be a shorter list to ask who does require it

JohnMueller · May 31, 2017

Some states will require a Chauffeurs license - such as Michigan.

Ragman · May 31, 2017

JohnMueller said:
Some states will require a Chauffeurs license - such as Michigan.

Why is it called a Chauffeurs license?

xiggi · May 31, 2017

Ragman said:
Why is it called a Chauffeurs license?

Probably originally meant for those transporting passengers for pay.

Lawrence · May 31, 2017

JohnMueller said:
Some states will require a Chauffeurs license - such as Michigan.

I didn't know the Chauffeurs license still existed in any State,I thought they replaced it with the CDL nationwide?

Ragman · May 31, 2017

Lawrence said:
I didn't know the Chauffeurs license still existed in any State,.....

Pure Michigan!

Treadmill · May 31, 2017

Lawrence said:
JohnMueller said:

Some states will require a Chauffeurs license - such as Michigan.

Click to expand...

I didn't know the Chauffeurs license still existed in any State,I thought they replaced it with the CDL nationwide?

Michigan still has them. I know a driver or two who has one.

DollarSign · Jun 1, 2017

Some states call it Chauffeurs license, some states call it For Hire license, same thing. Mine is a Class F endorsement

DollarSign · Jun 1, 2017

Ragman said:
JohnMueller said:

Some states will require a Chauffeurs license - such as Michigan.

Click to expand...

Why is it called a Chauffeurs license?

It's next step up from the regular drivers license. I'm guessing obviously it must do with weight

JohnMueller · Jun 1, 2017

Chauffeur License
Unless exempt, a chauffeur license is required if you:

Are employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more.
Operate a motor vehicle as a carrier of passengers or as a common or contract carrier of property.
Operate a bus or a school bus.

The Department of State offers the chauffeur license in a standard and enhanced version. The enhanced chauffeur license is an attractive alternative to the standard license because it allows you to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean without the need to show additional identity or citizenship documents at the border.

Applying for a Standard Chauffeur License
Following are the steps for obtaining a standard chauffeur license.

Visit any Secretary of State office
Pass the written chauffeur license knowledge test
Pay the $35 license fee

To obtain a chauffeur license, you must pass the written chauffeur license knowledge test - no skills test is required unless you have never been licensed. A commercial driver license in addition to the chauffeur license may be required to operate certain commercial vehicles.

The chauffeur test is available at all Secretary of State offices. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 are eligible for a chauffeur license, but they must have completed segments 1 and 2 of driver education and hold a Graduated Driver License Level 2 or 3 license. If you are upgrading your standard chauffeur license to the enhanced version, no test is required.

Michigan law considers someone to be employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle "when the person's employment customarily involves the necessary use of a motor vehicle for hire or for transporting passengers for hire, or for transporting for gain or hire any merchandise for display, sale or delivery." (MCL 257.6(2))

Hope this helps explain Michigan's laws.

Thanks,

xiggi · Jun 1, 2017

Even if none of those apply your carrier can still require it but not a lot do.

Moot · Jun 2, 2017

The pool of desperate people looking to buy a cargo and make a fortune expediting must be shrinking. Requiring a CDL to drive a cargo is a huge impediment for potential cargo van O/Os and limits a carrier's recruiting selections. Warm urine, a pulse and you're golden. We've got a lease purchase program for you!